Arlene Acuna, a member of St. Francis Roman Catholic parish, Bob Merrison, volunteer coordinator and New Westminster resident, and Dave Mattiazzo, a teacher at St. Thomas More Collegiate, are some of those helping out at Holy Trinity Cathedral's weekly breakfast, organized by the parish and involving many in the New Westminster area, Anglican and otherwise.(Bill Cassidy photo)

Breakfast is ready in New Westminster at Holy Trinity Cathedral every Thursday morning throughout the year.

 

Between 60 and 145 people are served a hot breakfast of scrambled eggs, potatoes, toast, tea and coffee, bananas and oranges. It is a very successful program, and the number of people seeking this service is increasing, increasing faster than the number of volunteers.

Our experience in this service is enhanced through a camaraderie that generates energy and enthusiasm. More than 40 of the volunteers come not only from our parish but also from St. Peter's Roman Catholic parish and from the community in general. We are substantially helped too by students - between 50 and 75 over the year-- from St. Thomas More Collegiate. In addition to their very practical assistance, they provide a refreshingly youthful component to our enterprise.

We also enjoy an increasingly active liaison with the parishes of St. Mary the Virgin and St. Barnabas, as a result of the diocesan Ministry Assessment Process (MAP). Members from St. Mary's parish assist St. Barnabas with the food program there. Local retailers have contributed cash, kind and the reward of a complementary dinner for volunteers.

Rhonda Gale and Deidre Lane are members of the team of people who serve hot breakfasts to from 60 to 145 people in New Westminster weekly

The program has enhanced our sense of community. But we need more help. If you would be interested in helping or contributing, please call Glynn Crew at 604 525-6789 or the St. Barnabas office at 604 526-6626.