In two months’ time, world leaders are meeting here in the UK for the G8 and tackling the causes of hunger is on the agenda. We know what needs to be done to stop people going hungry. We have an unprecedented opportunity to get the change we need: David Cameron is holding a Hunger Summit on the 8th June, a Tax and Transparency Summit on 15th June, and the G8 itself on 17th June. By coming together to speak out for change, we can influence the decisions world leaders make and stop millions of people going hungry. We want G8 Leaders to act on the four big issues that mean so many people do not get enough food; Aid, Tax, Land and Transparency. Tens of thousands of people have already joined the Enough Food for Everyone IF campaign, but we need to get millions behind us to make sure world leaders take the right action at the G8 to help end hunger. And this is where we need your help.

In the run up to the G8, Enough Food for Everyone IF is launching a powerful ten days of action…and we need hundreds of thousands of people to push world leaders to act!

On 8th June – the start of our big 10-day push to the G8, and the day of the Hunger Summit in London – we will be holding an amazing event in Hyde Park, central London, where tens of thousands of us will be able to come together to demand action on hunger and show our support for the Enough Food for Everyone IF campaign.

This will be your chance to add your voice to the powerful political message that we will deliver to the G8 leaders at their summit, and join others from around the world in a once-in-a-lifetime afternoon of activity.

There’s not long to go, and we really need your support to get lots of people to the event and to influence the G8 Leaders.

Times for the day:

11am: Start of activities, including faith services and other activities across London

1pm Arrival: gates open in London for the event

2–5pm: The main event takes place in Hyde Park

CAFOD Liverpool have bought train tickets for the day for people to travel down to London. The train leaves Liverpool Lime Street at 07:48 and we will leave London Euston on the 18:07 train. All we are asking for is a small donation to cover some of the cost! If you are interested in coming along then please phone the CAFOD Liverpool office on 0151 228 4028! Thank you!

During their visit, Erasmo and Fidel spent time in the Westminster Diocese, paying visits to parishes including St Margaret’s in Twickenham where they saw how the parishioners have worked to turn a derelict plot of land into a flourishing vegetable garden to raise donations for CAFOD.

Fidel (far left) and Erasmo (back row, second from right) with CAFOD supporters at St Margaret’s parish community garden in Twickenham.

The pair also visited the Catholic Church of Christ the King in Oakwood to take part in a day of reflection on the life and work of Archbishop Oscar Romero. Erasmo and Fidel spoke to the congregation to thank them for their work supporting CAFOD and to tell them how their contributions are being put into action to help improve the quality of life of the poor in El Salvador.

Erasmo and Fidel talk to CAFOD supporters at the Catholic Church of Christ the King with Tania of CAFOD’s Latin America team translating.

The group’s time here was an enlightening and touching experience, both for them and for those that met them.

“The visits to parishes will stay with me the most,” said Fidel. “Everyone in our church at home is waiting to hear about our experience. We’re going to make a mural showing all that we have done. We’re going to do our best to share the riches of faith you have here with our community.”

As well as spending time here in the Westminster diocese, the four visitors also met supporters such as the Catholic Women’s League in Arundel and Brighton diocese, admired allotments in Camberley and Bagshot, shared their stories and Lenten lunches in Brentwood, danced to Latin American music in Leeds, met pig farmers in Pocklington and celebrated the announcement of a new Pope with supporters in North Wales. If you would like to read more about what the group got up to in their travels accross England and Wales, check out the Connect2 blog which can be found here.

Our thanks and warmest wishes go with Erasmo, Fidel, Sandra and Julia as they return home to continue their good work with CAFOD, and we pray that they have a safe trip.

The group’s visit was organised as part of the Connect2 programme. To learn more about Connect2 and how your parish might get involved, visit the Connect2 webpage http://www.cafod.org.uk/connect2, or get in touch with us at the CAFOD Westminster office at westminster@cafod.org.uk or on 0208 449 6970.

