Mosaic Lent 2024 by RCWestminster

Lent 2024

Your acts of kindness are like pieces in God’s mosaic of hope in action around the Diocese

Responding with love... Richard Harries, the new Director of Caritas Westminster, sets out his hopes for social action in the diocese over the next decade. Looking back, I consider it an intriguing coincidence that my personal epiphany should have occurred around the same time that Francis’ predecessor, Pope Benedict, posed his simple question to the Bishops of England and Wales, “Where is Caritas?” The author of Deus Caritas Est, fully aware of the excellent work of CAFOD and the myriad other Catholic charities in this country, was surprised to find no expression of social action at the diocesan level. In this, he was surely prophetic. Since then, we’ve had a decade of austerity; a nation torn apar t by Brexit; communities traumatised by Covid; families struggling to make ends meet through a cost-of-living crisis Continued on page 2 Richard Harries, the new Director of Caritas Westminster

I will never forget the ﬁrst time I stepped inside Westminster Cathedral. Finding myself in Victoria with some free time between meetings, and having taken the ﬁrst tentative steps toward my eventual reception into the Catholic Church, I thought I might just pop my head in and have a look around. What I saw swept me away.

In between the penitents queuing for confession and the tourists wandering aimlessly, I found myself drawn to the many and varied mosaics which seem to shine out from ever y direction. The fish scale ceiling of the Chapel of St Andrew, the glorious image of the Holy Family in the Chapel of St Joseph. That it was the beauty of the place that caught my eye should have come as no surprise. As Pope Francis says in Evangelii Gaudium, “Ever y form of catechesis would do well to attend to the ‘way of beauty.’”

Contents 2

Responding with love continued

Celebrating Volunteers

4-5

The Cardinal’s Appeal changing lives

The next generation: exploring the presence of God

Bakhita House: Rose’s story

Father Dominic’s legacy

Sr Christine Frost receives the Lifetime Achievement Award

Continued from page 1 unprecedented in recent memory. As Christians, we have always sought to love our neighbours, but that second great commandment of our Lord seems more literal and urgent now than ever. How should the Church respond? The answer, of course, is that we should respond with love, with caritas. And this is what Caritas Westminster has been doing so successfully over its first decade. Under my predecessor, John Coleby, we have provided food to families in need, shelter to those escaping modern slavery, pastoral support to the Deaf community, education to those with intellectual disabilities, and so much more. None of this would have been possible without your generous suppor t over the years. Thank you. I see each of these projects, each of these acts of kindness, as brilliant but delicate tiles in a much larger mosaic. On their own, any one of them may Volunteer seem insignificant and insufficient to the

challenge we face. But if we step back for a moment and look at the bigger picture, a pattern begins to emerge, a pattern of love in action as glorious as any realworld mosaic. Of course, Westminster Cathedral is famous not only for its beautiful mosaics but also for their incompleteness. In a similar way, our work at Caritas remains essentially incomplete. “The poor you have with you always,” says the Lord, and with national debt hovering around 100% and many councils teetering on the verge of bankruptcy, it seems the next decade will be no easier than the last for those on the very margins of society. In the face of this ongoing need I see an oppor tunity for the Church to show the world what Christianity in the twenty-first century looks like. Steeped in our history of Catholic social teaching, rooted in our parishes and schools, and driven by a vision of society where all are valued and can ﬂourish, I Act Share Give see an oppor tunity for the Diocese of

Westminster to present a different vision of mutual aid, a better way for families and communities to suppor t each other. With your ongoing prayers and financial suppor t, and by attending closely to what parishioners themselves say are the priorities locally, I see a wonderful oppor tunity for Caritas Westminster to continue to respond with love to the spiritual and material needs of all who live and work in the diocese. Together we can fulfil the obligation placed on us all at the end of every Mass, to go in peace, glorifying the Lord by our lives. Caritas Westminster is working towards a society where all are respected and can live a life of dignity and worth. Scan here to ﬁnd out more:

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If you’re considering remembering our work in the diocese in your will, whether to your parish, priest training, the support of our sick or retired priests, the Cathedral, or simply where the need is greatest, we are very grateful. You can ﬁnd out more at www.rcdow.org.uk/donations/legacy or email supportercare@rcdow.org.uk

Celebrating Volunteers There are over 40,000 volunteer roles in our diocese. This year, there’s a chance to celebrate all those who give their time and energy as volunteers, with the 2024 Love in Action Volunteering Awards.

