Page 8 - LOTN Spring Issue 46 2021

DIOCESE

as a parish priest at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic church Paul wrote:
in Banff, not only focused on Polish chaplaincy but extended to “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free,
English-speaking members of the church. there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ
As you know, with current difficulties growing from Brexit Jesus.”
and Covid-19, we have to focus even more on the needs of In the light of those words, there are no natives and foreigners.
every single individual living in Scotland, and to give them all Everyone who wants to live and grow in this country is equal.
the support that they need. As a priest, that involves touching We recognise the current need to develop diversity and
on social care and welfare, as well as on individuals and their inclusion. Incomers to this country want to fulfil their dreams,
personal development. and we need to make sure that their freedom to profess their faith
Not every eastern European is coming to Scotland to work and to maintain their native languages and national identities is
in food processing or to do other such work. There are many cherished and encouraged.
ambitious people who need support in fulfilling their dreams I ask of you, please, that the Scottish Parliament continues to
and aspirations in their chosen country of Scotland. They want do what is so very much appreciated by people of faith, wherever
to use their talents so that they are fulfilled, both for their own they are from, and that you continue to support and respect
benefit and to make this country better and more prosperous. everyone who wants to call Scotland their home."
We are the new Scots, too. In Galatians chapter 3 verse 28, St

Companions of Malta lend a helping hand

ngus Hay, a Banchory parishioner, has been co- of Malta: to care for society’s marginalised, inspired by our
ordinating the distribution of new winter clothing Christian charity to help those in need.
Ato local people in need as part of a mission by an "We work with the homeless and the poor, run soup kitchens,
international Catholic charity. volunteer in the Order’s residential care homes (the OSJCT
Angus Hay regularly works with the River Church, in Banff, Trust), visit the elderly and housebound, take the disabled on
to run a food bank and provide other items for those going pilgrimage to religious shrines, and fundraise for our projects.
short. "We are organised on a regional basis, with group co-
Mr Hay is active in his local Catholic church and is a member ordinators in different parts of the country."
of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta, a global Catholic The Companions organised deliveries of items from Brompton
religious lay order and charity. Its primary focus is on providing Oratory church hall in London.
humanitarian assistance. The boxes contained toiletries and winter clothing, including
The Order of Malta in Great Britain runs an auxiliary beanies, woollen socks, gloves, T-shirts, and many other items
organisation around the country, the Companions of the Order to help folk keep warm.
These parcels have been distributed to locations in the north-
east around Christmas time every year for the last four years. The
extra January collection and distribution effort was arranged as
those in need of help rose amid the pandemic.
Mr Hay said: "We hope that these items will be useful for
the needy and the homeless during the winter, and especially
through these difficult times."

Boxes of clothing and toiletries from the the Companions of
Malta being sorted at the River Church, Banff

of Malta, a key volunteer force in delivering its charitable work.
Mr Hay is north-east co-ordinator for the network. He has
overseen the distribution of 22 boxes of new clothing and
toiletries to the River Church and other north-east church
and community organisations based in Aberdeen, Elgin and
Inverness, to be handed over to those who need them. Angus Hay, North-east Coordinator for the network, presents
Michelle Barrett from the St Andrew Community and Bishop
Mr Hay said: "The Companions' mission is that of the Order
Hugh Gilbert with items to assist the Community in the
running of their catechism classes and youth groups at St
Mary's Cathedral, Aberdeen
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