The program is a simple concept a free, simple but nourishing meal in the company of others, to be held in St Raphael’s Hall, Lachlan Street on the fourth Wednesday of each month.

Parish council member Fiona Gallagher said the idea of a lunch came from noticing similar groups being inundated with people.

“It was initiative of the parish council and Farther Laurie who were keen to do some out reach work,” she said.

“We have a great group of volunteers working and creating a sense of community spirit.

Ms Gallagher said the everybody was welcome to come along with the lunch beginning at 12.30pm and going to 2pm.

“It’s not just for financially needy people it’s for anyone who just wants some company, who may be new to town or who just needs a good nourishing meal, she said.

“It’s not just for financially needy people it’s for anyone who just wants some company, who may be new to town or who just needs a good nourishing meal.”

Parish priest, Farther Laurie Beath said the lunch wasn’t about bringing people into the church but going out to them.

“Pope Francis said go out, go out, go out and it’s (the lunch) in some small way of going out and being a church outside of the building, he said.

“We are a church of the poor not a church of the rich and sitting back and enjoying ourselves.

“We are a church of action, so if this is a little bit of action then it is a positive. Hopefully it’s going to be a help to some people.

Parish council member Margaret Stewart  said the lunch would bring people together and give them company in a comfortable environment. 

St Raphael’s would like to acknowledge with gratitude the support and the sponsorship of our local businesses, Cowra Information and Neighbourhood Centre, St Vincent de Paul, Tivoli Fresh, Woolworths Cowra, Coles Cowra and Aldi Cowra.

For further information or any queries, please  contact the Parish Office on 6342 1369