The Good Shepherd are marking 50 years of service to the people of Wolverhampton with a special celebration at St Peter’s Collegiate Church.
It was back on Christmas Eve in 1972 that the Little Brothers of the Good Shepherd first arrived to support the homeless and vulnerable in the city, starting out on Thornley Street before later moving to Darlington Street Methodist Church and their current premises on Waterloo Road.
A service of celebration for people of all faiths or no faith, will take place at St Peter’s at 2pm on Thursday, December 15th, and everyone is welcome.
“We have held a number of fundraising events during the year, when the local community have once again supported us fantastically as they always do,” says the Good Shepherd’s Business and Finance Manager Helen Holloway.
“But we wanted to finish such a special year with an event where we can all join together and celebrate the selfless and dedicated service of the Brothers over the last half a century.
“The Rev David Wright and everyone at St Peter’s have always been very gracious in hosting a carol service each Christmas, but this time it will be that extra special given what it represents.”
Guests and contributors already confirmed include not just several of the Brothers past and present who have played their part in the Good Shepherd’s long and distinguished history but also the Archbishop of Birmingham Bernard Longley – who is one of the charity’s ambassadors – the Bishop of Wolverhampton Clive Gregory and the Mayor, Councillor Sandra Samuels OBE.
Also planning to visit the UK from Italy for the very first time is Brother Jesus Etayo, a Prior General, one of the highest offices within the Catholic Church.
The service is also set to include testimonies from several who have been supported by the Good Shepherd during its history.
“We are thrilled that so many distinguished guests are planning to attend the celebration which is an illustration of just how highly the Brothers are thought of,” adds Helen.
“But we would also love to see a big turnout from the public and local community, because that is what the Good Shepherd has always been about.
“We have only been able to continue helping people thanks to the generosity of those living in our city – it has always been a real team effort – and our aim for this service is also to say thank you for that fantastic support over so many years.”