Today is the Second World Day of the Poor; Pope Francis’ words from this day last year continue to inspire us: “Blessed are the open hands that embrace the poor and help them: they are hands that bring hope. Blessed are the hands that reach beyond every barrier of culture, religion and nationality, and pour the balm of consolation over the wounds of humanity. Blessed are the open hands that ask nothing in exchange, with no “ifs” or “buts” or “maybes”: they are hands that call down God’s blessing upon their brothers and sisters.”
In that spirit, Caritas Diocese of Brentwood is launched by Bishop Alan today, to serve Essex and East London. The word caritas means charity, in the fullest sense of Christian love, and our Diocesan Caritas exists to support and encourage everyone who is working to put Christ’s love into action by supporting the ill, the poor and the marginalised. There is a new website (www.caritasbrentwood.org) and this is a great tool for people who want to be volunteers. Type in where you live and the kind of project where you would like to offer help, and the website will show you these projects in your area. Our Caritas is part of a national and international network, and once a year will bring together as many people as possible who are volunteering in the Diocese for a day of networking, sharing good practice, training and celebrating success.
Bishop Alan says, “I am launching Caritas Diocese of Brentwood today full of hope about the difference it will make to all our work for social justice, in the name of Jesus Christ. Pope Francis asks us to ‘go to the edges’ and Caritas is full of projects which do just that. I encourage every parishioner to look at the website and to get involved in any way that they can.”
Our Diocese has also been accredited as a Living Wage Employer; the Living Wage lifts families out of poverty, and if you are an employer, or can influence your company, please look into it (www.livingwage.org.uk) Please keep this new initiative in your prayers.