The Drop In Centre of the Collective of St Mary Magdalene
In 1989, a group of young students decided that they wanted to do something about poverty in inner city Adelaide. Their dream included a relational response to the poor after the example of Jesus, rather than programs of social service.
The group was known as the Fellowship of St Catherine, but after their home base settled on St Mary Magdalene's, the name was changed to the Collective of St Mary Magdalene, and a long-term partnership with the Parish developed.
Initially the parish played an active part in providing the ingredients and labour to make sandwiches which the Collective distributed on Sunday evenings to the people from the boarding houses around Hurtle Square as well as some street people who gathered in the Square on summer nights.
With the onset of winter, the Collective decided that a "soup kitchen" was more appropriate than sandwich distribution in the Square and a request was made to use the parish kitchen and hall. The Collective originally did the soup making, with assistance from members of the parish and the generosity of many people who donated the ingredients.
After a year or so a Saturday Night Drop in Centre was opened as well in the hall of St Mary Magdalene's, and the Sunday distribution of food in Hurtle Square was soon discontinued. Over the years a pattern developed, that includes a three-course meal and activities that range from passive recreation such as watching videos, to interactive arts projects. This activity also filled the Saturday night gap in the provision of inexpensive meals to the poor of the city.
The parish once again played an active part in the preparation of the meals. As this work became better known in the diocese, other parishes joined in and an increasing number of Anglican parishes and schools take turns to provide, cook and serve the meal, whilst volunteers of the Collective mingle with the patrons. Over time wonderful relationships have developed, and many people, young and old, enjoy the communal breaking of bread.
Over the years the Collective has experimented with a range of activities aimed at social and ecological justice. The Collective meets regularly for reflection, prayer, training and decision-making and conducts a relational ministry influenced by Anglican spirituality.
The Collective's mission is to provide a place of community and acceptance for Adelaide's homeless and disadvantaged through the communal breaking of bread, and as such volunteers are encouraged to sit and share a cup of coffee or a yarn with patrons. As well as the parishes, schools and community groups that provide the food for the Saturday night Drop-in Centre, volunteers can also participate as part of the team that mingles with patrons inside and outside the hall, setting up, serving food and coffee, playing music, and so on. Click here for the current roster of parishes, schools and community groups that provide around 120 meals at the Centre every Saturday night.
The Collective fosters an inclusive environment that embraces people of all faiths, interests, persuasions and motivations. We welcome diversity and appreciate the rich variety of volunteers that have been part of our history for twenty years. Anyone over 16 years of age, who is willing to participate in training and communal activities, is welcome to join us.
For further information, email the of the Collective, or call the St Mary Magdalene's Parish Office on 8305 9374.
Click here to read the COSMM Chairperson's Report, October 2010
| Date | On Duty | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 6 February 2010 | St Mary Magdalene | |
| 13 February 2010 | Walkerville | |
| 20 February 2010 | Parkside | |
| 27 February 2010 | Building Bridges | |
| 6 March 2010 | Payneham | Adelaide Cup |
| 13 March 2010 | Glen Osmond | |
| 20 March 2010 | Walford | |
| 27 March 2010 | Stirling | Easter |
| 3 April 2010 | Cathedral | School Holidays/ Easter |
| 10 April 2010 | St Mary Magdalene | School Holidays |
| 17 April 2010 | Walkerville | School Holidays |
| 24 April 2010 | North Adelaide | |
| 1 May 2010 | Hawthorn | |
| 8 May 2010 | Glen Osmond | |
| 15 May 2010 | Concordia | |
| 22 May 2010 | Stirling | |
| 29 May 2010 | Building Bridges | |
| 5 June 2010 | Walford | |
| 12 June 2010 | SW Deanery | Queens Birthday |
| 19 June 2010 | Stepney | |
| 26 June 2010 | St Peter's Girls | |
| 3 July 2010 | Parkside | School Holidays |
| 10 July 2010 | St Mary Magdalene | School Holidays |
| 17 July 2010 | Rosefield | School Holidays |
| 24 July 2010 | Walkerville | |
| 31 July 2010 | Building Bridges | |
| 7 August 2010 | Concordia | |
| 14 August 2010 | Cathedral | |
| 21 August 2010 | Payneham | |
| 28 August 2010 | Norman Waterhouse | |
| 4 September 2010 | Malvern/Unley Uniting | |
| 11 September 2010 | Hawthorn | |
| 18 September 2010 | St Peter's Girls | |
| 25 September 2010 | Parkside | School Holidays |
| 2 October 2010 | North Adelaide | School Holidays/ Labour Day |
| 9 October 2010 | Stirling | School Holidays |
| 16 October 2010 | Glen Osmond | |
| 23 October 2010 | Stepney | |
| 30 October 2010 | Cathedral | |
| 6 November 2010 | Hawthorn | |
| 13 November 2010 | Lawyers LCF | |
| 20 November 2010 | St Peter's Girls | |
| 27 November 2010 | St Mary Magdalene | |
| 4 December 2010 | Cathedral | |
| 11 December 2010 | Stirling | School Holidays |
| 18 December 2010 | Building Bridges | School Holidays |