In a care home in Ashford, eight children are spending the afternoon with elderly residents. There’s singing, dancing, laughter and chat, all rounded off with tea and cakes. Over in Welwyn Garden City, a lady called Janet Lewis is visiting someone who’s housebound, just

as she’s done for the last 20 years. And in central London, the Soup Run Team are chopping carrots and peeling potatoes ready for another evening when they’ll feed the local homeless community. These are just some of the remarkable volunteers who give their time and talents to serve across the Diocese of Westminster, and they were all recognised in our 2022 volunteer awards. This year, we will be celebrating the amazing contribution of even more volunteers at the 2024 Love in Action Awards.

Starting young “Most people don’t realise how enjoyable it is to be a volunteer, but it feels good to make someone happy.” Grace Wills is not your average 16-yearold. In 2022 she was the runner-up for the Love in Action Young Volunteer of the Year Award. Today, as well as studying for her GCSEs, Grace volunteers 10 hours a week at her local community shop, based at Our Lady Immaculate and St Andrew Church in Hitchin.

“Volunteers don’t just do the work, they build community. They enrich the life of the whole parish. My hope is that, through the Love in Action Awards, volunteers will get the recognition they so deserve.” During Lent, nominations will open for the 2024 awards. There are categories for schools, parishes, and more. Winners will be chosen by a diverse panel of men and women, representing volunteers, staff and clergy. The awards evening will take place at Westminster Cathedral Hall in November. For Elke, who’s been supporting volunteers in the diocese since 2018, it’s an opportunity to raise the profile of volunteering as well as celebrate achievement.

“We basically get food donations and buy food in, then people come and pay £5 and go home with £25 worth of food,” said Grace. “I help set up on Thursday nights, then I’m there all day on Saturday chatting to people, stafﬁng the tills, or playing with children while the parents shop.”

“Most helpers get a thank you, but the truth is, no parish or social action project in our diocese could run without these incredible volunteers,” says Elke Springett, Volunteer Coordinator at Caritas Westminster.

Grace Wills receiving her certiﬁcate from His Eminence for Young Volunteer of the Year Award – Runner Up

It’s a commitment many of her friends don’t understand, but for Grace, volunteering has become a way of life. “My friends ask why I’m working when I don’t get paid, but when I wake up on Saturdays and know I’m at the community shop, I just feel happy,” said Grace. “I’ve met people I wouldn’t meet otherwise, like rough sleepers and asylum seekers from places like Afghanistan and Iran, and I love listening to their stories. It’s very rewarding to be part of this community, and I don’t think I’ll ever stop volunteering.”

“I did not see I had done anything special, but I love the work I do. There’s no doubt the charity I support is helping to bring about the Janet Lewis, parish social action volunteer winner 2022 kingdom of heaven.”

“Jesus himself came to serve, and part of our faith is a call to service,” said Elke. “From musicians to tea-makers, social action workers to welcomers, every volunteering act is a way to live out your faith and grow in discipleship. As Teresa of Avila says ‘Christ has no hands and feet but ours.’” Do you know someone who goes above and beyond for their parish? Want to celebrate the unseen work of a parish volunteer? Scan here to ﬁnd out how to nominate them for this year’s volunteer awards:

Volunteer

MOSAIC • Lent 2024

Countless lives changed, resto renewed and inspired by you In 2015, we launched the Cardinal’s Appeal in the Diocese of Westminster. Five years later, we were able to say that your support had changed many thousand lives. Take a moment to see just how much more is being achieved today.

Caritas Food 19,983

6,101

In total, individuals from households have now been suppor ted through the Caritas Supermarket Voucher scheme. In 2023 so far,

2,694

902

individuals from across have been suppor ted through the scheme.

