McAuley Students Volunteer At The Annual Parramatta Street Feast

A small team of Catherine McAuley students volunteered at the Parramatta Street Feast, an event which helps provide and cater to the greater community.

Last Wednesday, 13th November, a small team of Catherine McAuley students had the opportunity to visit St Patrick’s Cathedral and volunteer at the Parramatta Street Feast 2024, an event which helps provide and cater to the greater community.

In response to Pope Francis’ World Day of the Poor, the Catherine McAuley students worked alongside more than a dozen volunteers who provided for over 200 guests of different backgrounds and cultures, all who are experiencing hardships such as homelessness and poverty. The day fostered a spirit of community, inviting many people to come together and experience live music, connect with others through a shared meal and engage in meaningful conversations.

The feast included an array of dishes and delicious foods prepared by a helpful team of volunteer chefs - kebabs, sausages, falafel and potato salad to name a few of the items served. In addition, the St Vincent de Paul 'Vinnies Van’ provided guests with hot beverages.

Accompanying the feast, members of the Sydney Street Choir and students from another local school, provided lively entertainment and uplifting music, encouraging others to join in and celebrate together. This brought a sense of unity to the community, serving as a powerful reminder of how music can bring us together regardless of our backgrounds and differences.

By sharing a meal with many of those who are vulnerable in our society, we reflected upon the mercy values of hospitality and justice. We did not only meet their physical needs, but acknowledged their worth by opening our hearts and fostering a sense of belonging and love within the community, which reflected upon the mercy value of hospitality. We also embodied the value of justice, by contributing to an initiative that raises awareness about those who are marginalised.

This was a valuable opportunity for Catherine McAuley students to be a part of a social justice initiative which educated us on the importance of acknowledging those in need and to offer a helping hand where necessary. This event brought us an unexpected sense of warmth and joy to our hearts.

We encourage all Catherine McAuley students to participate in opportunities such as this to experience the joy in giving back and connecting with others.