Rich Man, Poor Man

Fr Dominic
Parish Priest

I must admit I was surprised to realise how close we are to Lent. The months seem to speed by, which is why it so important to take time to step back and reflect. The forty days of Lent give us the chance to do this. One of the central tenets of the period is that of Almsgiving which is why each year we have our Rich Man,
Poor Man meal during Lent.

To those of you not familiar with the event, it is run by the current year’s Confirmation candidates, tickets are £10 each and we aim to sell 100. On the evening there is a draw and the first 10 tickets holders sit at the top table; they are the “Rich” and they have a beautiful five-course meal, silver service with accompanying wines. The other guests are the “Poor” and they receive a bowl of soup and a roll. We ask for the food to be sponsored so that all the ticket sales can go to the cause.

The Confirmation candidates run the whole event themselves, selling tickets, talking at Mass, requesting sponsorship and preparing and cooking the food, along with serving at tables, supervised by myself and Sasha. The Borehamwood Community Choir also attend and entertain both “Rich” and “Poor”. All the proceeds will go to the Addo Project run by the Sisters of Mercy. Our aim is to raise sufficient funds to buy school uniforms for all the children in the unofficial locations at Addo, so that they can attend school there. Without a uniform the children are not allowed to go to school, therefore cannot access the two meals provided at school each day, so you can see the importance of this . It is vital that children are given a chance in life and the best start possible.

This is a chance for you to directly help these children. Please listen carefully to the talks in Mass over the coming weeks and buy a ticket – or two – if you are able. If you cannot attend, please think about sponsoring some of the food, the Confirmation Group will have lists detailing this and they will be at every Mass between now and 7th March.

Finally, don’t forget the Pasta & Pancake party which takes place on Shrove Tuesday – 25th February, 5.30pm-7.30pm, £2.50 each for adults, £1.50 each for children.