The Transformative Power of Hope

‘The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness, on them has light shined.’

-Isaiah 9:2

There are myriad reasons why many persons live without hope: unrelenting poverty, deep loneliness and isolation, abuse, fear of violence, difficulty finding a place to fit in, or never quite being able to acquire the skills or resources to pursue their ambitions. No matter the cause of the darkness, the diocese tries to shine a light, offering food and shelter to those in poverty, a refuge to victims of violence and abuse, belonging to those dwelling on the margins of society, and meaning for those who find the world altogether without purpose. The light of the Christ transforms the lives of those it touches, allowing them to take a step, even a small one, when previously many felt trapped in the darkness, unable to move forward.

Caritas Food Collective (CFC) staff and volunteers prepare food parcels for families participating in the October half-term holiday clubs to take home at the end of the day. In 2019, the CFC and Felix Project distributed the equivalent of over 7,000 meals.

Pupils from St John XXIII Primary School in White City visit the free food stall set up for families to supplement their provisions with fresh produce and packaged foods, donated by the Felix Project who redistribute good quality food from shops which, would have gone to waste, to those who need it most.

Children join in activities at one of the half-term holiday clubs while CFC staff, volunteers and parents together prepare lunch for all to share, promoting a sense of empowerment and community among parents. The first clubs took place during the October half-term, when lunch was prepared for 400 adults and children, and food parcels were given to the families to take home (see left). The clubs were so successful that they have been extended in 2020, proving a lifeline for many families during the lockdown.