hen home is a mud hut or hastily constructed shack of wood and corrugated sheeting, there’s no escape from the icy grip of winter. Wind whistles through the cracks in the walls and roof. And without electricity or gas for heating, these homes are bitterly cold.

For poverty stricken people on the Missions, your gift of a blanket is like being wrapped in a hug of warmth and care.

We are praying that this winter will be less severe than last year’s, when – for the first time in living memory – snow fell on higher ground just over 30 km from the coast. Further inland, in the foothills of the mountains, rural people suffered freezing temperatures, icy winds and deep snow drifts.

Our Priests were so thankful for the gift of warm blankets provided by Mission friends from afar. Thanks to your generosity, we were able to offer warmth and comfort first to the elderly and sick … then the children … and finally to others in need throughout our Archdiocese and beyond.

But this year, the needs are even greater. Many Mission people lost all their possessions – clothing, mattresses and blankets – in the recent devastating floods. They don’t have money to shop for new items. They are reliant on the generosity of neighbours, relief agencies and the Church to help them prepare for winter’s cruel bite.

Please help bring a little warmth into their lives and homes – by making your donation towards blankets right now.

And, when you make your gift, please let us know if you have any special intentions you’d like included in our monthly Mass for Mission friends. May God bless you for your kindness.