The Perth branch of The Catholic Guy Impact Centre has been making a solid attempt to be positive influences of faith in the broader community, by this month hosting a range of new outreach events in the lead-up to Christmas.
The imaginative new events were hosted by the same group that pioneered The Catholic Guy television show, hosted by Bruce Downes, which is broadcast weekly on Foxtel.
The two very different events, which were held at RA Cook Reserve in Bedford, aimed at sharing the message of the Gospel with those who do not normally participate in the Church.
The Celebrate Christmas Lunch, held on Sunday, 13 December, was an opportunity for the needy and disadvantaged people in the community to gather for a complimentary Christmas lunch, and be reminded of the hope that Christ offers at Christmas.
The second event, Christmas in the Park, held in the afternoon and evening of 13 December, appealed to local families, young people and adults, with an estimated 900 people in attendance.
The entire sporting ground was filled with activities, including jumping castles, inflatable games, face painting, balloon artists, food trucks and much more.
Following the afternoon activities, the main event was held on a large outdoor stage and included contemporary Christmas carols and short dynamic messages which affirmed the important link between Christmas and the Catholic faith.
Local site leader for The Catholic Guy Impact Centre, Kylie Duff, said at the heart of the events was a desire to gather people from the broader community in a familiar and relaxed environment.
“We organise these events because we are passionate about building parish and Church communities that people love to attend,” Mrs Duff said.
“People enjoy coming together with each other at Christmas time, and we wanted to remind people that the Church is a place where people can come together in a similar spirit of joy every week,” she said.
Local Bedford residents, Jackie and Russell, heard about Christmas in the Park and decided to bring their daughters, sons-in-law, and grandchildren to the event.
“I thought it was brilliant, the amusements and the band were great. The little kids loved dancing up the front and the older kids really enjoyed it as well. It’s a really great event for the local community. We all really enjoyed it, it was great,” Jackie said.
The Perth branch will hold additional events over the Christmas and New Year period aimed especially at those who are hesitant to attend traditional services.
Two Christmas services will be held on 20 and 27 December and a series of family events called Big Summer Sundays will also be held on 3, 10, 17 and 24 January at Chisholm College, Bedford.
Much like Christmas in the Park, these events will include contemporary music, kids’ amusements and food, and are designed for people of all ages.
More information about these future activities can be found at www.perth.thecatholicguy.com.