Standing at the entrance to the dining room is Father James Lyons. Every week,
he comes to welcome and greet whanau as they arrive at the Compassion Soup
Kitchen. “After retiring from full time parish ministry, I wanted to remain
connected in the faith community as much as possible,” he said.

At the Compassion Soup Kitchen, he can see the needs of whanau, who are
seeking not just a meal, but much more. “People who come here are missing a
sense of family. They can experience being here together with people they
recognise, people they know, people they have things in common with.”

“Many whanau find themselves lost for whatever reason, either because their
family has rejected them or they’ve just left home or walked out. Many of them
find it hard to find employment, or they can’t hold down a job,” adds Father
James.

Volunteering at the Compassion Soup Kitchen has allowed him to see its
importance, as “there are people who are very much reliant on the goodwill of
others. They find in the Soup Kitchen a place of security. They do feel welcome,
and most of them are really grateful to be here,” he says.

Volunteering each week brings Father James a sense of community, connection
and encouragement: “So I’m very happy to continue as long as I can.”