Cathedral column: Ethnic diversity offers a funding treat

WelCom February 2021 A multicultural dinner, planned for this month, reflects the wonderful ethnic diversity of Sacred Heart Cathedral parish and is set to provide further support for the Cathedral’s…

WelCom February 2021

Fr James Lyons.

A multicultural dinner, planned for this month, reflects the wonderful ethnic diversity of Sacred Heart Cathedral parish and is set to provide further support for the Cathedral’s restoration.

A number of parish families have united to organise the occasion and prepare the menu.

The dinner will be served at St Patrick’s College Hall, Kilbirnie, on Saturday 27 February at 7pm. A selection of dishes from eight national groups will delight the tastebuds of diners.

Food favourites from Chinese, Filipino, Goan, Indian, Indonesian, Malaysian, Mexican and Sri Lankan kitchens will be in plentiful supply.

This is the latest of several initiatives by the parish to raise funds for the restoration project. Others have included a Chris Skinner concert, regular bake sales and raffles.

It is accepted that the cathedral is an archdiocesan treasure, but those who regularly worship there recognise a particular responsibility to contribute. 

Members of the cathedral’s Filipino community prepare and serve lunch for large crowd outside the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart after the ordination to the priesthood of Fr Cirilo Barlis, 2017. Photo: WelCom

While the initiatives may not bring in a huge amount of cash, they are effectively strengthening the bonds between parishioners, underlining their affection for the cathedral and helping them identify more closely with the restoration.

Tickets for the dinner are limited to 150, cost $50 each and are available at Sunday Masses or through the Parish Office in the Catholic Centre: PO Box 1937 Wellington 6140, or phone Frank Doherty (04) 496-1700 or Bing Fernandes, ph 0212 797 474. 

The dinner is open to all wishing to see the cathedral fully restored.

Sponsorship is welcomed, as are donations to cover the cost of tickets for others. These can be arranged through the Parish Office.

cathedralcampaign.org.nz

Fr James Lyons is the Sacred Heart Cathedral restoration campaign coordinator.