The group was formed in January 2004 out of parish area meetings to discern need, issues and areas of interest.
There are fifteen members in the group - all very active, hard working and enthusiastic.

At the first meeting the aim of the group was defined as follows:
• To help the poor at home and abroad.
• Involvement of the parish community to support projects in countries where people are suffering because of poverty.

ACTIVITIES TO DATE

1.  Food and Supplies Collection during Lent 2004 to support a "Centre for mothers and children" in Osijek Croatia.
This project involved the whole parish community. 
A member of the group addressed the congregation at Sunday masses and leaflets were distributed listing the supplies and foods that were needed.  Boxes were then placed at Church entrances.  Group members collected the donations each week and packed them into labelled boxes.  Luckily one of our members had adequate storage space until they were collected.

2.  Operation Santa: Christmas 2004
This project was also in aid of the Centre in Osijek and an orphanage.  The same procedure was followed at parish level, listing the toys needed, new or next to new.

There was a marvellous response from the parish community and money was also donated for transport, which is always very costly.  The group wrapped and labelled each present - 2000 - and packed them into boxes for collection.

3. Fundraising Projects for
• Salaries in the Centre for Mothers and children
• Medical treatment of children
• Financial aid for a clinic and orphanage for disabled street children on the Mexican border where a Marist Sister works.
• Financial help towards the studies of a Kenyan student.

Fundraising projects include raffles, pub quizzes, mission barbecue, which was very enjoyable and served as a parish gathering as well,  but it was very dependent on weather.  This year we hope to organize a sponsored walk instead.

4.  Raising Mission Awareness

• We set up a display board in the church during Lent in conjunction with the Trocaire Campaign.

• On Mission Sunday we organized a Mission Display and coffee morning to support the homily given by a missionary.

• This Mission Sunday we hope to work on the theme of “Debt”.

Group Co-ordinator: Sr. Elsie
Treasurer: Patricia McArdle
Assistant Treasurers: Patricia McCartan/Eilish Smith
Secretary: Dorothy Murtagh

Photographs from the Sponsored Walk which took place on 11th June 2006, in support of projects in Mexico and Croatia.