A ministry that is all about the dough

Notes: For the past 15 years older parishioners at St. James in Geraldton have been making and selling perogies. The income has enabled the church to survive the ebbs and flows of membership. "The perogy fundraiser 'has given a sense of strength and capability to the congregation of St. James', says Rev. Hal Graham, who became rector in 2004. 'It has also made other parts of the diocese and the community aware of the church'.” "Sadly, however, Mr. [Henry] Maki says his group is uncertain whether the perogy ministry can go on. He and his volunteers are aging, some have died, some have left town and no one has come to take their place. 'I’m also getting tired. When I joined I was in my 60s, now I’m in my 70s', he says. 'We need younger persons to help but the young Anglicans don’t come to church, let alone volunteer'. The group is now down to eight volunteers, which has slowed production considerably".

Subjects: St. James Anglican Church (Geraldton, Ont.); Perogies; Pierogi; Church fund raising - Anglican Church of Canada; Anglican Church of Canada. Diocese of Moosonee; Graham, Hal, 1948-