“The poor remind us how we should live the Gospel. Instead of feeling annoyed when they knock on our doors, let us welcome their cry for help as a summons to go out of ourselves, to welcome them with God’s own loving gaze” Pope Francis World Day of the Poor.

On the 5th of May Catholic Social Services sent out the call across the Archdiocese to once again help us support Kahungunu Whānau Services to house nine households this month of May. Once again you responded with incredible generosity. Offers of complete house lots, beds, dining tables, linen, blankets, kitchen and household appliances and even money.

We cannot begin to thank you enough, especially when we know that some of you are facing uncertain times ahead.

The volume of gifts you have given was such that we almost ran out of storage.  Fortunately the Wellington South Parish generously gave us a temporary solution while Kahungunu Whanau Services set up homes for their vulnerable whanau.

This current appeal is now finished. Once everyone is settled into their homes we hope to share with you stories of what your generosity has meant to them. Stories from the men and women who finally have a place to call home and from the staff at Kahungunu who have committed themselves to finding those homes as well as working to sustain their tenancies.

On behalf of the whole team at Catholic Social Services and our partners at Kahungunu Whanau Services we thank you.

Thank you for hearing the cry for help as a summons to go out beyond ourselves, welcoming people with great needs with “God own loving gaze”.

E te Atua e manaaki ki a koutou katoa,

Karen Holland
Kaiarahi
Catholic Social Services