Category Archives: Sharing the meal

A letter from Online Catholics Issue 26, 17 November 2004

from: Rob Brian, via email, 12 November

Like John Hill [Issue #25] I am appalled at our Archbishop’s treatment of the Aborigines at St Vincent’s Parish in Redfern, Sydney. Instead of giving my usual donation to the Charitable Works Fund, which no longer supports the Sharing of the Meal project in Redfern, I have sent my money direct to the people who battle on to feed the hungry and help the needy. I urge my fellow Catholics to do the same.

Please see Sharing … Continue reading →

Sydney Morning Herald Letters, November 11, 2004

I have shared in the St Vincent’s parish community since 1971 when Father Ted Kennedy was appointed parish priest ("City’s poor ask for whom Pell tolls", Herald, November 10), and totally reject being labelled a newcomer to the parish by the Sydney Catholic archdiocese spokesman.

The unfortunate incidents outlined in my open letter published by Online Catholics actually happened, and in most cases occurred in front of witnesses. These have been properly documented and can be fully substantiated.

John Hill, Turramurra, November 10.

Sydney Morning Herald, November 10, 2004

Multi-faith services and meals for the poor have gone from Redfern’s Catholic Church, writes Linda Morris.

Under the organ loft of St Vincent de Paul Church, latecomers fork through the remains of chicken stew and the crumbs of jam rolls while cheerful helpers chorus happy birthday for one of their own.

But the picture of good works at the twice-weekly meal for the poor belies simmering tensions between Catholic conservatives leading the Redfern parish and a diverse congregation with a reputation for social justice.

The new leaders … Continue reading →

An article from the South Sydney Herald, October 2004 by Jeremy Hartcher

A year and a half ago two women gathered in St Vincent’s church, in Redfern, to feed the hungry. They bought a chicken and a loaf of bread on their first morning and had one guest. Now they feed more than 200 people each week, free of charge. However, this service is under threat because funding from the Catholic Church was cut last month, forcing money to be raised on a week to week basis. Brother Michael Gravener helped establish what he calls ‘Sharing … Continue reading →

I cannot understand the hostile reaction every time I make an appeal for the Charitable Works Fund. Everyone is free to give or not give according to his or her own conscience and resources. If you have made your decision not to give to this appeal in good conscience, what is the problem, why the hostile reaction? It does not matter to me if you give or do not give. This is a matter between you and God.

Fr Gerry (The Saving Word, 15 August 2004)

Reply from the CWF Financial Controller, Michael Moore-

Community member Fr John Ford wrote the NCP a note expressing thanks for their motion of
support during their meeting in Queensland last week. Here is their reply:

From: "Peter Fitzgerald"

Dear Fordy,

The NCP Executive met yesterday and your email was tabled. The committee has asked me to pass on our appreciation of your words of thanks. We are conscious of the implications of what’s happening at Redfern for all parishes, and for Indigenous people throughout Australia.

Your message will be posted on our web site and appear in the Members’ Bulletin, which is … Continue reading →

Also at

The withdrawing of $200 a week from St Vincent’s Church, Redfern by the Charitable Works Fund will diminish the ‘honourable contribution’ of the Catholic Church in Redfern, according to Professor Stephen Leeder, professor of Public Health and Community Medicine at Sydney University.

The Charitable Works Fund targeted specific funds for withdrawal from St Vincent’s. The $200 paid for a twice weekly supper for some 300 indigenous people in the area, some of whom are itinerant, and are therefore … Continue reading →

Father Gerry Prindiville’s opposition to the community holding its twice-weekly Sharing of the Meal inside the church has been aired elsewhere on this web site. It seems that the the Cathedral has a similar view, for, as revealed on the Encounter program, the Sydney Archdiocese Charitable Works Fund has withdrawn its meagre funding.

Dr Mick Asher, however, is adamant that the Sharing of The Meal must continue. Upon hearing the program he came to St Vincent’s and gave a $1000 cheque to the organisers after the 10:00am Sunday mass. Mick Asher is well known for his work in … Continue reading →