Uckfield and Heron’s Ghyll Share the Journey Around the World.

Our Lady Immaculate & St Philip’s in Uckfield and St John the Evangelist Heron’s Ghyll gathered for their Share the Journey walk in June. A good crowd gathered in support of the campaign which calls on Theresa May to ensure that global agreements on refugees and migrants uphold the dignity and rights of people on the move.

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People set off from church after a blessing by Fr Ian Vane and made their way to the Victoria Pleasure Grounds where the walk started. Eighteen people and a dog took part in the short and pleasant walk. During the walk people reflected on the stories of real refugees from around the world and prayed for people on the move.

We had initially hoped to walk once around the world in solidarity – 24,000 miles, but so far we have walked almost 100,000 miles – over 4 times round the world! See our totaliser to find the latest figure. The parish also signed our petition to Theresa May asking her to ensure that the upcoming global agreements on refugees and migrants uphold their rights and dignity (see below). Our thanks go to the parish and volunteers of Uckfield and Heron’s Ghyll and all those who have taken part in our campaign.

If you haven’t been involved yet, it’s not too late. This could be by organising a simple walk for your community, going for a walk yourself or signing our petition. See our Share the Journey Webpage for more information.

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Cream Teas in Storrington – A Little Bridge to El Salvador

Our sincere thanks go to Trevor, the CAFOD team and the Storrington Parish for hosting a delightful garden party with a Cream Tea on Saturday the 21st of July.

The event raised £460 for the Parish’s Connect2: El Salvador project where the people of Puentecitos (meaning little bridges), a small village near the border of Guatemala, are  improving community life by opening small businesses and using organic farming methods.

Now is it jam first or cream first?

Thank you to those who made and provided such splendid cakes, to those who donated prizes for the raffle, to Waitrose in Storrington for the gift of scones. Thanks to Anita for her contribution from selling her husband Mike’s collection of puzzles. Particular thanks to all those who did the setting up, served the tea and helped in the many ways that made it such a success. Thanks, too, to those who weren’t able to attend but nevertheless gave generous donations.

Our thanks also go to the Chemin Neuf community for the use of the cloister garden, such an ideal setting.

This brings the parish fundraising total for our friends in El Salvador to an amazing £13,860. The Parish are also planning a Harvest Supper on the 27th of October for our Family Fast Day (5th Oct). Thank you Our Lady of England!

The beautiful setting of the Cloister Garden

Some of the Community in Puentecitos, El Salvador

Will you connect the poor with the powerful?

CAFOD is looking for supporters to share their beliefs about justice, the environment and international development with their MP.

Supporters meeting MPs at our Parliamentary Reception

Could you write 3-4 times a year on a topical issue to support those living in poverty around the world? Your local MP is your link to Parliament. They influence decisions which affect the future of the world’s poorest people.

By becoming a CAFOD MP Correspondent (MPC), you can help to ensure that the voices of many of the world’s poorest and most vulnerable people are heard in the corridors of power.

Through letters and meetings with MPs, CAFOD supporters have already helped change government policy. We’ve helped secure tough laws to tackle climate change, and ensure the UK are world-leading in their overseas aid contribution.

Our MP Correspondent Guide will tell you how to get in touch with your MP and give you our top lobbying tips:

◾Download our handy guide to lobbying your MP here

◾Find out about our most recent MPC actions

◾Sign up to be an MPC here and we will send you letters or emails three or four times a year asking you to contact your MP when you can make a real difference.

“Love is civic and political, and it makes itself felt in every action that seeks to build a better world.” – Pope Francis

Share the Journey, our current campaign about refugees and migrants