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Chaplain’s Corner

30 years ago the first Rosies mission to the Gold Coast was established. Since then the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate and Iona College have supported Rosies spiritually, financially, and practically. It is my privilege to have followed a line of dynamic and capable chaplains. I am inspired by the work of Rosies and the commitment and joy of its volunteers.
Having been on outreach a number of times per week across Queensland over the last two years, I am conscious of how God weaves his presence through the sharing of friendship that is the mission of Rosies. God’s presence is one of hope.
Last month I was alerted to the sad death of Steve, 47 years old, who had been a patron for some period of his life. Steve seems to have come into the Rosies family and then gone, without leaving a footprint, but as is always the case with our patrons, he made friends. Steve’s parents commented that he “regularly ‘turned up’ for meals … sometimes barbeques, tea and coffee, etc which were provided by Rosies in such a caring, non-judgmental way.”
In their sorrow Steve’s family and friends have reached out by supporting Rosies so that others may be assisted. We share in the hope of eternal life for Steve and pray for his family and friends.

John David OMI
Rosies Chaplain

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Rosies Spiritual Refresher

Friendship is at the core of Rosies mission. The spiritual heritage of Rosies proposes that friendship is not just a human encounter but also a divine, a spiritual encounter.
The Rosies prayer is an integral part of the outreach process. The prayer is about friendship: friendship among team members, friendship with patrons, friendship in and with God.
While Rosies was founded by and continues to be guided by the Oblates, it is recognised that not everyone shares the Christian faith. The two dimensions of human and divine encounter are not mutually exclusive which is testified daily by the friendships shared by all those in the Rosies family.

The Rosies prayer
O Jesus
this clearly expresses the faith that God is a
person who shares our humanity; individuals
may privately insert their own God or focus
Make our hearts so human
that others may feel at home with us
outreach is firstly a human encounter to which we bring human virtues, particularly respect for the inherent dignity of others and humility in our weakness
(make our hearts) So like Yours,
that others may feel at home with You
the spiritual foundation of Rosies recognises that
the divine is present in each of us, and
recognises that there is a power beyond ours that will transform us and our encounters with others
(make us) So forgetful of self
that we might simply become the place
where you and they meet
expresses our hope that we all share in the ultimate encounter of friendship with God, and that we are instruments of God, of a transcendent goodness
In the power of Your love and the joy of
Your friendship. Amen
this concluding statement acknowledges that
it is God’s power, His gift, that makes possible,
all we have and share.

Andrew O’Brien
Rosies General Manger

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Rosies Branch Coordinators Forum 2017

They are truly an inspiration. Rosies Coordinators provide constant leadership with incredible dedication, invaluable experience and indomitable spirit. They are the glue that keep it all happening and the recognisable face which engenders support in each community.
Coordinators Wendy, Lisa, Margaret, Barry, Fay, Jim, Annette, Sarah, Madison, Helen, Cathy, Carolyn and Lyall came together with staff (Andrew, Cathy, Christian and Lee), Chaplain (Fr John David) and Board Chair, John to share their uniqueness and consolidate their consistency in delivering the mission of Rosies.

Front left to right: Wendy, Cathy B., Margaret, Carolyn, Annette, Andrew. Back left to right: Lee, Madison, Lyall, Fr John David, Faye, Helen, Sarah, Lisa, Cathy L.

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Wynnum Manly – Together, we are stronger

The Rosies Wynnum Manly branch now also outreaches on Monday morning at St Peter’s Anglican Church where those who are homeless or at risk of homelessness can receive food vouchers. Rosies is present to share a cuppa, bite to eat, and a chat. We also offer hygiene items to over thirty firends on the street each time. Rosies is gradually becoming known in the Wynnum Manly area, to those who need us most.

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Toowoomba Branch – Ready to roast!

toowoomba-bbq_trailerIt was with great excitement that the Toowoomba branch unveiled its newest acquisition, a barbecue trailer to use at Outreaches. Our friends on the street are very happy with the faster, more efficient cooking, and the reduced waiting time is appreciated in the chilly Toowoomba weather. The barbecue trailer was skillfully customised by David, husband of volunteer, Annette. This has become a great addition to the “team” and Rosies is grateful to have this wonderful asset to improve service to the disadvantaged in Toowoomba. Thanks to the Department of Justice & Attorney General for providing funds.

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Sunshine Coast Branch – A change for good

Our friends at Chilli Jam Café recently traded goods for coffee. Donations, in return for a coffee, were collected over the week long operation to support Rosies Sunshine Coast branch. The generosity of the community went above and beyond all expectations. The Mantra Mooloolaba Beach team also kindly collected hygiene items to support our many friends on the street. Plus the Caloundra District Indoor Bowls Club nominated their local Rosies branch for their charity day on October 30. Thank you everyone! This year, Christmas on the Street will take place on Friday 23, December from 6.00pm.

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Logan Branch – A clean cut for a smile

street-barber-webAsmir is a barber by trade and a ‘street barber’ by heart in Logan. He kindly and generously offers his time and talent to our many friends on the street. A clean cut is one of the ‘little’ things that makes a world of difference for those who often miss out on what most of us take for granted. Asmir, like many volunteers, and community services, gives his time and gift – in return for a smile – to those in need in the community with Rosies.

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Ipswich Branch – A heart of gold

We were astonished to receive a generous donation in the mail by one of our friends Sue. Sue had just celebrated her eightieth birthday. Rather than asking for presents for herself she asked her family and friends to make a donation to Rosies Ipswich branch. What a beautiful heart. Her inspiring idea drove much admiration among her companions who generously gave to support their local community. Thank you Sue, friends and family members alike for offering to those less fortunate an early Christmas. You are all wonderful. And Happy Birthday Sue!

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Gold Coast Branch – Racing for good

Our team on the Gold Coast have clearly noticed an increase in the number of homeless people especially in the last two years. Homelessness can be driven by drugs, alcohol, the lack of affordable housing, mental health issues… “It’s just a huge problem’’, Rosies Gold Coast branch coordinator Wendy recently declared at a number of key events. We are very thankful for the support we receive from the community including local partners such as LJ Hooker who nominated Rosies for the second consecutive year at their Gold Coast Turf Club’s Stakes Day. Thank you!

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Cairns Branch – Community synergy

Handmade items made by the employment agency Workways’ ‘Work for the Dole’ clients were handed over to our Rosies Cairns coordinator, Lyall. This is an amazing example of a great synergy between individuals and organisations. The satisfaction in giving back to the community thrilled many of those who made the items and learned new skills at the same time. Everything has been well used and distributed to our many friends on the street in Far North Queensland.

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