SVP AWARENESS MONTH – LOCAL SUPPORT
Over the last year we have assisted families with debt problems and individuals in need. However, need is much broader than financial hardship, so we visit the sick, the lonely, the imprisoned and this forms a large part of our work.
We took on the management and operation of St Columba’s Food Bank where over 100 people/families are registered and about 40 attend on a weekly basis.
Two initiatives we set up, and run are the monthly Soup Lunch and Sunday Stop. Over 50 people regularly come to Sunday Stop and 30 to the Soup Lunch. Many non-members volunteer to help with these initiatives.
If you’d like to know more about our work and the Society we are holding an open meeting on 19th October in the St Augustine’s Parish Centre, and all are welcome. During this month we are hosting coffees & teas after Mass – do come across and join us.
A message from CAFOD
We did it! Britain will ban trade with illegal Israeli settlements.
Thank you for taking action. When we asked you to write to the Trade Secretary and demand an end to trade with illegal settlements, thousands of CAFOD supporters stood with us and took action. And on Tuesday the Foreign Secretary announced that the government will indeed ban trade in goods and services from illegal Israeli settlements. For years, goods produced on illegally occupied land have continued to enter Britain. But thanks to campaigners like you, this is now set to change. This is what people-powered campaigning can achieve!
Your voice helped send a clear message that Britain’s trade policy must uphold international law and human rights. A ban on settlement trade is an important step in the campaign for justice, peace and equal rights for Palestinians and Israelis. CAFOD will continue to work alongside our partners and allies to achieve this goal.
As part of this work, we recently co-founded the Just Peace Coalition, bringing together churches and Christian organisations to work towards a just peace for all who call the Holy Land home. We will keep you updated on our work and actions you can take. But today, we want to say thank you. Together, we made a difference. As we continue to work for a just and lasting peace, join us in prayer that the stories we hear may move us "From indifference to care, from distance to deep connection."
With our prayers and best wishes - CAFOD
Thousands of Palestinians have held a mass funeral procession for 100 people, including around 60 children, whose remains were recovered from beneath the rubble of destroyed homes in Gaza City’s Zeitoun neighbourhood. Local authorities stated the victims—belonging to the Rahim, Balawi, Malaka, Qanbour, and Salmi families—were killed when Israeli air strikes levelled several residential homes roughly two and a half years ago. The funeral witnessed distressing scenes as families bid farewell to loved ones left unreachable for years.
Let us Pray
God of mercy and justice, we lift our voices in lament for the innocent lives lost in Gaza caught in the horrors of violence and genocide. Ensure us that you are present with those suffering and mourning in Gaza. Help us hold accountable those who use violence and commit war crimes and may we all work to bring an end to impunity. Strengthen us to always to choose justice, peace, and life over violence.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.