Anniversary Mass 8th December: CHANGE OF TIME
Gina
The Anniversary Mass in Bradford on 8th December is now at 7pm, not 6.30pm. Our apologies for any inconvenience.
It’s not too late to tell us you’d like to attend.
Wibsey Community Market's 3rd Anniversary
Gina
On 8th November a short Service of Thanksgiving was held to mark the third anniversary of Catholic Care’s Community Market at St. Winefride’s Church in Wibsey, Bradford.
Carol's 160 kilometres
Gina
Our Catholic Care Director, Carol Hill, has committed to walk 160 kilometres during the autumn to raise money marking our charity's 160th anniversary.
You can sponsor her brilliant effort by visiting www.justgiving.com/campaign/carol160
160 Minutes of Mindfulness
Gina
A number of primary schools in the Diocese are marking Catholic Care’s 160th anniversary by pledging ‘160 Minutes of Mindfulness’.
Mindfulness is now widely practised in British schools to help children cope with anxiety and develop emotional regulation. It can take different forms including guided reflection, breathing exercises, journaling, and listening.
To promote the ‘160 Minutes of Mindfulness’ initiative, Gabriela – a Year 6 pupil at St. Joseph’s Primary School in Hunslet – has produced a beautiful poster.
Our School, Children and Family Wellbeing Service will be using it to encourage children to get involved in our 160th anniversary celebrations.
160th Anniversary Mass: please register your attendance
Gina
All supporters of Catholic Care, along with staff, volunteers, and service-users, are warmly invited to celebrate our charity’s 160th Anniversary at a special Thanksgiving Mass at 6.30pm on Friday 8th December at St. Winefride’s Church in Wibsey, Bradford (BD6 1ST).
Record Numbers at Community Market
Gina
In mid-September Catholic Care's Community Market in Wibsey helped a record number of households. Whilst we don't want to celebrate the fact that so many people are in need, we believe the community ethos underpinning the Market is worth celebrating.
Catholic Care runs a number of Community Markets which our Director, Carol, calls ‘foodbanks with dignity’ because: they offer a range of healthy fresh produce in addition to preserved goods; customers don’t have to be referred or prove they’re in need; they can choose what items they want; and they can make a donation towards costs if they wish.
Sue Parsons, Community Sponsorship Coordinator, writes:
On Wednesday 13th September, the Community Market at St. Winefride’s in Wibsey helped a record number of households: 68!
56 people attended and we also made up 12 food parcels for people to take to their neighbours who couldn’t attend.
It was really busy, but also had a great atmosphere as our customers enjoyed a warm drink and a chat with each other, and could seek advice from Keelie our Family Support Worker and Ardil from the Department of Work and Pensions.
And, of course, there was Sandra and Maria’s pre-loved clothes stall to have a look at!
Christmas Card Crafting at St. Urban's
Gina
Catholic Care’s Friendship Group at St. Urban’s Church in Headingley welcomed some Year 6 pupils from St. Urban’s Catholic Primary School on 15th November 2023.
Gill Tarpey, Community Development Worker, writes … Headteacher Miss McStay and Mrs Bolton provided the group with some wonderful crafts for making Christmas cards. We were spoilt for choice. The school children supported and helped our members in making beautiful cards. We all enjoyed a cup of tea and some home-baked goodies. We look forward to another visit in the New Year.
Sky's the limit for Kate
Gina
A Catholic Care employee is doing a sponsored skydive to mark Catholic Care’s 160th Anniversary.
Kate Hughes helps lead teams at two of our charity’s supported living services for adults with learning disabilities in West Yorkshire.
Kate says, “I’m seeking to raise money for our charity’s Mental Health Services. Mental Health plays an important part in my life, and I’d like to give back in any way that I can. I will be doing a tandem skydive and will be falling from 15,000 feet.”
You can sponsor Kate’s brilliant effort by visiting
https://www.justgiving.com/page/kate-hughes-1690373346137
CSAN Statement on the Israel-Gaza Conflict
Gina
Catholic Care is the Caritas agency of the Diocese of Leeds, and a member of Caritas Social Action Network (CSAN) which is the social action agency of the Catholic Church in England and Wales. CSAN has issued the following statement on the Israel-Gaza conflict.
Caritas Social Action Network supports the call by Pope Francis for an immediate ceasefire in the Israeli-Gaza conflict. In his comments after the Angelus on 29 October, Pope Francis said, “… in Gaza, may space be opened to guarantee humanitarian aid, and may the hostages be released right away. Let no one abandon the possibility that the weapons might be silenced – let there be a ceasefire”.
We deplore the atrocities carried out by Hamas on 7 October and we agree with our sister Caritas agency CAFOD that “responding to the atrocities committed by Hamas with what amounts to a collective punishment of civilians living in the occupied Palestinian territory is leading to unimaginable levels of death and suffering”.
We urge the Catholic community in England and Wales to pray for peace and reconciliation and to learn more about the background to this conflict, including the role played by Britian during the period of the Mandate (1920-1948). We urge Catholics to raise the voice of peace and justice in their communities with their elected representatives.
In particular, we urge all Catholics to take a stand against antisemitic and Islamophobic hate crimes in their own communities. We share the concern of Cardinal Vincent Nichols, who has appealed for “restraint and the total avoidance of hateful language and action, as the impact of this conflict is felt in communities here”.
Catholics in England and Wales can also respond in charity to the worsening situation by donating to the CAFOD appeal. Donations to the Crisis Appeal will support those affected and get funds to local trusted experts who have been working alongside communities helping those most in need to receive urgent humanitarian aid including food, water and emergency shelter.
Raymond Friel, CEO, Caritas Social Action Network
13 November 2023
Friendship Group Commemorates Battle of Britain
Gina
Some of the senior citizens who attend Catholic Care’s Friendship Groups across the Diocese of Leeds are old enough to remember the Battle of Britain which took place between July and October 1940.
The Royal Air Force and Royal Navy defended the United Kingdom against large-scale attacks by Nazi Germany’s air force, the Luftwaffe.
This major event of the Second World War was commemorated by the Friendship Group at St. Joseph’s Church in Harrogate on 12th September.
Gill Tarpey, Community Development Worker, writes …
The group at St. Joseph’s enjoy marking special occasions. Some members dressed in uniforms, and we decorated the hall to match the occasion. We enjoyed activities and a themed quiz on ‘all things Battle of Britain’. Some members recalled relatives who had served in the military or the Home Guard, and we listened to their stories. Home-baked cakes were shared, and a game of boccia (indoor bowls).
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