Caritas Round-Up | November 2025

Santa Marta Group Evening Presentation & Discussion

On 6th November, Caritas Brentwood hosted the Santa Marta Group at St Edward the Confessor’s Parish in Romford for a fantastic and engaging evening on modern slavery and human trafficking.

Alex DesForges, Communications Director for SMG, delivered an informative presentation that allowed room for engagement and open questions on modern slavery. Participants had the opportunity explore the definitions of human trafficking and modern slavery, and were told about the signs that you may notice in the event that someone may have been trafficked or that they have been enslaved.

Alex encouraged us to take more care noticing these signs and making more ethical and human-conscious decisions when we purchase products such as clothes, shoes, phones, etc. Likewise, he gave us information on how the government approaches modern slavery and how we can go about reporting it.

Overall, the evening was a eye-opening view into the world of modern slavery and human trafficking, whilst also offering practical help to those that want to combat it.

For more information and resources on how to combat modern slavery, visit the Santa Marta Group website here<<

Chaplains’ & Catechists’ Day

On the 7^th and 8^th of November, Siân and Michael had the privilege of sharing their work and resources with Secondary School Chaplains and Parish Catechists.

During the Chaplaincy Day, we updated chaplains on our recent activities, project and events; highlighting how we can continue to support schools on their mission – particularly around promoting the values and principles of Catholic Social Teaching.

On the Catechists’ Day, we were delighted to introduce parish catechists to a sample of our Love the Stranger: Youth Version resource. This gave us the opportunity to discuss the daily realities faced by refugees and migrants, and to listen to catechists’ insights on how we can better equip them to address these important and timely issues.

We extend our sincere thanks to BCYS for their support and for inviting us to these two valuable events. They provided a wonderful chance to connect face-to-face with the schools and parishes we aim to serve through the events and resources offered by Caritas Brentwood.

Parish Environment Showcase

Following the success of the Santa Marta Group discussion evening, on the morning of the 15^th November, we held out first Parish Environment Showcase at St Teresa of Lisieux Parish in Lexden, Colchester.

Attendees first heard from Laudato Si’ Animators, Mary and Peter Johnson, on the practical side of caring for creation and what that looks like in a parish setting. Detailing what they themselves have done at St Teresa’s, Mary and Peter explored their own personal journey to become Laudato Si’ Animators and serving their parish to help live in solidarity with some of the world’s poorest people.

Following Mary and Peter’s input, John Paul de Quay (Director and Co-Founder) of The Ecological Conversion Group gave the keynote talk on what integral ecology means and how we can replace Christ at the centre of our ecologies. Drawing on themes from ancient Greece and from Catholic Social Teaching, John Paul helped us reflect on what our families, parishes and diocese and beyond could look like if we re-placed Christ at the centre of our decision-making.

The day was an interesting mix of reflection and practical action that we can take. We wish to extend our thanks to all who attended, as well as the Our Common Home group at St Teresa’s, and John Paul from The ECG. We home to run another Parish Environment Showcase in the future, if you would like to host, get in touch with Michael: [email protected]

Inaugural Catholic Diocese Environment Conference

On 19^th November, the Inaugural Catholic Diocese Environment Conference took place at Westminster Cathedral Hall in London. Organised by the Diocesan Environmental Leads (which includes our Director, Siân) the conference was the first of its kind – bringing together the Environmental Leads, property departments and financial departments from almost every diocese across England and Wales.

The day began with an inspiring messages from Bishop John Arnold (Salford), lead bishop for environmental issues. Following this was a series of panels on environment innovation, use of properties, and strategies for greener operations. Attendees also heard from industry specialists and academics, with time for networking across diocesan boundaries.

The conference concluded with Lord Deben, who urged us to work collaboratively and reminded us that caring for creation is integral to our Christian vocation, echoing the words of Pope Francis and Pope Leo XIV,

We are grateful to the DEL Planning Group, colleagues from across the dioceses, and our sponsors: the Diocese of Westminster and 2buy2, for making this event possible.

St Angela’s Year 10 Retreat Day

On 21^st November, Siân (Director, Caritas Brentwood) and Ava (Volunteer, Walsingham House) were delighted to take part in the Year 10 Retreat Day at St Angela’s Ursuline School: Being a Voice for Justice.

Siân and Ava spoke to to 180 students about the mission and work of Caritas Brentwood, exploring the realities faced by people across Essex and East London. They highlighted the different areas of focus (Homelessness/Cost of Living, Refugees & Migrants, the Environment) within Caritas Brentwood and encouraged students to consider how they can help change the narrative for those most in need.

The day was a fantastic opportunity to engage with young people, to hear about the issues they care about most, and invite them to reflect on how they can make a positive different in their communities.

Upcoming Events

See below for three of our upcoming events in the new year: