Sr Margaret Guy: Her continuing ministry
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“I need foodbank.” “I would like to have English lessons.” “I am going to be homeless.” “Can you help me get a job?” “I need help with this form.”
These were the typical needs expressed by people seeking asylum who come to the Jesuit Refugee Service, writes Sr Margaret Guy rsc. This is her story:
“Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS) is an international Catholic organisation with a mission to accompany, serve and advocate for the rights of refugees and other forcibly displaced persons. Begun by Fr Pedro Arrupe SJ, JRS has been supporting refugees and people seeking asylum globally since 1980.
“In Australia, JRS provides casework support, financial assistance, temporary accommodation, legal support [through RACS], foodbank, English classes and other social support activities through the Arrupe project.
“Parramatta was my place of ministry – my role being Arrupe Place Volunteer Coordinator, collaborating with the other Volunteer Coordinator at the main office.
“I coordinated the recruitment, training, supervision and support of volunteers. This included responding to enquiries regarding volunteering, organising the volunteer induction, and ongoing training and volunteer events. I tried to keep in touch with all the volunteers at Parramatta, responding to their skills, needs and availability re the monthly roster. As a team member, I shared in many of the roles offering hospitality and accompaniment to our clients.
“At Parramatta, caseworkers work tirelessly to respond to the typical needs expressed above, listening to people’s stories, making referrals and giving small amounts of financial assistance. However, we would not be able to do the work that we do without many committed volunteers who work alongside our Director, Manager and staff.
“Volunteers offer invaluable assistance: Providing hospitality and reception at our two drop-in spaces in Parramatta, providing accompaniment support through home visits, cooking meals for house meetings at our men’s shelter in Kings Cross, teaching English, assisting with the playgroup and English program for mums and bubs, organising men’s nights and excursions, shopping for and distributing foodbank, helping with resume writing, job searching and contributing to other social programs.”
To become a volunteer with JRS, click on this link.
This story first appeared on the Diocese of Broken Bay website and is reprinted with thanks.
Sr Margaret Guy’s continuing story
“After 5 and a half years ministering on the staff as Volunteer Coordinator with Jesuit Refugee Service, I continued during the COVID year to support them with Foodbank. All Saints Parish and School at Liverpool supported me in this with much-needed donations of food for the asylum seekers and refugees who were not given government help.
During 2020, I worked on a committee with Sisters Annette Cunliffe and Jan O’Grady to devise a training program for Safeguarding for Children and Vulnerable Adults. This was delivered by zoom to our Sisters and Staff.
Our fourth vow of Service of the Poor has been very much expressed through my ministry with Sisters of Charity Outreach and Jesuit Refugee Service in the past.
In March 2021, I was elected at our Chapter as a Councillor. This is a very different ministry, but I believe it is where the Spirit is calling me now. Our Chapter direction statement includes a response to the cry of the earth and the cry of the poor which Pope Francis has asked of us.
Images by Tim Bauer. Second image shows Sr Margaret at the final Chapter Mass.