On the final Sunday of the month, the community of St Brendan’s parish in Annandale in Sydney’s inner west come together after Mass to chat, learn new crafts, and enjoy sweet treats. In an increasingly atomised and fragmented society, they’re fighting the good fight against the loneliness epidemic.
This is Curious Grace, a group set up in early 2025 and run entirely by volunteers like parishioner Cathie Edlington, who helps to set up the various stations and brings some of the spread enjoyed by all.
There’s something for just about everyone across all the age groups, with board games, knitting, jigsaws, reading, painting, mindfulness, gardening, and hand massages.
“We’re building up people from the outside community that come to visit, you know, to connect with other people,” she told The Catholic Weekly.
“We found that there are a lot of women who are looking for some form of connection, so it’s been very helpful for them.”
Edlington says on a normal month 40 or 50 people could be present.
No matter how many attend, she says Curious Grace has been “great for people” and those who help to make it what it is are enthusiastic about it.
Attendees Rosemary and Anika Giazekamp, who like to knit and chat to other knitters, have been coming since the beginning.
Rosemary likes to teach the kids who come to the group to knit and share in the joy of the hobby, while Anika likes the social aspect.
“It’s the connection with people and getting to know new people,” she said.
“I think it’s really surprising, like all the younger crowd that we’ve drawn into this as well.”
Rosemary also appreciates the fact that Curious Grace is a “third space” – a social surrounding which is neither home nor work.
“It’s getting away from work, the friends, meeting someone new, and being able to help other people as well,” she said.
Mainly attended by older women and families, Edlington is hoping the group can expand its reach to a younger demographic.
“We’re trying to develop or encourage young adults to come, because we know that there’s a need for young adults who are feeling disconnected,” she said.
The group has the backing of St Brendan’s parish priest Fr Matthew Meagher and priest-in-residence Fr Adrian Simmons, both of whom regularly attend.
Fr Meagher said the group’s heart remains consistent as parishioners know they can drop in whenever they feel like it and feels like it has helped the community come closer.
“It provides a place for anyone, whether they come to church, don’t come to church, whether they’re heavily involved with the community, whether they’re not,” he said.
“It’s a place they can come and meet other people and a lot of people have met each other for the first time.”
He said other parishes should consider having a monthly get together like Curious Grace and increase their social outreach.
“The more events where people can just meet each other and become friends, the better,” he said.