143

Parishes suppor ting food provision across the diocese (as of Nov’23)

of which over

households

are foodbanks based at parishes and schools across the diocese

Schools suppor ting food provision across the diocese (as of Nov’23)

Caritas Bakhita House Ambassadors

(as of Nov’23)

Seeds Hub Star ting in 2018, they’ve extended their

100

suppor t to over businesses by offering star t-up suppor t through mentoring and workshops, and providing them with a dedicated workspace in Wembley.

par ticipants were directly suppor ted through their programmes during 2023.

188

guests have stayed at the house since opening in 2015,

In total, schools have taken par t since the Catholic social teaching programme was piloted in 2019.

of whom have stayed there at some point during 2023.

babies have been born to guests whilst they were staying here.

schools took par t during the 22/23 school year.

during the 23/24 school year (some par ticipated in both years).

stored, ou…

68 nominations were received for the 2022 Love in Action Awards Lent nominations are open for the 2024 awards Signs of Hope clients 238

counselling sessions have been attended by

Warm Spaces 20 projects which received a warm spaces grant last winter

566

were able to suppor t people (Nov’22-March’23)

clients during 2023.

Grants 38,142

individuals have been suppor ted by social action projects, who received project grants through the St John Southwor th Fund.

FUNERAL AND CRISIS GRANTS Funeral Grants St Joseph’s 202

This year, students with intellectual disabilities have been suppor ted across the centres at Hendon, Hounslow and Feltham.

Since 2016, Caritas Westminster has been able to distribute

£443,998

to over In 2023,

300 £54,148

households struggling with the cost of a loved one’s funeral. has been distributed to almost (through a third par ty donor).

lifelong learning courses are currently on offer to students.

Deaf Service 38

In 2023, there have been signed or interpreted Masses which the Caritas Deaf Service have suppor ted.

households

Crisis Grants Since 2016, Caritas Westminster has been able to distribute

£285,341 280 £44,003 to over

or crisis. In 2023,

households facing financial hardship

has been distributed to (through the St John Southwor th Fund).

households

5 MOSAIC • Lent 2024

“Young people learn that they have great value and they are worthy of love.” Callum Moore, Youth Leader For young people who become actively involved, there are leadership roles that see them running activities, liaising regularly with Callum.

With your support, young people are exploring the presence of God in their lives, and ﬁnding joy, faith and community.

“With activities like icon painting,” says Callum, “the young people have far exceeded my expectations or even my own abilities!”

The Diocese of Westminster’s Youth Ministry are encouraging the faith of the next generation and inspiring our future community leaders.

The result of your kind support is that Catholic life is thriving in the school. Faith is helping young people to lead their lives in a loving and caring way.

An inspiring example of how young people can grow stronger in faith and put their beliefs in action in the service of others is the partnership between John F Kennedy Catholic School and the Hemel parishes in the work of Youth Ministry’s evangelisation. Callum Moore works as a youth leader in the secondary school and also in the Hemel parishes. “When I began work in the school, there was a small group of students attending morning prayers,” he explains. “But the number of young people actively participating increases each year.” During every school day, there are opportunities for the students, aged 11-18, to explore, deepen or practise their faith. “We meet young people where they are,” Callum says. “So, we run after school clubs four afternoons a week that include beekeeping and martial arts.These are practical activities that enable a young person to have some clear headspace, so it can be a good time to have conversations about faith.” Those conversations can start a young person on a journey that enables them to live their faith in school, at home, and in the wider community. “We follow a structure that’s described in a book called ‘Forming Intentional Disciples’ by Sherry Weddell,” explains Callum. “It takes a young person through ﬁve stages: connection, encounter, conversion of heart, formation and leadership.”

