While the St. Dunstan’s Confirmation candidates have chosen individual Confirmation names, they have also given their group a name, Living Stones, referencing 1 Peter 2:5!
Our small group of 11 candidates have been studying, praying, and discerning God’s will in their lives as they begin to prepare for the Sacrament of Confirmation. Although we have only started our in-person classes on November 1st, our candidates have already helped organize and contribute to a clothing drive for one of the outreach projects carried out by the Sisters of St. Martha.
In 1993, the Sisters opened the Burke’s Welcome Shoppe to assist individuals and families struggling to meet the basic necessities of life in the Charlottetown area. As our weather turns colder, the Shoppe was in need of gently used warm clothing and outerwear.
The Living Stones of St. Dunstan’s showed great initiative to serve others in our community and went through items at home that they, or other family members, had outgrown or no longer used and brought these gently used and new items to class over the past three weeks. Their generosity was very impressive as over 650 items have been gathered so far.
Our candidates added a further dimension to their service project by being reflective as they gathered donations and prayerful of the individuals and families that would be benefitting from the items that they were donating. They also felt a sense of purpose by being the “hands of Christ” to the most vulnerable in our area, living stones allowing Christ to live through them.
As the much needed items are being gratefully received by Burke’s Welcome Shoppe, we have had a chance to see, first hand, some the beautiful members of our community who are struggling and are receiving loving care from those serving their needs at the Shoppe. It is also heartwarming to learn that 99% of the time items are given free to those in need, otherwise they will sometimes accept a small monetary donation.
St. Dunstan’s Basilica Parish is very proud of our young Confirmandi who have made an immediate difference in the lives of many individuals and families experiencing hardship in our surrounding community, especially during the uncertainties of COVID-19!
Our classes and service project have observed all Public Health protocols. Photos of candidates sorting clothes were taken prior to the CPHO mask-wearing directive.
—Submitted by catechists, Isaac Bourque and Sandra Bourque.