This week saw a CAFOD Emmaus Meal  in the North East CAT. This was held at St John’s Ivy  Street, Burnley. Participants were welcomed with a cup of tea, music from Bangladesh  and El Salvador and a vague smell of curry coming from the kitchen.  On entering the room where the event was to take place they found tables set for a meal but instead of cutlery there was an opening prayer. Jackie Hindle South welcomed everyone and outlined the evening, saying that the evening would mirror the journey on the road to Emmaus. After the opening prayer,  a power point was shown stressing how 1 in 8  people go hungry everyday and how CAFOD is fighting to change this with its “Hungry for Change” campaign. Then in groups everyone  sat around the tables and the focus was on individuals from Bangladesh and El Salvador. It  was a  good chance to hear about life in those countries especially for the group with Ann Marie Coppock, who was able to give first hand information on her visit there some years ago. The groups were given a dish of food from their chosen country and then were invited to eat and break bread together. The all women group focusing on El Salvador thought this was a great experience to sit so closely together and share one plate. Case studies from each country were read as well as appropriate scripture.  After reflection and discussion the group leaders left the groups alone whilst they wrote a prayer for the communities they had heard about.  These prayers were included in the Intercessions nearing the end of the evening. To finish the evening the groups were given a final task. As the followers of Jesus had broken bread with Him then dashed back to Jerusalem to tell everyone what they had seen so participants in the Emmaus Meal  were given a pack of CAFOD prayer cards to share with other people. The evening closed with a prayer.

Over 3 million people have been affected by the war in Syria. They desperately need our help and support. Come and join us on the annual CAFOD/Christian Aid Humber Bridge Sponsored walk and help us to raise funds for the Syria Emergency Appeal.

The walk starts at 2.00pm at the Humber Bridge Viewing Point and continues until 5.00pm. You can choose to do as many crossings as you wish between these times.

You can download your sponsorship form from the CAFOD website or you can obtain a sponsorship pack by contacting us on 01904 6717767.

Get started right away! Make it a day out for your family or school and do something really worthwhile

Christian Aid and CAFOD invite you to learn about the IF campaign as we ‘walk and talk’ from Froncysyllte Aquaduct to Llangollen on Monday, 22nd April 2013.

Cecilia Cordova, a Christian Aid Programme Officer from Bolivia will be coming to North Wales to talk about hunger and poverty in Bolivia. Walk with us, show your support for the ‘IF’ Campaign, and learn more about life in Bolivia.

If you would like to join us please meet at Froncysyllte Aquaduct at 10.30 a.m.

The morning will conclude with a shared lunch at 12.00 in St John’s Church hall.

Hope to see you there!

This would not have been possible had it not been for our supporters from across the Catholic Community in England and Wales have consistently worked to achieve this goal believing that saving and improving lives through aid is a moral duty and remains a crucial part of effective development. The aid budget not only saves lives but allows people to stand on their own two feet through supporting essential services such as health and education that enable people to thrive.

Here in North Wales in the build up to the Budget, campaigners young and old were very busy speaking to their local MPs, about the ‘Enough Food for Everyone IF’ campaign.

Thank you especially to Chris Ruane, MP for Vale of Clwyd; David Hanson, MP for Delyn; and Mark Tami, MP for Deeside who all took time to meet with CAFOD campaigners, answer their questions and show their support for the ‘Enough Food for Everyone IF’ campaign.

]]> http://cafodliverpool.wordpress.com/2013/04/08/wardrobe-de-clutter-sale/ Mon, 08 Apr 2013 14:35:10 +0000 cafodliverpool http://cafodliverpool.wordpress.com/2013/04/08/wardrobe-de-clutter-sale/ Justine Silcock, parish contact for Holy Family Catholic Church gives us an account of a recent event at their parish ‘a wardrobe de-cltter sale’:

“On Sunday March 3^rd at Holy Family Church Hall, Boothstown, a Wardrobe De-clutter Sale was held. The sale was the brainchild of Joan Stuart who , together with a committed and enthusiastic team, organised the event. Leaflets and posters were distributed throughout the Leigh Pastoral Area and, thanks to Chris Lappine, the sale was also advertised on the CAFOD Liverpool blog.

