Lazarus Centre Newsletter: Easter 2020

Caring for the marginalised in times of Covid-19

The Lazarus Centre Breakfast Program continues to operate during these testing times. After a couple of configurations as social distancing expectations came into sharper focus the way of serving our participants settled into the way pictured above.

The Bain Marie is filled with ham, cheese and tomato sandwiches prepared in the kitchens of Parliament House and toasted by Breakfast Program staff and volunteers.

There is a steady stream of people who, as ever, are appreciative of a hearty meal but there is something missing that is a crucial element of ministry to those in need at St Peter’s. That element is the social aspect of people being able to sit together and enjoy warmth and hospitality, company and conversation. Many of those who come to the Breakfast Program have access to some technology and are able, if their devices are charged, to contact friends. Being able to do this is so important to us all but even more so for those whose places of shelter and solace – churches, libraries and other public gathering places (except for shopping centres) are closed.

We all face the effects of social isolation and the uncertainty of how long the restrictions will be upon us. As difficult as they are, it is these restrictions that have kept many of us safe from Covid-19. I cannot help but be reminded of the words of St Paul:

And not only that, but we* also boast in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, 4and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not disappoint us, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit that has been given to us. (Romans 5:3-5)

Fr Philip Gill

What assistance is available for those in Melbourne who have no access to food in self-isolation?

An excerpt from:

https://www.premier.vic.gov.au/emergency-relief- packages-for-victorians-who-need-it-most/

EMERGENCY RELIEF PACKAGES FOR VICTORIANS WHO NEED IT MOST

Victorians self-isolating due to coronavirus (COVID-19) with no access to food and essential supplies will receive emergency relief packages under a program introduced by the Victorian Government.

The program will support people in mandatory self-isolation, who have little or no food, and no network of family and friends to support them. Each eligible household will receive a two-week supply of essential goods.

Food packages will include items such as long-life milk, pasta, cereal, canned vegetables and sugar. Personal care packages will also be distributed to eligible households and include soap, toothpaste and deodorant. Additional items may also be provided depending on the needs of the household, such as nappies or baby formula.

The packages will be delivered door-to-door, with other distribution points to be established as required. For people who are not eligible for the emergency relief packages, they are encouraged to be self-reliant and call on the help of family and friends wherever possible during the current pandemic.

The emergency relief program for those in mandatory self-isolation will be coordinated by the Red Cross in partnership with Foodbank Victoria and under the direction of the State Relief Coordinator.

It [began on] Monday 23 March and can be accessed by calling Victoria’s dedicated coronavirus hotline on 1800 675 398. The hotline can also refer people to other support services if needed.

As has made clear by the major supermarkets and the Victorian Farmers Federation, there is plenty of food for all Victorians and there is no need to panic buy.

Names by Wendy Cope

She was Eliza for a few weeks
When she was a baby –
Eliza Lily. Soon it changed to Lil.
Later she was Miss Steward in the baker’s shop
And then ‘my love’, ‘my darling’, Mother. Widowed at thirty, she went back to work As Mrs Hand. Her daughter grew up, Married and gave birth.
Now she was Nanna. ‘Everybody
Calls me nanna,’ she would say to visitors. And so they did – friends, tradesmen, the doctor.
In the geriatric ward
They used the patients’ Christian names. ‘Lil,’ we said, ‘or Nanna,’
But it wasn’t in her file
And for those last bewildered weeks
She was Eliza once again.
Source: https://www.frsimon.uk/names-wendy-cope/ Contributed by J.F. Inglis