Launch of Caritas Plymouth

Bishop Mark O’Toole welcomed 104 attendees and speakers from across England to the Launch of Caritas Plymouth on Saturday 18 May.

All the Catholic Charities, parishes and schools have been involved in the development of a Strategic Plan for Caritas Plymouth. One of the first priorities is Community Sponsorship and Caritas Plymouth was delighted to welcome Sean Ryan, the national Catholic Co-ordinator based at Caritas Salford, who gave a fascinating presentation. The first Catholic Community Sponsorship Group in the diocese is just starting in the Sidmouth parish and Caritas Plymouth will be the official Sponsor.

Phil McCarthy, Chief Executive of the national Caritas Social Action Network, welcomed Caritas Plymouth to the Caritas family. Angela Folland, Headteacher of St Nicholas Catholic Primary School where the event was held, gave examples of the school’s social action and how Caritas Plymouth could help and support this activity in schools in the future

The event concluded with a Celebration Mass celebrated by Bishop Mark O’Toole. Justice and Peace lead a procession of local Catholic Charities behind the Lampedusa Cross, given by CAFOD to the Cathedral of St Mary and St Boniface to display as a focus for reflection. Bishop Mark prayed that Caritas Plymouth will provide fresh impetus to put the new command of the Lord into practise; ‘Love one another as I have loved you’, (John 13:34-35).