Caritas Social Action Network (CSAN), the social action arm of the Catholic Church in England and Wales has launched a survey in three Catholic dioceses to help document all work that is being undertaken by parishes, schools and Catholic communities in the service of others.
Announcing the launch of the survey in the Dioceses of Hexham and Newcastle, the Archdiocese of Cardiff and the Archdiocese of Southwark, Helen O’Brien, Chief Executive of CSAN said:
“There are some fantastic and inspirational projects being undertaken across the country, working with children and families living in poverty, refugees, homeless people, people with disabilities, prisoners and older people.”
“This survey aims to chart the work taking place across England and Wales. We hope that this questionnaire will be a stepping stone to raise the profile of the work our charities do and a way of encouraging more Catholics to assist and become actively involved in these projects.”
Most Reverend Peter Smith, Archbishop of Southwark has emphasised that “This questionnaire is a timely opportunity to reflect on Pope Francis’ call to be a Church for the poor…We hope that this survey will enable us to bring our projects closer together so that as a Catholic community we can coordinate our efforts in tackling the poverty and deprivation that exists on our doorstep”.
Most Reverend George Stack, Archbishop of Cardiff added, “Every parish I visit in the Archdiocese of Cardiff is engaged in a significant amount of charitable work. Society describes this as “social outreach”, but we know it is firmly based on the teaching of Jesus, particularly in the Gospel of Matthew. “Lord, when did we see you hungry and give you to eat?” (Mt.25:35)
Archbishop Stack has encouraged parishes, schools and religious communities to take the time to complete the CSAN questionnaire for the Archdiocese of Cardiff “to help us celebrate and develop the outstanding work being undertaken by so many dedicated volunteers”.
Highlighting the issue of social deprivation in the Diocese of Hexham and Newcastle, Rt Rev Seamus Cunningham, Bishop of Hexham and Newcastle has also urged Catholics to complete the survey:
“We are encountering rising levels of domestic poverty in Hexham and Newcastle as the effects of the economic recession are keenly felt. The response of the Catholic community has been impressive. Numerous projects are taking place across the Diocese focusing upon homelessness, child poverty and assisting families on low incomes. I hope that this survey will enable us to chart and build on the excellent work that is taking place and I would like to encourage all schools, parishes, charities and religious orders to complete the survey”.
All Parishes, Catholic schools, religious orders and Catholic voluntary sector organisations in the Diocese of Hexham and Newcastle, the Archdiocese of Cardiff and the Archdiocese of Southwark are receiving the questionnaire and are encouraged to complete it by 28 February 2014.
For more information about the survey, please e-mail:
