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Churches
Together in Rome
The CTR consists of clergy and lay delegates from each of the 9
English-speaking churches in Rome. The Committee organizes joint
events for the week of Prayer for Christian Unity and coordinates
the annual Rice Bowl Project during Lent.
Mini
Bazaars with Santa Susanna
St Paul's works with S. Susanna to organize mini-bazaars held at
St Paul's two or three times a year, selling books, clothes and
bric-a-brac: refugees and the poor come towards the end of the day
to take anything they might need. The monies are divided between
the two churches, and St Pauls' portion generally goes to the JNRC.
The
Joel Nafuma Refugee Center
The JNRC caters to political refugees from all over the world. At
this time they are principally Muslims. The JNRC is manned by volunteers
from religious and lay organizations and individuals around the
city. Sister Emy from the RC order of Sisters of Sion volunteers
each morning. It is interesting to note that the main focus of the
mission outreach of the Sisters is on Judeo-Christian relations,
in collaboration with the Centro Pro Unione. They run the Judeo-Christian
study library in the center of Rome (SIDIC).
Caritas
St Paul's works with Caritas on a number of schemes. Principally,
on refugee affairs - St Paul's provides a day center with assistance
in getting papers, while Caritas offers meals and dormitory accommodation,
but dialogue is continuous on both sides. Also, Caritas provides
meal vouchers for the poor - the elderly, the homeless, the street
people - which are distributed by various churches around the city,
including St Paul's. Approximately 70 people come to us on a regular
basis for these vouchers, and while it is a token help, for many
of these people the chance to eat well and in company just once
a month makes all the difference.
Immigrant
Youth Ministry
Fr. Peter is an English monk with the Padri Sacramentini (RC) who
comes to St Paul's twice a week to carry out his ministry with youngsters
from Eastern Europe. He is mostly concerned with getting these children
into schools and institutions in the city. He works in cooperation
with the Questura and with Caritas.
Anglo-American
Medical Assistance Fund
Fr. Michael has been president of this organization for the last
six years. Representatives from the American and British Consulates,
the English-Speaking Churches of Rome and the wider community meet
regularly to make available funds to English and American expatriates
who find themselves in medical hardship. There are branches of this
organization also in Naples, Florence and Milan. The Roman committee
manages a portfolio of 1.5 million dollars.
Centro
Pro Unione
The Centro Pro Unione organizes a series of lectures and courses
with guest speakers from all denominations on subjects of universal
interest. They also run an inter-denominational study library, and
help coordinate lectures and guided tours of the Jewish ghetto with
the Sisters of Sion.
The
Anglican Centre in Rome
St Paul's has always had an excellent relationship with the Anglican
Centre. The annual summer course of the Anglican Centre, ROMESS,
visits St Paul's each year to learn about the Episcopal Church and
the missions and ministries of this church. The Anglican Centre
is the official Embassy of Lambeth Palace to the ecumenical community
in Rome, with a natural emphasis on the Vatican. The Director, The
Rt. Rev. Richard Garrard, is an Assisting Bishop in the Convocation
of American Churches in Europe.
Miscellaneous
Fr Michael represents the American Episcopal Church at the annual
meetings of the English Synod, and both he and lay members of the
community are regularly asked to speak for a variety of ecumenical
gatherings organized particularly for the Week of Prayer for Christian
Unity but also for other occasions by a number of different groups.
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