Yesterday morning, Father Pat along with parishioners of St Stephen’s Catholic Church in Skipton welcomed Madeline Woods and Bronagh Daly to their Sunday mass to speak about CAFOD, assist with the children’s liturgy and also deliver a Family Fast Day briefing session after mass.
The gospel story on Sunday, told us of how the disciples had faith and trust in Jesus to cast their nets after many failed attempts, and as a result they hauled in a bountiful catch of fish. The children in the liturgy class at St Stephen’s shared with the congregation how they role-played spreading their nets and catching fish based on the gospel, with a catch of their own fish cut out from coloured paper, as well as learning about families in Bangladesh effected by climate change and who struggle to catch enough fish to eat.
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The children and their parents pledged to pray for families like Mahinur’s in Bangladesh, who will be the focus of the Family Fast Day appeal on Friday 15th March.
CAFOD Parish Volunteer, Shelia Gregory, reflected on the day “The family friendly approach was just brilliant- reaching a different target audience as well as many more people than the usual briefings. Hopefully it will enthuse the next generation. Madeline is young, enthusiastic and so committed and was a great role model for us. Her trip to Uganda obviously affected her so much and her sharing her thoughts and feelings with us was very moving.”
CAFOD’s ‘Step into the Gap’ volunteer Madeline spoke at the tea and coffee after mass to a gathering of parishioners, young families, CAFOD volunteer and supporters. “It was a great opportunity to share some of the experiences I have had recently in Uganda with communities who now have sustainable access to water and support with land rights. The people I met on Sunday at St Stephen’s were so welcoming and supportive and really interested to hear more about CAFOD’s work with partners in Uganda.”
Bronagh Daly, CAFOD representative for the Diocese said “It was lovely to meet so many young families who are praying for the people of Uganda and Bangladesh, as well as the many other communities CAFOD supports. It was great to spend time with young parents especially who are keen to support their children to put their faith into action and respond to the cry of the poor. I feel so energised after meeting with Brigid, Sinead and Jane and the rest of the families involved with the children’s liturgy group. I really look forward to meeting with them all again soon.”
If you would like Bronagh or Madeline to come along to your parish, please get in touch leeds@cafod.org.uk or call (0113) 275 9302
For more information about Family Fast Day prayer, campaign and fundraising resources please click here