“All of our work is rooted in Catholic social teaching,” says Callum.“We want young people to know they have value. They are loved. “

Icon painting activity with young Catholics in Hemel

There are regular, spiritual touch points throughout the school week. One of the best attended is Eucharistic Adoration. “During Eucharistic Adoration, the Church is silent. It’s a time for reﬂection.You might not expect a restless teenager to be drawn in, but we’ve had as many as 250 students attending,” says Callum.“They stay for as little or as long as they want.” Callum has found that young people welcome the dignity of Catholic ceremony. “They tell me they like the incense, candles and the purposeful quiet of prayer.” Participation is increasing across the board. The number of altar servers has grown from none to 18. Student prayer meetings, which once had 30 attendees, now have 100. And confirmation groups have risen from 20 to 40, sometimes up to 60. Having become active in their faith in school, the next step is often to become active members of their parishes.

“Some young people don’t come from families That first act of connection might be as who regularly attend Mass, so we may invite simple as coming to light a candle at break them to attend a parish Mass or to take on the time, staying on to listen to a Bible reading, then going on to attend the weekly Mass in role of reader,” explains Callum.“Young people are encouraged to stay after Mass, socialise, and school, getting involved in debating, public Share Give Volunteer become part of the community.” speaking or creative activities like icon painting.

They are encouraged and supported to find where their strengths and talents lie, and to take on a leadership role if they want to. This can be a model for later life, with young people going on to live their faith in the wider world, and inﬂuence it for the better.

St Michael, Archangel

To ﬁnd out more about Youth Ministry and how your support can inspire our young Catholics, scan here:

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Caritas Bakhita House, building bridges and rebuilding lives since 2015 Rose is a guest at Caritas Bakhita House. Here is her story in numbers. Up to 21 years normal but

strict upbringing

21 years University studying

finance and accounting. Her dream comes true

1st boyfriend met

Each woman has a bespoke support plan, ideally created within the first 48 hours of her arrival. It covers every part of her life, and where she requires help that help is given. This could be a plan to travel home safely to family and receive support in her own country, or help to obtain the documents she is entitled to, so she can claim asylum and live independently in the UK. It may also include supporting her to assist the Police with ongoing investigations.

£2,000 sold by her father into 19th June 2016 day of marriage but Rose ran away with her boyfriend to Italy

30 days of happiness

£3,000 sold by her boyfriend to another man

and sexually exploited

549 days or 1 year 6 months 5-15 clients a day

10 clients a day on average 7 days a week

£30 spent by each client

£164,700 to her trafficker £0 to Rose

1 Chance to escape, taken Rose arrived at Caritas Bakhita House, traumatised and fearful, without hope, love, or a family. When guests like Rose arrive, we try to help them to rebuild their lives, and most importantly, to want to move forward. We start with the basics. A warm room of their own, clean clothing, plentiful food, and most importantly, people who listen. We listen to everything they want to tell us. For them, being able to share is an important first step on the bridge we want to build, a bridge of trust. Without this bridge, helping is impossible.

Some women need therapy to deal with their trauma. At Bakhita House, we provide music, art, drama therapy, gardening, and gym passes. We refer them through different agencies for counselling. We bake together, and show them the simple things that are often missed. This week the ‘making the best roast potato’ lesson was appreciated by all! One of our support workers trained as a swim coach, as many of our guests have been trafficked by boat and so have an enhanced fear of water: it also allows them to go swimming with each other, which is mentally and physically very good for them, as well as great fun.

marriage with a much older man

19th July 2016 18th January 2018 Trafficked

terrifying for the women. They simply don’t believe they are entitled to be in control of anything.

Getting back on their feet

Unable to access any medical care for years, guests often need medical care, for things such as eyes, teeth, and sexual health. Recently a woman arrived after 25 years in domestic servitude. She rarely left the house as her exploiters feared she may abscond. Her body had little immunity to anything, and so she is very susceptible to viruses and infections. She had no dental or eye care for that 25-year period and needed a hearing aid. Another woman, who arrived after 14 years of sexual exploitation, had only three teeth and many invisible illnesses eating away at her body. Immediate medical care was required. Some women are illiterate when they arrive as our guests, so as well as English lessons, we try to find someone who speaks their language and who can teach them to read and write in their own language. This brings great comfort to them. We have a volunteer who teaches maths, but often this covers money and budgeting. Imagine never having had control of your own money, and then suddenly find yourself being in control. Share That first-everVolunteer visit to the bank is often

