Living Catholic Social Teaching and Food Banks in Liverpool

One funny thing about this year, for me, is being in a bit of a liminal space. I’m still a seminarian, but no longer live in a seminary; I’m no longer in a seminary, but I’m not yet a priest; I’ve finished my studies in preparation for priesthood, but I still feel like there’s a lot to learn.

On that last point, over the last few months I’ve come to appreciate how much I have actually learned in seminary. I used to get worried about everything I had to learn. Now, although I’m aware that there is still a long way to go, it’s reassuring that I can see the difference between now and when I started. Getting to know Jesus, in prayer, through study, especially of scripture, means that, even if I, personally, have nothing to give people, I can hopefully share the one thing that matters, a relationship with God. It’s an important responsibility and a privilege, but it’s one we all have. It almost seems arrogant, because it’s such an important task, but God wants us all to do it, each in our own way, whether that’s through prayer, or in a more ‘active’ way.

This can all sound easy in theory, but we live in a culture that seems to frown upon opening up, especially when it comes to religion. You never know what people are looking for in a particular situation, or what they need to hear, so sometimes you just have to pray and hope that you do the right thing. But it is very uplifting to see how happy people can be to learn about Jesus and the Faith. In any case, it’s all very different to seminary, which can sometimes feel like a sort of cross between a boarding school and a monastery. Not that that’s a bad thing, it can be good to get a different experience and perspective.

In other news, I am due to be ordained to the diaconate in May, which I am very excited about. Please pray for me as I prepare for ordination - it is, of course, a very significant step towards priesthood, and an important sacrament in itself. I’m hoping that this Lent will be a good time of preparation.

by Pablo Guidi, Catholic Social Action Coordinator

Waiting outside St Vincent’s Church, Bernadette tried to keep warm and dry in the winter conditions. Soon the parishioners would open the door, and welcome her into the Micah foodbank, where Bernadette could get a food parcel, clothing and a hot drink.

‘We’ve experienced more people asking for help than in any previous month’ explained Sue, at the St Vincent’s food pantry. Sue is a volunteer with the Micah Liverpool Project working to promote justice, fairness and wellbeing.

‘I support the project every Tuesday morning’ she continues ‘but it can only work through the generosity of people donating food, and to St Vincent’s for hosting us’.

St Vincent’s parish responded in a remarkable way that went beyond just providing a space. A small group of parishioners clubbed together and bought teas and coffees for those waiting to get their food parcels. Over the weeks this developed into a café, with hot food, and tables for people to meet and chat to one another. This makes the waiting more bearable.

‘Many people are waiting for something’ Peter tells me as he picks up the story whilst serving a cheese toasty. ‘Waiting for a decision about their housing; a next hospital appointment; or even refuge in this country’.

It was not far from St Vincent’s, that Father Austin Smith wrote about waiting whilst working for the Passionist Inner City Mission during the 1970s. He spoke about never having to experience a waiting that appeared purposeless. A waiting that depended on the kind services of another human being. As we approach Racial Justice Sunday, we are challenged to think about our own lives and positions of privilege. We are encouraged to think about how other people rely on and wait for us to change our lives, so that they can better lead theirs.

As Sue finishes up her volunteer duties for the day she reflects on the morning, and sees Bernadette leave St Vincent’s with a food parcel and a smile on her face. As the Church closes its doors, the words of the prophet Micah seem to resonate throughout the building ‘to act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God’.

If you would like to get involved in foodbanks, please contact Pablo for further details on 0151 522 1042 or p.guidi@rcaol.org.uk