A Better World Needs All of Us
Welcome to this special Volunteers' Week edition of our eBulletin, A Better World Needs All of Us. This week, we celebrate you – the heart and hands behind so much of CAFOD’s mission. Through your time, your energy, and your faith in action, you are helping to build a more just and compassionate world. Thank you for standing with communities near and far, and for everything you do to make change possible.
A Message of Thanks to All of Our Volunteers from Christine Allen
Christine Allen, our Director, shares a heartfelt thank you with all volunteers across England and Wales. In this short video, Christine reflects on the power of ordinary people doing extraordinary things — and how your efforts are helping to create a better world, one act of love at a time.
Thank You from Nana Churcher, CAFOD Volunteer
Nana, one of our inspiring church volunteers, shares why she volunteers with CAFOD — and why she believes this work matters now more than ever. Hear her message of thanks to all of you, and her invitation to others to step forward and be part of this movement for a better world.
This month's focus action Together, We Make a Difference
Hear from our Fundraising, Campaigning, and Education teams, who are united in gratitude for your amazing work. From local schools to global campaigns, your actions are transforming lives. These updates show just how essential your role is in making our shared vision a reality.
Parishes start holding debt petition signings!
We’ve been delighted to hear of parishes getting our worldwide petition about the debt crisis signed throughout May. We have a poster with a letter from Father Charlie Chilufya SJ, a priest based in Kenya, explaining the impact of debt on ordinary Kenyans, and petition sheets for people to sign on their way in or out of Mass. There are leader’s notes, with a short talk for the end of Mass. Order or download these at cafod.org.uk/shop. Father Charlie joined us for a webinar in May and explained all about the debt crisis. You can watch the recording at cafod.org.uk/onlinetalks
Act Now, Change Forever lobby of Parliament – Wednesday 9 July
We’re working with over 100 other organisations as part of The Climate Coalition to come together in Westminster on Wednesday 9 July to talk to our MPs about the debt and climate crises. Called Act Now, Change Forever, It’s going to be a huge day, with thousands of people from across the country.
Together in Service and Solidarity - Kevin and Linda Dignum
We’re blessed to have so many dedicated volunteers across England and Wales. In this special Jubilee year, we’re especially delighted to thank each one of you—and to honour those who’ve been part of the CAFOD family for over 25 years with a special Papal Blessing from the late Pope Francis.
Diocese of Arundel and Brighton CAFOD Community Participation Coordinator Jenny Finlayson, had the pleasure of speaking with two of the 2025 Papal Blessing recipients: Kevin and Linda Dignum, from St Leonards-on-Sea, East Sussex, to find out more about their amazing commitment to sharing hope and living out the Catholic faith.
Back in 1975, Kevin and Linda were invited by a former volunteer to get involved with CAFOD. Alongside promoting the twice-yearly Fast Day Appeals, their role included supporting the weekly envelope collection for the Friday Self-Denial Group, where parishioners could donate what they had saved by giving something up on Fridays. In those early days, they would collect around 50 to 60 envelopes each week, with the money counted and banked weekly, then sent to CAFOD on a monthly basis.
Continuing volunteering for over 50 years is quite the achievement, when asked What’s been the best thing about volunteering for CAFOD and why do you continue volunteering?
Linda shared that CAFOD’s values and mission align closely with her own. She appreciates that CAFOD works through local partners overseas rather than through governments or by imposing its will, focusing instead on collaboration and cooperation. Having been blessed with a good life in the UK, she feels a personal responsibility to support those who lack similar opportunities in other parts of the world.
Kevin said, he appreciated receiving feedback relating to projects, areas of need and continuity of how donations are spent and monies raised to pass on feedback to parishioners. He feels that the project-based feedback is missing a bit now, and that parish partnerships such as with Connect 2 and countries chosen for specific fundraising made it more personal, and engaged people more at parish level than that of the current day appeals.
For the latest Family Fast Day, Kevin spoke at the two Masses, put up posters inside the church and on notice boards and Linda distributed envelopes and prayer cards the weekend prior to fast day. Afterwards, they displayed a thank you poster.
Over the years, this dedicated couple has actively supported a range of CAFOD campaigns in their parish, including Connect2, Hands On Magdalena Medio, peace initiatives in Colombia, the Fix the Food System and Drop the Debt campaigns, and advocacy for refugees. They've gathered parishioners’ signatures for Salina’s letter to the World Bank and even organised a 'Parliament in Your Parish' Zoom meeting with their former MP, Sally-Ann Hart.
Jenny asked what message would you say to people considering volunteering?
And their reply is that it is an opportunity to make a difference through an influential organisation, to put a small drop in a large ocean knowing every drop makes up that whole, large ocean.
Why not support those people in low income countries who don’t always have sufficient food, water, or housing, and support them as they work hard to build better lives for themselves and their communities.
Save the Date!
Catholic Legacy Week 2-8 June
Ten years ago, Catholic charities across England and Wales came together to encourage gifts in Wills to Catholic causes. These faith-filled legacies now fund a third of CAFOD’s work tackling poverty. We're proud to support Catholic Legacy Week, a joyful way to build a better world.
Join us on Tuesday 15 July at 7pm on Zoom to hear CAFOD Director Christine Allen share the impact of these gifts and how you can get involved in your parish.
Passcode: 698646
WeBelieve Festival
We are excited about the upcoming WeBelieve Festival on 25-28 July, at St Mary’s Seminary, Oscott. We are looking for volunteers – either to support CAFOD in our presence at the Festival or to help the festival itself. You’ll get to experience the delights of the festival when you’re not volunteering and you will enjoy a reduced-price ticket. If you are interested and would like to chat, please get in touch with your CPC.
London Marathon and the Great North Run!
We are already recruiting for the London Marathon next year, please let us know if you know anyone who would be interested. We also have a few more places in the Great North Run (happening in Newcastle on Sunday 7 September), as well as other events in Cardiff, London, Leicester, and at Silverstone! If you know any keen runners, or people who would like a challenge, please contact events@cafod.org.uk
Lead us in your ways
God of love, fill us with your grace. Move us, strengthen and renew us. Lead us in your ways.
Open our hearts to answer the demands of others, and to seek your face in all those who cry out for justice.
Spirit of God, prompt us to respond to your love and seek a glimpse of your Kingdom here on earth.
Prayer: Catherine Gorman/CAFOD
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