Our volunteers are invaluable, and an impor tant par t of our family. Speaking with the women in their own language, accompanying them to appointments, such as the solicitor, dentist, or bank. Teaching them English or how to use the computer. Taking them on outings such as to the park, museum, or simply walking the dog. Things we may take for granted, but they have never been able to do. We are proud of the 188 women we have assisted, and especially of how they have fought back. Thanks to your continued support to the Cardinal’s Lenten Appeal, Rose who we read about at the beginning of this article, has a wonderful new life. She has now finished her education, and gone on to secure a degree in finance and accounting. She has a new family, having welcomed a beautiful baby into the world. She has her own life back, one filled with hope, and not fear. Caritas Bakhita House works to support women who have been rescued from slavery. If you would like to ﬁnd out more, or to support the work at Caritas Bakhita House, scan here:

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MOSAIC • Lent 2024

Learn

Warmth. Kindness. Food. Dignity.

Father Dominic’s legacy lives on in Borehamwood. The foodbank continues to be open two days a week for people experiencing food poverty. There’s also support for families during the school holidays, and assistance to meet the cost of school uniforms.Yet all this represents only a part of Father Dominic’s legacy. His other key initiatives were:

Father Dominic McKenna died in October 2023 but the legacy he left to the people of Borehamwood is immeasurable. Father Dominic spoke at an event to mark Borehamwood Foodbank’s 10th anniversary in June 2023. It was to be one of his last public appearances.

Camp Unity, an annual summer camp that brought together children of different faiths for a week of camping locally and taking part in activities to build a sense of community and understanding.

“When we ﬁrst opened our doors 10 years ago, we never realised the full extent of food poverty in our area.” Father Dominic said that day. “The need for our help just keeps rising.”

Father Dominic went to Borehamwood in 2010. Plans were made for a foodbank that would be part of the Trussell Trust network and operate out of St Teresa’s church hall. The newly formed Caritas Westminster provided support to help set up the new foodbank. Judith had a significant role in giving the foodbank its own base. “My husband and I had a construction company, and we had to move out of our yard. We had a doublesized cabin and asked if it would be suitable for the foodbank.” Ten years on, the foodbank continues to operate from that cabin, with two more added. The foodbank wrapped itself around the church and the community wrapped itself around the foodbank to meet the growing need for support.

A monthly Sunday meal, which often had over 100 guests. Father Dominic loved to cook, and he understood the connections that form when people break bread together. Father Dominic at the Borehamwood Foodbank One of Father Dominic’s many strengths was bringing together the many faiths in the community. Foodbank volunteers came forward from all faiths and none, bonded together by their shared humanity and their wish to help the most vulnerable local families. “Some big food donations came in,” remembers Judith.“At the time, people couldn’t attend Mass in person, and so food was stored in the Church. Father Dominic used to say he preached to the baked beans!” In 10 years, Borehamwood Foodbank had supported a total of 48,648 people, providing food for 437,832 meals. As well as benefitting from Cardinal’s Appeal funding, the foodbank has also been supported by Volunteer Caritas Westminster.

Fr Dominic’s commitment was undimmed during the pandemic: the foodbank stayed open, adapting to meet the regulations in place. Fr Dominic was greatly loved by so many. “He treated everyone with equal warmth and understanding,” says Judith. “He was so formative to the foodbank he’s part of our DNA.” If you are inspired by Father Dominic and the Borehamwood Foodbank team’s mission, contact Caritas Westminster to ﬁnd out more about food outreach across the diocese. Please scan here:

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Judith Elders, a parishioner who went on to become the foodbank’s Operations Director, remembers the very first discussions. “Father Dominic had previously worked in Camden, where he said you could reach out and touch poverty. Here in Borehamwood, he felt it was less visible, but still present.”

Leading the Good Friday Walk of Witness. People joined the walk from the Baptist Church in the High Street to the Catholic Church.

Act