2008 Report

In 1992, Vincent Gallagher established the SVP Conference in our Parish. The present Conference consists of six members with an ever-increasing average age of 74 years. This does not include our new Spiritual Chaplain the Reverend John Cliffe.

Our work consists of finding people who are forgotten and in need. We try to put into practice Christ's words "what you do to the least of mind brethren, you do to me". Because of the Welfare State, much of the material help we once gave has declined, although we still find some people in desperate circumstances. These we help with donations of food, clothes and furniture. This basic response is always to make people independent and responsible for themselves and their families.

Among the great scourges of our modern society are family breakdown and loneliness. Last year we made 185 visits to homes, nursing homes and hospitals. At Christmas we distributed 45 food parcels and clothes were provided to 7 families. Furniture was delivered to 3 families at a cost of £30. This was arranged through Gift 92, a private charity. Two of our members do voluntary work at the Royal Preston Hospital.

Locally we support financially our Preston District SVP's Hothersall Lodge holiday project for 23 school children (11 year-olds) who would not otherwise have a holiday. Miscellaneous household items are regularly sent to the Rwanda Charity Shop. During Lent, we organised Church collections of toiletries/towels, which were delivered to Fox Street (homeless), Emmaus (homeless) and the Women's Refuge (domestic violence to) Avenham.

Internationally, we finance annually our Indian twins in Kerali and a Church collection of £330 was sent to for the Sudan Disaster Appeal. Thank you for your generous offerings.

A Spiritual Day was held at Ladywell where Mass and Benediction were celebrated, along with a Rededication Mass in St. Walburge's four festival Masses were also attended at different Parishes.

Nationally, an Awareness Month has been arranged beginning the end of August. We have a mini display in the Church Porch that will provide you with all the relevant information. We do need younger members to continue this great work for Christ. We meet together on the first Monday of the month in the Haydock Room at 7.15 P m

Finally, we thank you for your continued and generous support. Our Mission Statement is to serve Christ through his Church. We often stumble but the vision is very much alive.

Financial Statement - 2008