Profile

Last year when I started as Cafod’s new Director, I could never have imagined that in less than twelve months, a global Coronavirus pandemic would be unleashed on the world.

We’ve had to change the way we work at Cafod: from remote home working to engaging with our amazing supporters online and ensuring our programme teams around the world have the resources they need to respond to COVID-19 in vulnerable communities.

We now face a global crisis and while nobody knows where it will leave us in a year’s time. One thing is for sure: we will all be changed, but Cafod’s vision and purpose remains.

Spending more time at home than most of us are used to, has led many, including myself, to embrace this pause and enter a period of reflection.

The first time I worked for Cafod, I was in my early twenties, I’d just left a job at Justice and Peace in Liverpool, and I was excited to start my journey working on international development projects. Exactly three decades on, I’ve returned to Cafod and in my first year, I’ve seen that Cafod’s sense of vision, mission and purpose has never been stronger.

We’ve launched ‘Our Common Home’, a blueprint for our future. Inspired by Pope Francis’s call for an ecological conversion, we are working to create a stronger, more integrated approach to our work, people, communities and the environment.

A few months into my role at Cafod, I travelled to the Democratic Republic of Congo. There, I met women who were survivors of violence and abuse – their determination, in the face of their traumatic experiences, an ongoing conflict, and the Ebola epidemic – was humbling. They were focussed on rebuilding their lives determined to succeed at being independent.

The women were part of a programme run by Centre Olame where they learnt skills that they could turn into businesses. Among these were soap making: a skill and a product that will be vital in fighting the spread of COVID-19.

Growing up in Crosby, Liverpool, I’ve been acutely aware of how we, as Liverpudlians, have always been able to show generosity and compassion towards others, often when we are

Christine Allen

Coronavirus is changing the way we work but our commitments to the most vulnerable remain steadfast by Christine Allen, Director of Cafod

dealing with our own hardships. That solidarity, being able to walk with our sisters and brothers in need, is at the heart of putting our faith into action.

The Catholic community across Liverpool and the rest of England and Wales is the backbone of Cafod. The parishes, schools, and individuals trust us, our church agencies and local experts to reach families most in need with the emergency aid, training and resources they need to flourish. This commitment has transformed lives.

To see this interconnectedness and understand how connected we are not only as people but in the issues we face, is absolutely essential and critical in driving Cafod’s work overseas and in our faith communities across England and Wales.

In the past few weeks, we’ve already seen the significant impact that the Coronavirus is having not only here in the UK but in vulnerable communities in the developing world. We know that this situation is becoming an unprecedented crisis which we, our church agencies, and local experts, are already responding to. Our common humanity calls on us to act and respond to the needs of people in the best way can.

Cafod sits on the mighty shoulders of the National Board of Catholic Women and four feisty women; Elspeth Orchard, Jackie Stuyt-Simpson, Evelyn White and Nora Warrington, who showed excellence in their commitment to bring about change through innovation, creating Family Fast Days to save the lives of malnourished babies on the Caribbean island of Dominica.

As the first female Director I am acutely conscious of the debt we owe to these women. It inspires us to keep fighting to create a fairer and kinder world that puts the ‘God-given right’ of dignity at the centre of all that we do. I see it daily in the women in communities across the world who are making such a difference.

Of course I also see that energy here at home with the Catholic community across England and Wales. They are the lynchpin that enables us to continue innovative programme work, to reach the most vulnerable and marginalised people in some of the world’s poorer nations. I am constantly humbled by how Cafod is such an expression of the love, solidarity and desire for justice that is what it means to be a Catholic.

