St Chad's Christmas Eve lunch for the homeless

May Mulgrew sings for the guests at St Chad's lunch for the homeless

St Chad’s welcomed over 90 guests for an Asian style banquet on Christmas Eve, many of them homeless, and many others living on very limited means.

The Vicar of Rochdale, Revd Mark Coleman thanked Ahmed Nadim and family for sponsoring the wonderful event, the fourth year that Mr Nadim has provided this generous lunch.

Mr Nadim is a leading criminal law barrister at Lincoln House Chambers in Manchester. He said: "lt is wonderful opportunity for us to work together for the good of those in need."

St Chad’s is the ancient parish church of Rochdale and is often used for concerts and civic occasions.

Revd Coleman said: “This has been the parish Church of Rochdale for hundreds of years. We are here for all the citizens, and are delighted to be working in partnership with local organisations for the common good. It is inspiring to come together and do this at Christmas but I want to pay tribute to those who do this work all the year round.”

The event was a partnership between Christians, Muslims and local agencies.

Petrus Community provides a range of supported housing and day support services throughout the year for homeless women and men across the Borough of Rochdale.

Rochdale Soup Kitchen provides food most evenings.

Feeding Rochdale Homeless provides essential supplies and a lunch on a Sunday.

Rochdale Borough Council plays a key role in bringing it all together.

Revd Coleman added: “Jesus was homeless for a time. Mary and Joseph found some temporary accommodation in a stable. So our hearts must be open to all those who lack somewhere safe and secure to live.”