Parishioners from all the churches across the Pastoral Area generously donated good quality clothes and accessories for the sale. Some also gave cakes for the refreshments, items for the raffle or loaned full length mirrors on the day.   Some local shops and organisations also supported the sale by displaying posters and also generously loaning rails and mannequins.

On the day, members of the Youth SVP gave much needed help in various ways. It was a real community event.At the sale itself, £1077.66 was made. In addition to this, a further £430 was received making a grand total of £1507.66.

A number of good quality items of clothes which were unsold were taken to the CAFOD shop, so they will continue to make some more much needed funds. Many thanks to all who supported this sale and helped to make it such a success.”

Wirral Coastal Walk!

Sunday, 19th May 2013

Starting at approximately 10am, you can choose the number of miles that you walk ranging from 4 – 15 miles, with plenty of opportunities for refreshment breaks and a picnic along the way.

This fantastic coastline starts off with views across the River Mersey to Liverpool and the huge dock complex, passing the small seaside town of New Brighton and on to the beautiful beach lined coast against the Irish Sea. The walk then follows an inland, rural countryside path overlooking the Dee, and ends at Thurstaston Common.

This is the official map of the route to help you decide your start and finish times:

You can download a sponsor sheets here:

Wirral Registration Sheet 1

Wirral Registration Sheet 2

On the day: Registration will be from 8:30-11am at Seacombe Ferry. Registration fee is £4 per walker (£1 for children aged 10 and under). CAFOD representatives will be covering the route so if you see us please say stop and say hello.

If you would like to sign up for this event or would like more information please contact the CAFOD North Wales office: northwales@cafod.org.uk, 01978 355 084

On 8th June – the start of our big 10-day push to the G8, and the day of the Hunger Summit in London – we will be holding an amazing event in Hyde Park, central London, where tens of thousands of us will be able to come together to demand action on hunger and show our support for the Enough Food for Everyone IF campaign.

This will be your chance to add your voice to the powerful political message that we will deliver to the G8 leaders at their summit, and join others from around the world in a once-in-a-lifetime afternoon of activity.

There’s not long to go, and we really need your support to get lots of people to the event and to influence the G8 Leaders.

Times for the day:

11am               Start of activities, including faith services and other activities across London

1pm                 Arrival: gates open in London for the event

2–5pm             The main event takes place

Location: Hyde Park, London

You can make a difference right now by taking action in CAFOD’s ongoing Hungry for Change campaign. To find out more about the campaign and to lend your support, visit www.cafod.org.uk/hungry.

Emmaus Meal Poster – Monday 8th April

The North East Area CAFOD Action Team (CAT) cordially invite you to their CAFOD Emmaus Meal on Monday 8^th April at 7.30pm. This spirituality/campaign event, being held at St John the Baptist’s Parish Hall in Burnley, is an opportunity for local people to come together as a community during our journey through Easter and in this Year of Faith, and learn a little more about the issues around global hunger.

Through breaking bread together (sharing a small sample of dishes from Kenya, Bangladesh & El Salvador) and reflecting on Scripture, Catholic Social Teaching, and the experiences of our brothers and sisters who do not have enough food, it is hoped that our eyes will be opened to the hungry body of Christ in our midst today.

Please be aware that it is not a full evening meal, but just a taste of the simple dishes our sisters and brothers eat overseas, so attendees should have their tea before coming. Please come along and bring a fellow parishioner, this event is open to everyone, not just St John’s parishioners or just catholics, it would be of interest to anyone interested in the issues around global hunger. CAFOD’s “Hungry for Change” campaign is part of a UK wide coalition of action under the “Enough Food IF” campaign, which is urging David Cameron to take the lead on tackling global hunger as he prepares to host the G8 summit in June

Please feel free to download a copy of the poster below to advertise in your parish, school or other local community venue.