St Cuthbert’s say ‘Thank you’ to carers

St Cuthbert’s Catholic High School in St Helens have proudly played their part in thanking carers for the work they do in these very trying times. Headteacher, Catherine Twist, said: “It’s been a period of change at St Cuthbert’s. Almost 900 of our students are adjusting to learning at home and we have welcomed the children of some of our region’s incredible key workers. “These individuals, working in hospitals, out in our communities and in our supermarkets to keep our country safe, fed and healthy, have been at the forefront of our minds. “Ahead of the nationwide #ClapForOurCarers, St Cuthbert’s English teacher, Mrs Sharples took a crate of freshly sanitised eye protectors from our science department to healthcare workers at Manchester Royal Infirmary, along with some thank you letters from our students. “We were pleased to be able to help in a small way and extend the enormous gratitude we feel for their hard work and sacrifice at this time.”

Happy birthday Margie!

Staff and pupils from English Martyrs Catholic Primary School in Litherland didn’t let the lockdown stop them from wishing a happy birthday to one of their favourite key workers. Margaret Collins who has worked at the school since 2008 was celebrating her 80th birthday and the staff and pupils wanted to celebrate her birthday with her, but due to the Corona Virus lockdown it meant that Margaret could not visit the school. The school decided that if Margaret could not come to the school and with permission from the pupils' parents, the pupils would visit Margaret as she only lived around the corner. The children visited Margaret and from a safe social distance staff and pupils gave her a rousing rendition of ‘Happy Birthday’, they made her a special birthday card and also sent her a lovely bouquet of flowers to wish her well. Headteacher Mr Dinsdale, said: “We went to surprise Margaret at her home as we wanted to give her a special birthday wish, as we would have done so had we been in school together. “We all sang happy birthday to Margaret who is 80 years young, she is also the eldest member of our welfare staff here at English Martyrs and has been working at our school for over 12 years. Margaret said that she was overwhelmed with joy and that she had had a better birthday than the Queen!

A teacher’s view

Newly qualified teacher Shaun O’Hara explains how one diocesan primary school, St Gregory’s in Lydiate, has responded to the shutdown. It is fair to say that this is not exactly how I saw my NQT year playing out. Only a term and a half into my first year of teaching and I, like all teachers, have faced a problem that no training course can help you with. It was on Wednesday 18 March, that confirmation came. Earlier in the day, it was announced that all schools in Scotland and Wales were to close, so it was assumed that we would follow suit. Later, at prime minister Boris Johnson’s 5pm press conference, what had seemed inevitable became fact. Fortunately, Wednesday is the day of our staff meeting at St Gregory’s, allowing us to have our very own Cobra meeting in preparation. In that afternoon meeting, we discussed how to help our pupils and we shared resources that could be used for home learning. We made several ‘educated guesses’ at what home learning would look like and, ultimately, decided on a weekly project for each year group incorporating the main skills from all of the different curriculum subjects. We then went our separate ways to create our learning projects, before regrouping again at 5pm to watch the broadcast together. It was a strange sensation for me. I was anxious but, strangely, excited. This whole experience felt significant, like we were a part of history. I will probably never forget where I was when we heard the news that we would be closing. As the prime minister uttered the words ‘until further notice’, it became apparent very quickly that this was going to be a marathon and not a sprint. However, the most important task was still to come. We still had two days left with the children in school and, as always, they were our priority. For those two days, we were able to provide some structure and normality for the children before their whole world turned upside down. My school dealt with the initial upheaval superbly and all staff have worked tirelessly since, providing home-learning support as well as supervision of the children of key workers who are still coming into school. A rota has been put in place with several staff members per day coming in to provide this supervision. As for the children, they will no doubt be scared, unsettled and confused (as we all are) but you would never know it. They have brought colour into a dark world with their beautiful drawings; rainbows adorning the windows of every street. They, alongside their parents, deserve a huge pat on the back for all they have achieved so far. We have been keeping in touch over Google Classroom, allowing them to interact and share news of their home activities. They can post whenever they want, and we teachers then comment on their activities and respond to their questions. I have been setting my pupils challenges around Music and Art mainly, so that parents always have activities at hand to keep their children busy. While this does not make up for the time I have lost with them, it is comforting for all of us – and their continued desire for new learning is inspiring. It is nice to know too that, even when they are away from school, they sometimes still need their teacher’s help! I have no idea when I will return to work, nor do I know which class will be staring up at me on our first day back. But I do know that we will come back with a stronger sense of community than ever before. It is important to remember that the brightest of rainbows follow the darkest of storms. The children have known that all along.

