The parish hall at the church of Christ the Eternal High Priest, Gidea Park, was filled to bursting point for a pre-Christmas Afternoon Tea in support of Caritas Jerusalem. A support group was formed after a pilgrimage to the Holy Land led by neighbouring parish priest Fr Britto Belevendran. During the trip parishioners met with the Director of Caritas Jerusalem, Sr Bridget Tighe FMDM (below), who informed us about the needs of people living in the West Bank and in Gaza.
Poor children and those with disabilities in the parish of Beir Zeit will benefit from the generosity of the parishioners of Gidea Park and neighbouring parishes. In a message sent to the group from Jerusalem, Sister Bridget said: “Your generosity influences local Christians far beyond the financial assistance that is welcome and needed. They are encouraged by knowing that they are not forgotten by their brothers and sisters in the West, and I hope they will be inspired to be generous in their turn to those in greater need.”
Fr Adrian Graffy, parish priest of Gidea Park, said: “I am really grateful to the CWL group, led by Hilary Wraight, who organised such an enjoyable occasion. We are aware of the difficult life situation of so many in the land of Jesus’ birth, and Advent is an appropriate time to offer them our solidarity and support. Meanwhile our collection for the local Food Bank offers similar solidarity to those suffering from hardship on our very doorstep.”