Author :  Deacon Michael  O’Donnell Wayside Club chaplain from St Mary’s, Calton (original here)

​It is every Baptised person’s duty to serve, but the sacramental grace that a deacon receives at ordination through the bishop’s imposition of hands and the gift of the Holy Spirit enables him to carry out the ministry of service with a special effectiveness. He is configured to Christ in his servant role and becomes a living sign of the servanthood of His Church. Deacons are considered to be helpers of the bishop and render assistance—on his behalf—to the poor and needy of the community.

Finding shelter and support at Christmas, or at any time of year, is not easy for everyone, GERARD GOUGH discovers while visiting Glasgow’s Wayside Club
FOR many of us, Christmas time provides a welcome opportunity to focus our attention on our families and give thanks for being able to celebrate the joy of the festive seasons at home with them and the Wayside Club in Glasgow is no different, even if the family and setting are both a little more unconventional.