Join The Virtual Super Choir!

Calling all teachers and support staff from Catholic schools and colleges in the North West! The Educate Awards is delighted to launch The Virtual Super Choir to celebrate the fantastic spirit currently being demonstrated to maintain education, learning and support for our young people. Following the great success of the ‘We Are All Stars’ single for Children in Need in 2018, the Educate Awards has teamed up again with Formby High and North Star Digital to create a virtual choir and come together in song during these uncertain times. To celebrate and support the work of our heroes in education, the team is searching for teachers and support staff to sing David Bowie’s iconic hit ‘Heroes’. It doesn’t matter whether you’re a trained professional or you just like to sing in the

shower, The Virtual Super Choir welcomes all abilities. This exciting collaboration is the first of its kind for education in the North West and the Educate Awards is excited to be leading the way! Speaking about The Virtual Super Choir, Educate Awards founder Kim O’Brien, said: “We are firm supporters of the arts in schools and colleges and the idea of a virtual choir, especially during this time, felt so right in order to bring everyone together. “We are encouraging all members of staff to get involved and you don’t have to be a seasoned professional to take part.” Kim added: “A huge thank you to our friends at Formby High and North Star Digital who will be putting together the final track. We cannot wait to hear it!”. To get involved, head to educateawards.co.uk/virtual-super-choir/ and follow the simple guidelines and get singing - the deadline to submit videos is Wednesday 13 May! For more information and if you have any technical questions, email: virtualchoir2020@formbyhighschool.com.

New prayer garden for St Bartholomew’s

Staffs and pupils at St Bartholomew’s Catholic Primary in Rainhill have been keeping themselves busy during the Covid-19 lockdown. Teaching assistant Mrs O’Neill and pupils of key workers at the school along with the schools gardener have been doing a tremendous job of creating a new prayer garden for the pupils when the school returns to normal. Acting deputy headteacher, Helen Forrest, said: “We have been working hard to create a prayer garden and are very excited see it progressing. It is going to be a peaceful reflection area for our pupils and staff! “It has been a lovely activity for our pupils of key workers to undertake at this time and has enabled them to work as a team to create peaceful haven for the rest of the school. “We are also placing two new prayer benches in the garden for pupils to relax and reflect. “As soon as the garden is completed and we welcome the pupils back Fr Philip Swanson has agreed to come and visit us and bless the garden.

Boost for care home residents and staff

Staff and students at Bellerive FCJ Catholic College have shown their appreciation for those working in the caring professions by making care packages for distribution to staff in hospitals and care homes. Thousands of items have been donated to allow care packages to be put together compromising of toiletries, sweets and other items to give the staff a boost. So far over 120 packs have been delivered already to care homes in Liverpool and Sefton with more to follow. Deputy headteacher, Paul McMenamin said: “In the 200th anniversary year of the FCJ society, we believe it is particularly important to reach out to those who do so much for the most vulnerable in society. “Bellerive, like many schools, has also helped produce numerous items of PPE for use in hospitals and care settings in support of the national emergency. A huge thank you to our staff and an even bigger thank you to those working in the NHS and caring professions for all that they do”.

James rides 26km for Nugent!

