Young buskers raise $300 for appeal

Benedict Thomas plays the violin during the January 9 vigil Mass. Above: Benedict
and his brother, Isaac, in altar server garb, present the funds they raised to
Msgr Paul Farmer

by PETER GRACE
Two talented young parishioners at St Benedict’s parish, Auckland, have raised a tidy sum to help retired priests.

Benedict Thomas plays the violin during the January 9 vigil Mass. Above: Benedict and his brother, Isaac, in altar server garb, present the funds they raised to Msgr Paul Farmer

Benedict Thomas plays the violin during the January 9 vigil Mass. Above: Benedict
and his brother, Isaac, in altar server garb, present the funds they raised to
Msgr Paul Farmer


According to parish administrator Msgr Paul Farmer, Benedict Thomas (6 or 7) and his brother Isaac (10) have been playing the violin during Mass at St Benedict’s.
But then they heard about a fundraising appeal for extensions to St John Vianney House, a home for retired priests, in Ponsonby.
“On hearing about the fundraising … they told their mother they would like to go busking for the appeal,” Msgr Farmer said.
At the St Benedict’s vigil Mass on January 9, the boys presented Msgr Farmer, the chairman of the fundraising committee, with $300 they had raised through their efforts.
“The crowd responded warmly to their initiative and efforts,” Msgr Farmer said.
Msgr Farmer said he had been amazed at the generosity of so many people with their contributions to the extensions to St John Vianney House.
“The fundraising, with an effort to reach $1 million, is going extremely well,” he said. “It’s still hoped that all parishes and schools and Catholic institutions will be able to make a contribution to this worthy cause.”
All members of the fundraising committee were keen to pass on their grateful thanks to those who have responded so
generously.
The St John Vianney House fundraising appeal website address: sjvh.org.nz

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