Open to read about Caritas' Work on Homelessness, Refugees and Migrants and Poverty No images? Click here Caritas Diocese of PlymouthNews UpdateMarch 2023Introduction by Canon John Deeny The Mass for the 3rd Sunday of Lent offers us the gospel reading of the story of the meeting between Jesus and the Samaritan woman. Jesus is tired and thirsty and asks the woman at the well for a drink of water. A startling action as Jews did not mix with Samaritans. Jesus goes on to have his famous discourse with the woman at the well. He offers her the water of eternal life. She is so transformed by this experience that she goes out to the local townspeople, tells people of Jesus, and many come to believe in him. The story is one of encounter between Jesus who is physically thirsty, and the woman who thirsts for something deeper. We all need the basic necessities of life: water, food, shelter, financial security; and many don’t have them. There is also that much deeper thirst we all have for true, unconditional love, companionship and to be accepted as we are. The woman finds in Jesus the mercy and love which transforms her life. Ultimately, this deeper thirst is a thirst for God. This newsletter shares information about ways in which our church can, and does, reach out to respond to those who thirst, by giving material support and signposting to those who can offer it. They are means, too, by which we draw close to the poor, elderly and those in need, and help foster a culture of encounter. Such encounters are meetings with the Lord. In the poor we see the face of Jesus; in us may they experience the mercy of Jesus, which enriches and transforms lives. We ask the Lord to bless this outreach work, and that he those we are all called to serve. If you would like to be more directly involved in the work of Caritas Plymouth, please make contact using the contact details below. Canon John Deeny COST OF LIVING CRISIS"As we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone" Caritas Diocese of Plymouth has delivered three events for parishes and schools to share resources and ideas for tackling the cost-of-living crisis. Catholic social teaching reminds us that Jesus puts the poor, the marginalised and the vulnerable as a top priority, and so must we. We are challenged to share what we don’t need when there are people who lack the necessities to live a dignified life. We can do much through prayer and almsgiving but also through listening to others and sharing information. Caritas has created a note offering ideas for support to address the cost-of-living crisis. If you would like a copy for your parish or school please email mailto:caritas@prcdtr.org.uk Caritas offers crisis grants to families and individuals in extreme hardship. Applications come through our schools and parish priests. If you would like to support our work in reaching out, your prayers and donations would be greatly appreciated. WARM SPACESIt has been inspiring to hear about the many parishes which have created a warm space during the winter months where anyone can drop in to have a tea, coffee and companionship. You can find examples of some of the great work happening on our diocesan website: JOURNEYING IN DIGNITY‘we need only have a pure and simple desire to be a people, a community, constant and tireless in the effort to include, integrate and lift up the fallen’ Fratelli Tutti #77 On 8 February, Caritas, in partnership with the Diocese of Exeter and Transforming Plymouth Together, hosted an event to celebrate the Feast of St Bakhita and to raise awareness of modern slavery. Catholic Social Teaching recognises that all human beings are our brothers and sisters belonging to one race and one human family. As Christians, we are called to reach out to those on the margins of society. We can all do something to tackle modern slavery. Find out how: REACHING OUT TO THOSE IN PRISON"The spirit of the Lord is upon me, for he has anointed me to bring good news to the afflicted. He has sent me …to let the oppressed go free". Luke 4:18Prisons Advice and Care Trust are expanding their services in prisons across the South West and will be running two roadshows in Poole and Newton Abbot to share information about their work. Registration details are at the bottom of this newsletter. We also have a wonderful reflection from one of our Prison Chaplains, Brian Bargent, about the difference that chaplaincy makes HOMES FOR UKRAINE'And now these three remain: faith, hope, and love; but the greatest of these is love.' There are still many Ukrainians looking to come to the UK to seek sanctuary from the war. Saint John of God Hospitaller Services (SJOG) and Caritas Social Action Network (CSAN) are offering a matching, training and support service under the Homes for Ukraine Scheme. If you would like to know more, we are holding an online event on Wednesday 22 March from 6-645 pm. Register below CARE FOR OUR COMMON HOME'The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands.' Laudato Si Week takes place from 21-28 May 2023. We would like to encourage parishes, individuals and groups to host screenings of Pope Francis’ film ‘The Letter’ during that week and to pray and reflect what that means for our own behaviour and practices. The Letter has exclusive dialogue with the Pope offering a revealing insight into his personal history and stories never seen since he became the Bishop of Rome. Caritas Plymouth will be sending out resources for parishes and groups to use during this week. If you plan to host a public screening you will need to register https://www.theletterfilm.org/screenings/. We have now completed the second annual update on progress in implementing the commitments in our environment policy. You can read the report below and we would love your feedback. INTERGENERATIONAL LINKING"Human beings are so made that they cannot live, develop and find fulfilment except in the sincere gift of self to others" Fratelli Tutti #87 Caritas Diocese of Plymouth has funding to support diocesan schools and parishes to link with a local care home or residential setting to promote a culture of encounter between younger and older people. You can find out more on our webpage: HOMELESSNESS"Make your own mind the mind of Jesus Christ" Philippians 2:6 Canon John Deeny, Chair of Caritas Plymouth and Declan Keogh, diocesan Trustee and Caritas Committee member, met with staff at St Petrocs Cornwall in February to hear first-hand about the challenges facing those who are homeless or vulnerably housed. In 2022 St Petrocs saw unprecedented demand for their services but have responded by providing support to over 1200 people. If you want to find out more about how you can help those who are homeless, Caritas has created a guidance note. UPDATES FROM OUR PARTNERSCATHOLIC CHILDREN'S SOCIETY (PLYMOUTH)The Trustees of CCSP are thrilled to announce that their former Chair has been awarded a Papal Medal. Shelagh worked tirelessly for the society as a Trustee and Chair over many years. This award is a very well deserved achievement. We wish her and her family joy in its celebration and pray for her and her wonderful family. CCSP are currently looking for enthusiastic trustees who can commit to serving on the board. Find out more here: UPCOMING EVENTS Prisons Advice and Care Trust Roadshows – events in Poole and Newton Abbot. Come along and find out more about Prisons Ministry and how you can get involved at one of two events from 10.00-1.30 Homes for Ukraine Online Event 22nd March from 6-6.45 pm. |