We received, from box collections and other donations, £4, 964 in the period. We are most grateful to members of the Parish for their continuing generosity; to fellow-parishioners who have given their time through such efforts as transport for the housebound; and to Father Kerr, for his unfailing support.
The funds were spent in various ways:
Christmas gifts and parcels
Annual senior citizens’ outing to Borders area
Donations to other conferences in the Archdiocese
Jericho House (Wednesday soup kitchen)
Donations to our 'twin' conferences in India and South Africa
Levy to the Society’s Archdiocesan funds
Donation to Caravan Project
Donation to HOPE, to assist prisoners’ families
Among the many highlights of the period, we wish to single out:
Caravan Project
The Society owns four caravans at Port Seton. These enable families in need throughout the Archdiocese to have holidays. One of the caravans at Port Seton is geared to cater for disabled persons.
Jericho House
Our Conference provides food and refreshments for men and women who attend the evening soup kitchen. Under the rota system (involving several parishes from the city and beyond), we are responsible for this service on every fourth Wednesday. The work takes the form of shopping for, and transporting, the provisions; making soup and sandwiches; serving; and washing up. We are most grateful to those members of the Parish, and other helpers, who are so generous with their time and practical help, and we always welcome more volunteers.
Visitation
Much of our work involves visiting people at home and in the many nursing and residential homes and hospitals in the parish area. Members are also involved in providing outings for individuals, and in transporting people to and from Mass on Sundays. We made over 400 home visits, and over 70 nursing home/hospital visits, during the period.
Mass of Anointing for the Sick and the Housebound
We organised the annual Mass in June, and are extremely grateful to Father Kerr for celebrating the Mass and blessing the sick.
Senior Citizens’ Outing
Following successful outings in past years, we visited the Borders area in September, and rounded off the day with high tea. We are most grateful to the Parish for a contribution to the cost of this most enjoyable event.
Twin Conferences
We have twinned with a Conference in Kerala, India, for many years, and we adopted another twin (in Utrecht, South Africa) a few years ago. We assist our twins financially, we share our news, and we pray with them, too. Details are available on a notice board at the back of the church. The Society in Scotland has over 300 twin conferences in India, and is extending links elsewhere.
Our Box
We were saddened to learn of the recent death of Bill Gardner. He made our collecting box some 20 years ago, and it is still going strong. Please pray for him.
Members
There are 6 active members in St Columba’s Conference, who meet fortnightly in the GP room. Yet again, we welcome new recruits.