Dean and Chapter prepare for Black Santa sit–out
Belfast’s Black Santa, the Very Revd John Mann, is shaking out and airing his hat, scarf and gloves in preparation for his fifth charity sit–out on the steps of St Anne’s Cathedral.
The 39th annual Black Santa sit–out gets underway at 9.00 am on Wednesday December 16 and the Dean of Belfast is looking forward to once again meeting those who drop money into his barrel so generously every year.
As always he will be supported by the Bishops of Down and Dromore and Connor and members of the Cathedral Chapter.
The Chapter’s newest member, the, rector of Carnalea, Revd Canon Michael Parker who was installed just last month, has said he is looking forward to his first sit–out and has been getting some tips from an old hand, the Revd Canon Ronnie Nesbitt, Bangor Abbey, for whom this will be a 12th sit–out. The two talk about their experiences in an article in the County Down Spectator – read it here.
The Dean’s Christmas sit–out raises much needed funds for local charities who work hard to change lives all year round, with a percentage going to overseas charities.
If you would like to support the Dean and his dedicated Black Santa team, but don’t think you will be in Donegall Street in the week before Christmas, you can still make a donation.
You can download the Dean’s letter and donation form here.
The letter introduces some of the many, many charities who benefit from the Black Santa Appeal (more than 200 cheques are presented each year). In it, Dean Mann states: “ As I appeal to your generosity once again I would like to say how heart–warming it is to be part of such an important tradition for Belfast; a tradition that is not just about raising and distributing money, but a tradition which brings people together.
“We are in challenging financial times, but I believe that we can make a real difference once again this Christmas.”