Dear friends of Caritas Brentwood,
Welcome to the latest (and slightly early) edition of Caritas Round-Up! Getting ahead before the Christmas break, we wanted to take this opportunity to let you know what we’ve been up to recently.
Please see below a quick update on what we’ve done this month, as well as a message from our director.
Recently, we have been working with and speaking to various external partners, operating both inside and outside the diocese.
These conversations have helped us shape what sort of work Caritas Brentwood will be doing over the coming year and beyond – keep your eyes peeled for all of the exciting things we’ve got coming up.
Talking to these organisations, individuals and charities helps us continue to find new ways to work collaboratively to best serve those in need across the diocese. However, more than that, they also help us understand the broader conversations being had across the country.
Watch this space!
At the beginning of the month, we had a lovely opportunity to share a Christmas meal with the Brentwood Catholic Youth Service at Walsingham House. We were joined by Youth Service staff, the Walsingham House volunteers, as well as the volunteer groundskeepers.
Not only was it wonderful was it fun and festive occasion, but it also meant that we could say thank you to the people who work hard to meet the needs of young people in the diocese – whether they’re working directly with those young people or taking care of the retreat centre grounds.
Caritas Brentwood is grateful that we are able to work so closely alongside the BCYS and we look forward to working with them in the year ahead.
On Monday 15th December, we stopped by the Havering Low Energy Visitor’s Centre in Romford. Situated by the entrance to Raphael Park, the visitor’s centre offers a look at what a “greener” and more sustainable future can look like for houses in Romford.
The visitor’s centre, crammed full of sustainable solutions and ideas, gives a glimpse of the work that can be done to an old building – even whilst navigating regulations due to the age of the structure – highlighting retrofitting techniques that can transform homes.
We hope to continue learning from the centre to help shape some of our environmental work in the diocese going forward.
In the new year we will be doing a longer story about our visit to the centre – keep your eyes peeled!
As we celebrate the birth of hope and love this Christmas, my deepest thanks go to every person who has volunteered so generously of their time and care to bring light to those in need throughout this calendar year.
At a time when many are facing homelessness, rising living costs, or the uncertainty of displacement, we are reminded of the humble birth of Jesus and the hope it brought to the world, calling us to remember those who are often unseen or forgotten. May we continue to be inspired to live with open hearts, showing kindness, generosity and love to our neighbours across Essex, East London and beyond.
Wishing you a blessed and peaceful Christmas and a Happy New Year.
Blessings,
Siân Thomas-Cullinan
Come together as we explore how our parishes can respond to homelessness and the cost-of-living crisis. With speakers from charitable organisations and shelters across Essex and East London, we’ll discover practical ways to make a difference together as the Diocese of Brentwood.
Guest speakers: Basildon Night Shelter & Your Place Newham
📆 Saturday 24th January 2026
⏰ 10-12:30pm
📍 St Francis of Assisi Church Hall, Stratford E15 1BJ
You’ll have the opportunity to engage in meaningful conversations, share ideas, and forge new partnerships. Whether you’re a parishioner wanting to know more, a committed volunteer, a staff member in one of our schools, or simply looking to connect with others in the Diocese of Brentwood who are passionate about social action, this event is perfect for you. Don’t miss out!
Guest speaker: Jenny Sinclair, founder and director of Together for the Common Good.
📆 Saturday 7th March 2026
⏰ 1pm-5pm
📍 Our Lady of Lourdes Church Hall, Wanstead E11 2PR
