Social Justice Committee

Teresa Persaud

INN FROM THE COLD TESTIMONY

Inn from the Cold at Holy Spirit is a volunteer-run ministry that provides shelter, food and companionship once a month for Calgary’s homeless families and individuals. We received this note of gratitude from a thankful guest after our most recent Inn. It illustrates the tremendous impact our community’s gift of hospitality, love and friendship can have on some of our cities most vulnerable citizens. THANKS GO OUT TO ALL OUR DEDICATED AND CARING VOLUNTEERS, SOME OF WHOM HAVE BEEN WITH THE MINISTRY FOR MORE THAN 10 YEARS AND ALSO THANKS TO THOSE WHO HAVE DONATED TO THIS VERY WORTHWHILE MINISTRY. By reading this letter, from an Inn Guest, you will see how much we need and appreciate your financial support.

Dear Holy Spirit Church:

I was one of the privileged guests last evening when you so kindly hosted Inn From the Cold. This wasn't my first evening with you, as this experience has continued longer than I'd ever thought possible. However, gifts can come in 'strange packages' as last evening again revealed. When I arrived, (name anonymous), one of the volunteers who has so graciously been present on many of my evenings with you, asked what I needed; I mentioned I'd been trying without much success to find some shoes or boots. . . this led to her providing three pairs of boots for me to try, none of which fit. At this point, I would have been happy to say thanks and look elsewhere, but that was not what happened! Another volunteer, (name anonymous), went out and bought a pair of boots, which again, sadly, didn't fit; I was most embarrassed by all of this effort and asked it to stop, but that was not to be:  Another trip for (name anonymous) and a pair of boots which fit perfectly--which I'm wearing, comfortably. Thank you so very, very much for this tremendous generosity of spirit and love.

I realized a few months earlier that one of the other gifts of this experience was the opportunity to meet and connect meaningfully with so many individuals in Calgary, who I'd not likely have met but for my being at IFTC. Once I stopped judging the experience--the situation, myself, etc., etc.,--and just focused on gratitude, love, in the present moment, I was filled with such joy and appreciation for each of you, and the positive difference you've made in my life. As more families have come to the Inn seeking shelter, I've experienced time at the Mustard Seed's shelter, and the contrast between the two could not be more pronounced. Each offers shelter for an evening, dinner, breakfast and a bag lunch, but the two forms of 'shelter' are worlds apart. Last evening, during dinner, I was so fortunate to hear the beautiful singing from Mass; I've heard it before, and every time it fills me with such joy, gratitude for that presence. Loving voices raised in song offering praises to God's glory penetrate in ways that resound deeply.

Thank you for making this time one of opening to a greater capacity for love, devotion, compassion, humility and gratitude. Thank you for blessing me in so very many ways, not just physically. Thank you for being here for each of the guests who visit you through IFTC, for all the love you are and will continue to be. Thank you for giving of yourselves as well as offering abundant generosity of material things. Each of you is a blessing--and may you/your families and this parish's ministry be forever very blessed.

Most sincerely,