Brother James Hayes, Chaplain at St Francis Xavier’s College, Liverpool took on the #TwoPointSixChallenge in aid of Nugent on Sunday 26 April. Jim, ‘mad keen on cycling’, has completed 15 sponsored cycles for charity and last week completed a 26km cycle, coming 128th out of 264 starters from around the world, which is a fantastic achievement! However, Brother James didn’t stop there and on Sunday evening he completed a further 26km as part of the Tour of Switzerland Race, and took part in the Fan Race. All of this from his back garden in virtual races! This isn’t Jim’s first ride for Nugent, in 2018 Jim rode over 800 miles for Nugent from Liverpool to Walsingham and back, via Lindasfarne off the northeast coast, raising over £3000. To find out more on Brother James’ personal challenge and to sponsor his fantastic fundraising efforts for Nugent, please visit his online giving page at: https://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/BrotherJa mesHayes Brother James Hayes is College Chaplain and part-time teacher of music, RE and film studies in a Liverpool boys comprehensive run by his order, St Francis Xavier’s College.

A member of the Order of De La Mennais Brothers, Brother Jim was born in Southampton but has been based in Liverpool since completing a music degree at Liverpool University, and it was shortly after, in 1990, that he joined the order.

Students visit Maryton Carmelite Monastery Earlier this year a group of eighteen students from Carmel College in St Helens had the rare opportunity to visit the Maryton Carmelite Monastery in Allerton. It was the first visit, which the college hoped was one of many, to establish links between the college and the Monastery. It is part of the college’s ongoing effort to explore their heritage, looking at the history and foundations of Carmel. Head of RE, Sarah Daley, said: “During the visit the students listened to a talk by Sister Mary Pia. They gained some fantastic insights into the significance of Mount Carmel. This included stories of Elijah, the hermit communities and the move of the Carmelite nuns to England. “The group had the opportunity to identify key themes from the information they received, including the importance of silence and contemplation. Students and staff also joined the midday prayers with the Sisters in the fantastic chapel at Maryton. “It was an absolute privilege to visit the contemplative order and we are extremely grateful to Sister Mary Pia and all at Maryton”. Further visits will focus more on the lives of the Carmelite Saints.

ASFA creates and donates for the NHS

Staff at the Academy of St Francis of Assisi (ASFA) have been working hard to create parts for face shields for the Merseyside PPE Hub. Whilst it is closed to students, some members of the team have been in school, being careful to adhere to social distancing rules, to cut out the head band and visor strap elements using the laser cutter in the design and technology department. So far, the school has cut over 600 parts which have been donated to Merseyside PPE Hub. The hub has been working tirelessly with schools and businesses around the city to collect PPE supplies and donating them to the NHS. Kevin Maddocks, head of school at ASFA, said: “Whilst we continue to adapt to our new way of working, I am incredibly proud of the staff involved in helping make these face shields. “I am pleased that, as an academy, we can help make a difference to those who are on the front line in this pandemic. If in some small way we can help save lives, that will help us to continue developing our core values, even when the academy is closed.”

Science teacher, Dan Boyle, had a great idea to highlight the wonderful work that was going on by past students of St John Bosco Arts College who are now employed as key workers. This was the school’s way of recognising their fabulous contribution to society especially at this time of crisis. The college used its social media platforms to reach out to their past students who are key workers. The response was wonderful and there is an increasing number of past students being added to the dedicated webpage. The reaction from staff and students at the college has been a huge sense of pride. Many staff have remembered with fondness the students they taught and are so proud of what their wonderful students have gone on to achieve and how they are going the extra mile during this unprecedented time. They are a living example of the ethos of the college and how loving kindness can impact the community in so many ways. Headteacher, Darren Gidman, says “We are so proud of all our students’ past and present in the way they are coping at this difficult time. We are delighted to be able to share with the whole community the outstanding work of our students who have gone on to become key workers as a small way to thank them for their dedication and hard work”. Two examples of our ex-students are right:

Key Worker Alumni

Name: Cassidy Dolan Job Role: Neonatal Nurse Current Setting: Liverpool Women’s Hospital Year left school: 2016

Name: Emily Neild Job Role: Nurse Current Setting: Aintree University Hospital (Working with Covid Patients) Year left school: 2014