The parish that pays it forward

Every Friday, Our Lady of the Rosary in Fairfield has been organising food distributions for the less fortunate, providing over five pallets of food each week.

The “hampers initiative” is a collaboration with the “Sydney Helping Angels” charity.

“We started it two weeks ago; the parish has always been an oasis for the community around us,” said George Azzi, Events and Marketing (Evangelisation) Coordinator with the parish.

“Every Friday we receive a truckload of fresh groceries and frozen goods. Our dedicated volunteers sort through the supplies to prepare hampers, which are then collected by struggling families in need, and this Christmas we will be giving away toys,” George said.

The church has enjoyed many blessings this year including the return of Fr Bob Bossini, after being in and out of the hospital for the majority of the year due to serious illness.

“Fr Bob has been battling cancer, but in his time away, he was able to organise a new statue of Mary for the church, and he also organised a new organ, all coinciding with the centenary. To promote all this, we had a parish feast week, and the Centenary saw 800 celebrate; it’s been huge,” said George.

During their Centenary Mass, in October, the centenary plaque was also blessed, and a Papal Blessing from Pope Francis was presented. More than 800 gather for a procession and Mass with a blessing from Bishop Danny Meagher.

The hampers initiative this Christmas, is the parish paying the generosity forward. It not only addresses food insecurity in the community but also embodies the message of compassion that is central to the church’s mission.

“We are a very multicultural area, and many have escaped their countries because of war or suffering,” explained George.

“In the community there is a real sense of giving. There is a lot of kindness in their hearts because they’re grateful for where they are now. And now we have Fr Bob back to guide us, it’s important we can all help alleviate suffering this Christmas in a practical sense in terms of toys and food.”

As the celebrations continue and the church looks towards the future, the impact of its charitable actions will undoubtedly resonate for many years to come, especially with the parishioners helping distribute the food.

“The biggest effect is on the volunteers, they can see the direct influence they have on the struggling families receiving the hampers, they can see that this is what the Lord has asked us to do. It’s not about thinking of us, but of others,” said George.

As the families in need come to the church for help, they are reminded that the essence of the holiday season lies in generosity, kindness, and community spirit.

“For the families they can see the true spirit of giving this Christmas, they can see how a church can help them physically with food, but also uplift them spiritually. And with everyone protected under the mantle of Our Lady, it makes it all the more special.”