Bryn’s Neighbourhood Table has a touching and celebratory launch

In the heart of Marpole, the community of St. Augustine's gathered to celebrate a new beginning. The night was a testament to love, service, and compassion that would forever change the essence of their communal meals. It was the grand opening of St. Augustine's, Marpole Community Meal, now lovingly renamed Bryn's Neighbourhood Table. A tribute to Bryn Catherall, a soul whose light had shone brightly within the walls of St. Augustine's, touching the lives of many.

As I stepped into the bustling hall on that Thursday, February 8, 2024, the air was thick with anticipation and the scent of an authentic Egyptian feast. Invited to offer remarks on behalf of Bishop John and to share a bit about Care+Share, I found myself enveloped in a celebration that felt much more than an ordinary gathering. It was a manifestation of the community's heartbeat, pulsating with stories of love, struggle, and triumph.

Seated at the table of Bryn's parents and family, I was offered a rare glimpse into the tapestry of Bryn's life. Through laughter and tears, stories unfolded of Bryn's battles with mental health, his indomitable spirit, and his boundless joy for serving within the walls of St. Augustine's. To Bryn, this was not just a place of worship but a sanctuary where he found purpose, belonging, and unconditional love. It was here, among the pews and the people, that Bryn discovered his home.

As the evening wove on, I found myself engaged in conversations that painted a vivid picture of what St. Augustine's and the community meal meant to those who gathered there. Each story, unique in its contours, was threaded with a common theme - a sense of belonging and a desire to give back. One volunteer shared how the act of serving was not just about filling plates but filling souls, a powerful reminder of the divine joy found in service to others.

Amid the hum of voices and clinking of cutlery, a whispered conversation on the food line offered an unexpected sermon. "Every day, I recite the Collect for Purity," shared a fellow attendee, a practice so personal yet profoundly impactful. In that moment, the sacredness of service, of living a life in pursuit of purity and purpose, was beautifully illuminated.

The evening was a kaleidoscope of revelations. From learning about the new chef's Egyptian roots to discovering that Bryn's favorite dish, a simple meatloaf, had been included on the menu as a tribute to his memory. It became clear that Bryn's Neighbourhood Table was more than a meal; it was a mosaic of the community's love, a gathering of souls from all walks of life united by a common purpose - to serve and uplift one another.

As the night drew to a close, I was struck by the profound sense of unity and purpose that filled the room. Bryn's Neighbourhood Table, while named in honour of one, was a testament to the collective spirit of service that dwelled within each person present. In honouring Bryn's memory, St. Augustine's had created a space where everyone belonged, where every act of service was a reflection of God's love.

To be part of Bryn's Neighbourhood Table was to be part of something greater than oneself. It was a reminder that in serving others, we find our true calling and connect with the divine. As I left St. Augustine's that night, my heart was full, knowing that Bryn's legacy would live on not just in the name of the community meal but in the countless acts of love and service that would continue to blossom in its wake. To God be the glory, indeed.

To learn more about the ministry and to donate: see the Care+Share page.