News

St Francis Leprosy Guild is delighted to announce that the newly installed Archbishop of Westminster, the Most Reverend Richard Moth, has agreed to become its Patron. Following historical custom, the Archbishop of Westminster has served as Patron of St Francis Leprosy Guild, and now Archbishop Richard will succeed HE Cardinal Vincent Nichols. He said: “I have very happy memories of celebrating the Annual Mass for the Guild at Farm Street and I am delighted to become its Patro

On Monday 9th March, the SDEN and NDEG hosted a joint seminar with Finlay Malcolm on his recent work whilst seconded at the Diocese of Salford. Finlay Malcolm, who has been a researcher at the University of Manchester since 2022, previously gave a talk to the SDEN in October 2025 – just before his work with the Diocese of Salford began. This month, invited jointly by the Southern Diocese Environment Network and Northern Diocese Environment Group, Finlay returned to offer insi

Students in the Laudato Si’ group at St Bonaventure’s School carried out a unique biodiversity survey to explore the wildlife living on the friary lawn area within the school grounds. This initiative is part of the School Climate Action Plan, which aims to advocate for and raise awareness of sustainability across all year group Over the course of a week and under cold weather, students worked collaboratively in groups of three to four, using a structured recording worksheet t

How can churches strengthen community food access, without compromising on people’s dignity? It’s a question that many have wrestled with over the years, but increasingly churches are finding a solution. Revival House Church in East London is one of more than 60 churches that now run a Your Local Pantry. Non-church community groups run a further 60 in a network that now reaches 120 neighbourhoods, across all four nations of the UK. Pantries are built on dignity, choice and

This month, for our Organisation Good News we are featuring the remarkable work of Rainham Foodbank, a charity whose commitment to compassion and practical support continues to transform lives across the Rainham area. Founded in 2011 by a local church, Rainham Foodbank has grown in response to increasing community need. What began as food distribution has become a support network staffed by over 100 volunteers and 13 employees, driven by a shared belief in tackling the root c

An afternoon of reflection, conversation and shared learning inspired those working to support communities across Essex and East London. “What makes this day so special is the opportunity for people to connect. Parish volunteers, charities and community groups each bring their own experience and insight. When we create space for these conversations, new ideas and partnerships begin to grow, creating real change for those most in need. That’s exactly what the Caritas Brentwood

A day of presentations, discussion and reflection with Nicolas Paz, the Director of the Catholic Nonviolence Institute. What will the day offer? An opportunity to share your experience of, and questions about, the potential of nonviolence An opportunity to learn about the work of the Catholic Nonviolence Initiative worldwide and with the Vatican A time to reflect on Jesus as a model of nonviolence A time to be encouraged by stories of nonviolence in action today A time to pra

“As Christians, it is our calling and duty to give a voice to the voiceless, and to bear witness to their dignity, so that the world may be moved to advocate for justice and compassion. The people of the Holy Land cry out for our help and prayers; they long for an end to their suffering. Stand with them. Recognise their plea for dignity. Help foster genuine dialogue between communities.” Final communique of the Holy Land Coordination 17-21 January 2026 Although just 1.5% of

Dear friends, Welcome to our papal insight for the month February. Naturally, with Lent being upon us, it makes sense to particularly highlight what Pope Leo XIV has said about the season. As with the release of his exhortation Dilexi te, the Dicastery for Human Development has released a help set of infographics for the Lent 2026 papal message, we have linked that below. Message from Pope Leo XIV for Lent 2026 As you may already know, Lent is season in which the Church calls

Dear friends, Welcome to our Caritas Round-Up for the month of February. With Lent now well under way, we want to know how people are getting on with our set of Lent resources for this year. If you want to tell us how you’ve been using them, get in touch with us: [email protected] We are also keen to get out there as much as possible. If we haven’t visited your parish or deanery recently, please let us know if we can arrange a visit. We are happy to run confirmation session,

At the BCYS Youth Gather held at Essex Outdoors on Mersea Island (25–26 October), young people from across the Diocese of Brentwood were given the opportunity not only to reflect on issues affecting their communities, but also to make their voices heard by writing to their local Members of Parliament. The sessions were led by Caritas Brentwood’s Director and Development Officer, who introduced participants to the organisation’s work supporting communities across Essex and Eas

You are warmly invited to join the three Dioceses of Brentwood, Southwark and Westminster for the 20th annual Mass for Migrants on Bank Holiday Monday, 4th May 2026 at St Antony of Padua Catholic Church, starting at 12pm with a procession of banners. This year the Mass is hosted by the Diocese of Brentwood. The Mass for the Feast of St Joseph the Worker is prepared by the Caritas and Ethnic Chaplaincies of the three Dioceses and celebrates the contributions made to faith, lif