Westminster Record The Diocese of Westminster

We're back, celebrating Caritas Westminster's 10th Anniversary!

10 years ago, the social action agency of the Diocese of Westminster was born, to support parishes in sharing that distinctive brand of love known as Caritas, which Pope Benedict described as 'an extraordinary force which leads people to opt for courageous and generous engagement in the field of justice and peace'. 

The past decade has seen a pandemic, a squeeze on the cost of living, a financial crash, and many other issues of justice and peace, each of which Caritas Westminster has adapted and responded to. John Coleby, Caitlin Boyle and Gail Williams speak on how Caritas Westminster has developed in this time, and what opportunities and challenges it faces in its future.

The Church is on a journey of meeting, listening and discernment, which was launched last year by Pope Francis and has been a cause for robust discussions about its future. Juliet and Maureen from St William of York in Stanmore share how their parish approached the synodal pathway. Fr Chris Vipers, Director of the Agency for Evangelisation, speaks about his perspective of the broader process and its eventual goals.

Bishop John Sherrington talks about his role as Bishop for Life Issues, with work ranging from issues around assisted suicide and the Church's responsibility to protecting the environment. Dr Sian Davies, a palliative care specialist, shares her experience of journeying with people at the end of their lives.

Katherine Bennett from Catholic Voices shares her testimony about what the Eucharist has meant to her journey of faith and some of the organisers of the London Eucharistic Octave speak about the process of setting up this event which involves several Catholic rites and traditions coming together to recognise the role the Eucharist has in uniting the Church.

Deacon Roger Carr-Jones shares his insights in journeying with people preparing for marriage, newlyweds Anna and Michael Desbruslais speak of their experience beginning this new stage in their lives, and we hear from couples who celebrated anniversaries at the Mass for Matrimony in May.