Emmaus Meal at SJB’s Bly April 13

The first form boys hope their efforts will raise awareness for CAFOD’s work with those affected by the current crisis in Syria, in addition to raising vital funds to help with relief efforts.

The violence in Syria over the past two years has killed thousands and left more than 3 million people in desperate need of food, shelter, clothing and other essentials. CAFOD is working through trusted church partners to get vital aid and supplies to vulnerable people in Syria, as well as helping refugees who have fled accross the border into Lebanon and Turkey.

CAFOD needs your support to continue to help those affected by this crisis. You can donate to CAFOD’s Syria appeal and help to make a difference right now by visiting the campaign webpage here.

Thank you to the boys from St Columba’s for their great work, and to everyone who has so far supported CAFOD’s work in and around Syria. We ask that you continue to keep the people of Syria and its neighbouring countries in your thoughts and prayers.

Some of the event’s glamorous attendees (L to R): Paola Batori, Isabelle Bourette, Vito Conte, Chiara Berneri, Anthuanette Hidalgo, Li-Pen Wang, Susana Ochoa, Anne Chauveau, Angelica Angles, and Sister Francoise Georgeault (Canonesses of Saint Augustine)

61 dapper CAFOD supporters attended the black-tie evening to help raise money for CAFOD’s ongoing Hungry for Change campaign.

The night’s events included a charity dinner and an auction for donated items such as a painting, wine tasting vouchers and a pendant and earrings.

The dinner was organised by Angelica Angles and Anthuanette Hidalgo, with help from a very hard-working and supportive team.

“Year after year the sisters of the Congregation of Our Lady (Canonesses of Saint Augustine) support CAFOD unconditionally” said Anthuanette. ”They encourage all the More House students to participate in the different fundraisings during the year to benefit CAFOD. We thank them for their love and dedication towards it. We also thank Isabelle Bourette and Paola Batori for all their help to get donations, Chefs Edoardo Fenati and Chor Fai Shek and all the students of More House for making this event possible!”

The team leaders (L to R): Anand Luke Thachettu, Chee Yan Shek, Matt O’Dwyer, Anthuanette Hidalgo, Alphonsus Liew and Angelica Angles

We’d like to say a big thank you to everyone who helped to make the event such a huge success, raising a massive £2294.69! Your hard work and generosity will help to make a real difference to the lives of people in need.

You can see a video of all the fun (and hard work!) that went on at the event below:

With food on the mind, now is the perfect time to help those that do not have enough. Organising an event to raise money for CAFOD’s work and rally support for the Hungry for Change campaign is a fantastic way to bring your school, parish or local community together to have fun and support those in need. To find out more about the campaign and to take action now, visit the Hungry for Change webpage here. For ideas to get you started organising your own event, check out CAFOD’s A-Z of Fundraising here.

Pupils at Loreto High School, Chorlton, had a non-uniform day to raise money for the Syria Crisis Appeal. Each pupil gave £1 to have the privilege of wearing their own clothes to school on the last day of term. There was an incentive to arrive on time as each pupil received a raffle ticket and had the possibility of winning a Fairtrade Easter egg, two of which were donated by the Co-op. The lucky winner of one of them was Megan in year 7. There was such a lot of money donated it has not all been counted yet!

The lucky winner of the Easter egg donated by the co-op – Megan in year 7

Pupils at the school receive Vivo points for good behaviour, work and attitude. These can then be translated into money to be used in local shops. Julia, who has 1,100 vivo points donated all of hers to CAFOD. This means that the £11 she could have spent on herself will now go to help those in the developing world. Julia is a great example to her peers in the school and has shown great empathy and kindness.

Well done Julia.

The CAFOD Westminster newsletter for Easter 2013 is now available.  Click on the above image to view!

Why not sign up to receive the newsletter straight to your inbox?  Email us at westminster@cafod.org.uk and let us know you’d like to sign up for the E-Newsletter!

From all of us at CAFOD Westminster, we wish you a very happy and blessed Easter!