TO THIS TINY TIN SHACK
WHERE 10 PEOPLE LIVE
TO PLACES LIKE THIS
AND UPLIFT POOR PEOPLE
IN HIS NAME
WITH SOMEONE
ON THE MISSIONS
This one will surely bring the most happiness, relief and heartfelt gratitude.
Just picture the look on the faces of this poor family when Sr Francis arrives at their home, carrying the Buckets of Blessings you sponsored.
Ten people live here in this tiny tin shack. Ten! Four mothers and six children. The house has no toilet or electricity and there is only one bed. Some family members sleep on the bed. Others sleep on the floor. Some even have to sleep under the bed, as there is nowhere else for everyone to lie down.
Cooking is done outside over an open fire. That’s when there’s any food in the house to cook. Too often, they all go to bed hungry.
None of the adults are employed. And, because they don’t have identity documents, they’re unable to access any kind of government support or essential services. They survive mainly through begging.
Sr Francis is helping the mothers with documentation that could enable them to claim a social services grant for the children, at least. But the most pressing need right now is food.
It really would make all the difference to them to be put on our Buckets of Blessings beneficiary list this Christmas.
Each bucket is filled with bags of rice, maize meal, milk powder and sugar … canned meat and fish and a packet of biscuits and some sweets for the children.
Hardly a feast. But a welcome relief from the constant gnaw of hunger and the worry of not having enough food to go round.
But with so many families living below the breadline now in South Africa, it’s going to take all the help we can get to make sure that no one is left out.
Please will you make a donation towards Buckets of Blessings right now?
Your gift of just £12/$15 will cover the cost of a bucket
of basic groceries for a family in true and desperate need.
For many of us, the joy of giving extends beyond our own circle … to those who are poor, homeless, sick and afraid. If you are looking to spread the Christmas message of ‘peace and goodwill towards all men’, please consider donating a Bucket of Blessings now.
In thanksgiving for your kindness and compassion, your special intentions will be included in our special Christmas Mass for friends of the Missions.
May the peace of Christ fill your heart and home this Christmas season. And may you be richly blessed for caring about others in a far off land. Thank you!
LATEST NEWS
Make a cross for Palm Sunday
Palm Sunday – the start of Holy Week – commemorates Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem for Passover. He was greeted by crowds of people who laid palm branches, representing victory and peace, at his feet.
New school shoes get children dancing for joy
Young learners at Senzakahle Primary School in Ixcopo express their gratitude for the new school shoes provided by our generous supporters.
Sanitary Pads delivered to Mission Schools
Thanks to the generosity of our Mission friends, over 3 000 packs of sanitary pads were handed out to young girls from poor families at schools in our Archdiocese last week.
From the Archbishop’s desk
I sincerely thank you for your continued support and unwavering generosity over the years. It is awe-inspiring to know that we have friends living so far from us, who care deeply. May God bless you.
Tongaat Tornado Update
Donations from Mission friends are already hard at work in Tongaat, helping people rebuild their lives after the devastating tornado. From everyone in Tongaat, “Siyabonga” – thank you – for caring and reaching out your helping hand.
You brought tears to Fr Mtshe’s eyes
We could hear it in his voice when we called to let him know that we had the money to complete St Cecilia’s Church. He couldn’t stop thanking us. But those thanks belong to you. Because without generous support from Mission friends, we could not have done it.
SUPPORT THE WORK OF THE CHURCH IN AFRICA
WE ARE HERE FOR YOU
Prayers and spiritual support for friends of the missions.
MASS INTENTIONS
Please use the form below to let us know your special intentions for inclusion in our monthly Mass for Mission friends.
MASS INTENTIONS FORM
PRAYERS FOR ALL OCCASIONS
There are times when we feel weary, sad, confused or afraid. And there are times when we burst with joy and thankfulness. Our selection of prayers and readings help you talk to God in good times and bad.
