The Augustinian Friars in Britain

Our Hearts are Restless until they Rest in You, Lord

A group of thirty young people and friars will be travelling to Australia in July for World Youth Day with the Augustinians.  There are no low-cost flights to Sydney, of course, so they are getting there largely thanks to the fundraising efforts of the young people, parishioners and friars in all the parishes.  Claire Webster from St Joseph’s Parish in Edinburgh, writes about what is happening there:

 

“Our biggest event that we have held so far to raise funds for Oz was a race night in our parish, St. Joseph’s Broomhouse, Edinburgh. We brought in about 90 people on the night and bets were rapid once they started. Everyone really got into the spirit of things and had a great night, with even a few big wins! We had raffles, we sold food, ran a quiz and bingo games in between races to keep everyone highly entertained. Not only did we raise money but we showed our congregation how hard we are prepared to work to get ourselves to Oz! And we had a great time in doing so!

 

We have also advertised our services through ‘Rent-A-Slave’ posters being placed around the parish. We are keen to do anything for gardening to decorating for those who require our services to bring in more funds! There are 6 of us going along with Fr. Stefan and so we intend to keep fund raising until we get to Oz!

Next up…fancy dress sponsored walk through the city! Bring it on!”

 

St Mary’s Parish in Harborne have held several fundraisers, including a People Auction, a Christmas Revue, Car wash and Irish Night.  Br Barney Johns OSA raised over £1000 by running a half-marathon.  Becky Walker and Rick Kelly from St John Stone parish in Southport cycled 30 miles to Liverpool and back - and the list goes on.  No doubt everyone’s efforts will be rewarded in a few weeks’ time with what promises to be a fantastic trip ‘Down Under’.

 

 

Fundraising fever fuels young people’s travel to Sydney