We undertake a number of activities from the Parish House.
The St. Vincent de Paul Society meet weekly. They visit the housebound and other vulnerable people in the area. Funded by them, food parcels are available from the Parish House door. This service is for people in the area but the callers [we note their names and addresses] do seem to come from all over Preston. We also have an arrangement with a local newsagent to re-charge gas or electricity cards after appropriate authorisation from the Parish House.
The parish actively supports the work of the Foxton Youth and Community Centre which provides a wide range of support and activities for the local community but, especially, for people who are deprived, vulnerable or not able to cope. The parish is represented on the Board of Trustees of the Centre which is a Church of England initiative. We support, particularly, the Avencare Project which is a community development and family support project. Founded jointly by St. Augustine’s and St. James’ Church of England, it has now become part of the Foxton Centre organisation whilst maintaining its own identity as a particular project. Members of the parish volunteer to help with the twice-weekly lunches for homeless people.
There is a Union of Catholic Mothers [about 15 active members]. Their activity is mainly spiritual and social, although they do raise funds to support the work of Father Henry Aruna, a priest in Sierra Leone. The parish, itself, is funding the seminary education of James Brima, a student for the priesthood in Sierra Leone. The parish is also supporting the work of Brother Simon, S.J., who provides training in building and agricultural skills for boys in Zimbabwe.
Tea or coffee and sandwiches are usually available for callers at the door, many of whom are homeless. This service is provided by parish volunteers who staff the parish office Monday to Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 pm.
St. Augustine’s Music Group meets every Tuesday in term-time from 7.30 to 9 p.m. Numbers vary but there’s usually about 20 of them. They are extremely competent and sing a wide variety of good liturgical music – from plainsong to polyphony through to contemporary composers, including many quality works by our musical director, Peter Cobb