Although St James’s Parish has been involved in overseas outreach before, an unusual feature of its life in the last few years has been its connection with the impoverished Eastern European republic of Moldova. The latter was forced to part of the Soviet Union after its seizure in 1945 although its natural home is as part of Romania.  It achieved its independence in 1992, but having once been a relatively prosperous part of the Soviet apparatus it has lost its entrée to the Russian market (especially for its wine products), and also control of its industrialised region, Transdniestria.  This was as the result of a nasty little civil war instigated by pro-Russian elements. 

In 2001 Peter Coates, a Permanent Deacon of the Diocese of Chisinau, came to live in the parish with his wife, Kathleen and son Allistair.  As a result of this connection Fr Ulick and Deacon Peter visited the country in 2004 and through the Bishop of Chisinau, Anton Cosa, they established a link with the Parish of Holy Cross, in Bender, Transdniestria, with the view of supporting the construction of a children’s centre.   Holy Cross Parish already caters for street children, and for girls attending an after-school workshop where they make for example soft toys and bêtique pictures.  Thanks to the support of benefactors like St James, a modern purpose built centre is now being built.  Groups of parishioners have visited Moldova and Transdniestria several times and thousands of pounds has been raised for the new venture. Support also comes from the Order of the Sacred Heart of Jesus whose priests run the parishes of Transdniestria (www.muk.scj.pl).   

Support from St James’s Parish has also been given to other areas of Catholic social action in Moldova including flood relief, church repairs, and student grants.  Bishop Cosa visited St James in 2005 taking part in the Confirmation ceremony, and Otilia Sirbu, Director of Caritas Moldova, (www.caritas.md) came in 2006.   In July 2008 three young parishioners – Thomas Didiot-Cook, Tom Haworth and Sam di Matteo -  went to Moldova as part of the parish project.   They visited the parish project in Bender and took an active part in the summer camp at Stauceni arranged by the parish for local children.   They were accompanied by LSE lecturer and parishioner, Herve Didiot-Cooke.   This was shortly followed by a return visit by 21 year old Stauceni student, Julia Zbirciog who was hosted by parish families.