We support both the mission of the SVP, and that of the Jesuit Refugee Service (the JRS), by visiting (phone buddying at present) our brothers and sisters held in detention. At the monthly JRS meeting on Tuesday evening, the news of the mobile devices that you recently donated was joyously received. Our Young Persons SVP members completed the checking and resetting of all the devices and so these should be in the hands of those being held in detention very soon.
With the guidance of the Holy Spirit, the SVP Team elected its new president on Monday evening! On April 26, Tracy Tierney will be our new leader and there is no doubt that, with your support, Tracy will be a fantastic success over the next five years.
For example, our first initative of 2021, our religious items stall named ‘Gifted’, sprang from one of Tracy’s ideas for the New Year. Gifted will be open this weekend after all the Sunday masses – 5:30pm, 10am, 12noon and 6pm – and we really hope you enjoy the range of items that we have procured. Please have a look, and remember that the plan is that Gifted will be open on the first weekend of each month.
The SVP Team meet on Monday evening for our monthly meeting and this meeting is a milestone for us! The team will be 5 years old in April and, so, to comply with good goverance and SVP Rules we need to have a new President in place by then. Once elected, the new President will then appoint a Vice-President, Treasurer and Secretary.
The election of the new President will take place at Monday’s meeting so please say a prayer for all the team. Please God, this process will then place the SVP Team in a great position to face the next 5 years with Faith, Hope and Love. If you would like to join us on the next part of our journey then why not get in touch!
The SVP Team has been going for almost five years now, and your encouragement and support has been a huge factor in sustaining us.
Last week was another example of this when you responded so generously to the appeal for mobile phones for those we visit at the Colnbrook and Harmondsworth immigration detention centres. We work through the Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS) when visiting those held in detention and we will shortly deliver the phones that you have donated to the JRS. Rest assured of their thanks and prayers for you, and for all at St Gregory’s. The phones will then swiftly make their way to those in need, and be assured, also, of their thanks and prayers.
The reflective Season of Lent commences on Wednesday, Ash Wednesday. Are you thinking of giving up something for Lent, or maybe doing something new?
If you are thinking of doing something new then why not consider joining our SVP Team? We do a lovely variety of things and are always in need of new volunteers so that we can remain a sustainable team. Our initiatives include the Foodbank, Bereavement Care, Phone-buddying (in place of visits) with the local Care Home, with the housebound and with those being held in detention, Young Persons SVP and Mini-Vinnies (primary school ages).