It’s hard to consider health and social care through any lens other than that of the global COVID-19 pandemic, but many need our prayers – those with Covid and those bearing their suffering from other mental and physical conditions.

Theme

The theme of the Day looks at how we should practise what we preach and reinforce the trust-based relationship needed to guide our care for the sick.

“You have but one teacher and you are all brothers”
Matthew 23:8

It is drawn from the Gospel passage in which Jesus criticises the hypocrisy of those who fail to practise what they preach (cf. Mt 23:1-12).

As Pope Francis says in his message: “When our faith is reduced to empty words, unconcerned with the lives and needs of others, the creed we profess proves inconsistent with the life we lead. The danger is real. That is why Jesus uses strong language about the peril of falling into self-idolatry. He tells us: ‘You have but one teacher and you are all brothers.'”

News

Health and Social Care is a key area of the Church’s work. In 2021, we have already focussed on vaccination, organ donation and bioethics. Not to mention caring during the pandemic.

8 Feb 2021
Let’s talk about organ donation and ‘Leave Them Certain’

5 Feb 2021
London priest’s near-death experience and passionate call for vaccination uptake

31 Jan 2021
Cardinal on bereavement as Covid deaths pass 100,000 in the UK

26 Jan 2021
Sadness and prayers as Mr RS dies

Healthcare Masses

In 2020, recognising that the COVID-19 pandemic affected everyone, many of the Catholic Bishops of England and Wales celebrated special Masses for the sick, their families, care workers and NHS staff. You can listen to the homilies here.