Street Pastor: Fr. Paul Brommet

On the proposal of diaconal SIOH-Office, the Collegiate Directors for 2011 Lenten intendedStreet for the Pastoral in Leiden.


The street ministry was made possible because a number of churches in Leiden Leiden Foundation Street Chaplaincy aims. This foundation has raised funds so the street ministry for one year is guaranteed, with view to extension of three years. The money that the Foundation has brought together is largely on the salary of the pastor. There is very little left for the equipment.


On December 1, 2010 Paul began Brommet, pastor of the Old Catholic parish in Leiden, his duties as pastor street in Leiden for 24 hours per week. 


The target of the Street Chaplaincy is the homeless in Leiden, the inhabitants of the Social Pension, visitors to the Inloophuis Psychiatry and residents of the Crisis. These features are all used by people who often spend less than the guaranteed minimum. It is not only concerned with survival. It is also with questions about meaning, guilt, shame and so on. There is a need to "own celebrations, where people in their own way to pray and sing to keep their faith. There is a chapel available "Dei Verbum", but that costs money, including a cup of coffee after a service € 47.50 each time.


In the homeless circuit are also frequent deaths. In January 2011waren three deaths in one week. It is there not insured, so the social service costs of the funeral to pay. This should be as cheap as possible. Money for a flower on the coffin is not there. The most simple flower arrangement costs money. Holding a funeral service in the street is among my duties as pastor. Also making order of service so that relatives can monitor what happens, brings additional costs involved.
Even homeless people want sometimes a distraction, unlike the event in the streets. It's been a few years ago that the street lawyer who was active in Leiden has arranged a day out. He was the most money to spend time together and transport begging.


Paul Brommet is the first street pastor in Leiden. Everything still needs to be rebuilt from the ground. With support from the project can draw down a solid foundation be laid.
Initially the funds will be used to lift the ground of regular celebrations, then comes a day out on the screen. Finally, the configuration of a small group discussed showing a gift for a birthday or a special benefit is paid, and flowers in hospitalization and death is possible.
Laying a solid foundation leads to better prospects for continuity. The street is a form of pastoral ministry basic care that matters.