The Posada journey began in November at St John’s School, when I had the fun of working with year 6 children creating the figures. The children asked lots of questions about Mary and Joseph and were keen to make them ethnically accurate.
Through December Posada has travelled far and wide, not just in terms of distance, but in terms of the variety of places and cultures. Posada travelled many miles to Derby to the Sisters from the Community of the Holy Name and to St Nicholas Church, Newchurch (where Penny, former Parish Assistant is priest) to the Niknam family over in Middleton, where we enjoyed a British/Iranian take on Christmas dinner – delicious.
Posada, has visited a number of organisations that work with homeless and vulnerable people, including Cornerstone, Women’s Direct Access and Stopover (supported accommodation for young women), L’Arche Community, and Newbury House. Posada visited pupils of our two church schools, student of Hulme Hall, Luther King house and Xaverian College. The figures were the focus of Afternoon Church at St John’s School, where we used the story ‘Refuge’, that tells of the Holy family as refugees fleeing to Egypt. We strengthened our ecumenical links with the SMA Fathers, St Joseph’s Care Home, and Methodist International house with visits. Our Posada avoided arrest on their visit to Longsight Police Station!
And there’s more…. Posada has been welcomed into the homes of the congregation, giving opportunities to enjoy time deepening relationships with each other. Posada has provided opportunities for us to pray very intentionally for our parish and beyond.
This Advent, Posada touched the lives of at least 1,250 people of different cultures, ethnicities, people of other faiths and people of none. It is a wonderful way of connecting – through the story of the birth of Jesus. Through Posada, we have come closer to the lives of many who live in our parish, holding out the hand of friendship and giving people freedom to ask questions, but most of all to be listened to as they share their hopes and dreams.
Mtr Kate
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