Last Updated: Friday - 09/24/2010

St. Theresa's justice 'guerrillas' launch surprise Sunday picnic

EDMONTON - Sometimes you need to do something practical about a particular situation, for example, hunger.

That is what 20 members of the following ministries; JustFaith, Society of St. Vincent de Paul, Social Justice and Knights of Columbus decided to do one Sunday afternoon as a social justice project of St. Theresa's Parish.

We gathered our resources and members and hosted a guerrilla ministry event called Picnic in the Park on June 13 at the Boyle Street Community League Park.

It is called a guerrilla ministry because we just showed up at the location, set up our tables, chairs, cooked, hosted the event and left the area cleaner that when we arrived.

The cost of the supplies was covered by a donation from St. Peter Columbus Club to the JustFaith ministry and truck rental was covered by the Society of St. Vincent de Paul.

We served 400 hotdogs, 35 pounds of fried onions, pickles, cookies and ice-cold water to people who turned up.

Those who joined in were appreciative of our hosting this event on a hot day and for providing a light meal on a Sunday when a meal is difficult to find downtown. They also appreciated the opportunity to sit in the shade and enjoy each other's company over a glass or two of ice-cold water.

As hosts, we were grateful to be a part of this event and appreciative of the kind comments we received from those who joined us.

It was also an opportunity to put our faith into action by doing something practical for our brothers and sisters in need. It was enlightening to sit down and talk with those who attended and learn about their lives and challenges.

One person commented to Deacon Tony Obleada, "You know more about me than my social worker does."

We can all hardly wait for our next guerrilla ministry event in mid July.

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