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Hope for the Future
-Psalm 119:105
A hope-filled future is one that awaits us down a well-lit path. Much of the work of the Charity is directed at lighting the way for all whom it serves: through the education provided in the Catholic schools of the diocese, through the accompaniment and formation of those who find their path leads to a religious vocation, and through youth and adult faith formation. The kindly light of Christ that is shared in all these ministries and activities is offered in order that those who receive it may become kindly lights themselves, caring for each other and for our common home with dedication, generosity, and love at every stage of their lives.
Fr Ben Woodley (L) and Fr Julian Davies (R) were ordained to the priesthood in 2019. They join the hundreds of priests in the Diocese of Westminster who minister in parishes, hospitals, hospices, universities, schools and other settings, serving their congregations and other people in the wider community in a variety of ways, both spiritual and temporal.
Pupils from primary schools around the diocese gathered in Westminster Cathedral for the Mass concluding Adoremus: Our Eucharistic Journey.
Pupils from St Gregory’s Catholic Science College in Kenton, taking part in the RHS Big Soup Share, turned produce, grown in the school’s eco-garden, into a hearty soup for homeless guests of Ealing Abbey Soup Kitchen. This is one of many examples of community outreach in diocesan schools, forming an important aspect of Catholic education, teaching pupils the significance of caring for others and for the environment. The school has also won the Green Flag Award for four consecutive years for its work in teaching and involving pupils in good environmental practices.
Care for the environment is increasingly important in the diocese and is reflected in the Investment Policy, the move towards green energy for parishes and schools, incorporating environmentally sensitive methods and materials in new buildings and renovations where possible, and the work of parish and school communities in promoting good practices.
St Augustine’s Priory School in Ealing has its own farm, allotment and orchard of ancient apple and pear trees, all of which are managed and run by pupils of all ages. (These pupils are preparing heritage apples for pressing into cider.) The care and cultivation of these grounds improves the environmental health of the whole area of Ealing, acting as green lungs and refreshing the air from the pollution of the busy North Circular.
