Saint Francis Of Assisi Church, Pottery Lane

All volunteers who helped the local community in the days after the Grenfell Tower fire are warmly invited to this gathering but please RSVP as shown at the bottom of the leaflet.

First Anniversary of the Grenfell Tower Fire - On Wednesday 13th June at 7.30pm, the vigil of the anniversary, Cardinal Vincent Nichols will say Mass at St Francis of Assisi Church, Pottery Lane, W11 4NQ for the repose of the souls of all those who died at Grenfell Tower and praying for healing for all who survived. At the end of the Mass - approximately 8.30pm - the congregation will gather in the courtyard in front of the church where the names of all who died due to the fire will be read out in an act of commemoration after which a plaque that records the names of fifteen children, women & men from this parish who died at Grenfell will be blessed. All are welcome, particularly those who so generously volunteered their help last year.

Grenfell Tower Tragedy
Our hearts truly go out to all who have been deeply affected by the tragedy that unfolded from the early hours of Wednesday morning. It is impossible to imagine the pain of those who have lost family and friends or those who are in anguish while they try to discover where loved ones are. With all my heart please know that the prayers of this parish are with you all.
At present I know that families from our parish community cannot find members of their ...family – other families have lost their homes and all their possessions. So many of us will know others who lived at Grenfell Tower who have suffered so much. We pray for all who are suffer now and for all who have died.
From early on Wednesday morning our Church became the most incredible hub. Scores of volunteers spontaneously came to Parish Centre and began receiving hundreds of bags of clothes and other items that will be of use to those who have lost everything. They sorted the donated items into boxes that were piled high in the church and courtyard. Human chains passed each box from the Parish Centre & courtyard out to waiting vans. Meanwhile in the centre other volunteers welcomed anyone who needed a place to seek refuge – some of those who came had lost their homes – others had been evacuated from homes near the Grenfell Tower. Some were looking for loved ones – others were escaping from the media attention at the nearby Rugby –Portobello Club where they had been awaiting news of relatives with whom they had lost contact.
Parishioners and men and women from all parts of London came together in the most compassionate and community spirited way imaginable. All deserve the highest praise possible and thanks for the outpouring of care and kindness over the last few days.
The immediate response given in the Parish Centre has now concluded. Again a huge thank you to all who each played an indispensable part in offering comfort in such a dark time.
Now we must be attentive to the ongoing care of those who are in great need and all who have been traumatised by this terrible time.
May God grant eternal rest to those who have died and help us all, especially those must in need, now and in the days and years ahead.
Fr Gerard Skinner
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On Saturday 17th June, at 12 noon, Cardinal Vincent Nichols will say Mass at St Pius the Tenth Church in St Charles Square for all those affected by the Grenfell Tower tragedy. You are warmly invited to join him in prayer for our community at this time. From 10am there will be a period of silent prayer in the church before the Blessed Sacrament. During this period tea and coffee will be available in the Parish Centre. Please let your family and friends know about this Information.

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Thanks to everyone for their amazing help today. We have lists of volunteers and of offers of help - we'll be in touch should the need arise. The plan for tomorrow is that we will be offering tea, sandwiches and coffee between 8am and 4pm - we already have volunteers for this. No more donations- we have been overwhelmed by people's kindness. Thank you once again.

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Hi guys, thank you so much for your amazing generosity. The response has been overwhelming. We now have all the supplies we need so if we are no longer taking any donations. Please share!

Anyone down at Rugby Portobello, please come down to St Francis of Assisi Church - Pottery Lane, W11 4NQ. The doors are open and there is plenty of space. Food will be served from 7-12pm.

Thank you to all of the incredible volunteers who have been here at Saint Francis of Assisi Church since the morning taking in donations and organising them properly for us to send on to those affected by the #grenfelltower #londonfire.
We have had so much support and are now directing everyone with further donations to the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea Town Hall on Hornton Street, W8 7NX. Please check their website before going there though, as they might be reaching capacity. https://www.rbkc.gov.uk/…/all-council-s …/fire-grenfell-tower

Are you a resident of the #grenfelltower block and now displaced?
Official statement
Any residents in respite centres should register Westway Sports & Fitness Centre for accommodation. All residents in block will be accommodated.
... All others will need to go to Westway Sports & Fitness Centre for overnight accommodation.
Official rest centres are:
- Westway Sports & Fitness Centre -- go here first as others are nearing capacity - Rugby Portobello Trust - St Clements
Other centres should send people and supplies to all these official centres. Other unofficial centres can operate still but priority is given to the official. Unofficial centres may be required later this evening when we have a better idea of accommodation requirements
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Can you offer any accommodation to those displaced by the #grenfelltower #londonfire? Call 0207 745 6421 to speak to someone at Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea