Caring a Special Focus for Catholics Next Weekend
Catholics around the country next weekend will be focussing on the ‘caring’ ministries within the Church which care for people in a wide variety of ways.
The reason to celebrate Caring Sunday is threefold – acknowledging these caring ministries, showing support through special donations and in prayer. Together they raise awareness of how people can contribute and put care into action in the future.
Caring Sunday as it is called occurs annually around this time, this year it will be Sunday 29 July. It allows for a special focus to be made for the many caring ministries and the people involved that often operate behind the scenes.
“It is also a unique opportunity for people to contribute to the various Catholic charities without having to decide which one to give their donation to. By making one simple donation through Caring Sunday many charities are supported,” says Archbishop John Dew of Wellington,
“The charities which will benefit are those that are actively working in the areas of social justice, chaplaincies of many kinds and community groups which provide practical support for people in need.” Archbishop John says.
The people that work in social service agencies will have a presence at various Parishes on Caring Sunday and some will be speaking about the work they do, highlighting how people can get involved and support their work.
A national collection will take place on Caring Sunday 29 July. There will also be a $3 text campaign for Caring Sunday people to conveniently donate by sending a text with the word ‘CARE’ to 3622. The text campaign will be open until the end of August. People can also donate through the Fact/Donation cards that will be distributed.
“Catholics and non-Catholics appreciate the work of Catholic organisations in the community and wish to support them financially, so we hope that they will through the text campaign or other fundraising activities they are welcome to attend,” says General Manager, Catholic Caring Foundation, Clare Wade.
“In Auckland, we are holding a Charity Concert featuring some of New Zealand’s talented international opera singers, James Ieolu and Marlena DeVoe,” says Ms Wade. “In the Auckland area many schools will be running fun activities and competitions which will also contribute.”
The donations collected on Caring Sunday are given to Catholic Caring Foundations or Diocesan allocation committees which then distribute the funding throughout the various community support organisations helping families in the Diocese. These agencies provide face to face service for families in need of emergency housing, food parcels, budget advice, women’s refuge assistance, youth suicide prevention, pregnancy help, youth camps and youth at risk intervention, to name but a few.
“The ‘can do’ Kiwi attitude that draws us together for the wellbeing of all is also at the heart of the Catholic Caring Foundation which was established so we could work together all our gifts, no matter how small and put them to practical work to alleviate poverty, distress and loneliness in our community,” says General Manager of the Catholic Diocese of Dunedin, Stuart Young.
“Times are hard for many people and many supporters may struggle to assist us at this time, but even small donations can have a big contribution when we work together through the foundation,” says Mr Young.
“By contributing what we can we can also work to ensure that we have a capital base to provide ongoing, sustainable financial support into the future for the next generations.” Says Mr Young.
“As Christians we’re called upon to love those on the fringes of our community, this is why our Catholic Care Foundation was established,” says Bishop Denis Browne of Hamilton,
“Your gift means real practical help is on hand when and where it is most needed, with your help, the Catholic Care Foundation can be your ears, your eyes and your hands, working for the people in our community.” Says Bishop Denis.
More information and details will be available at www.caringsunday.org.nz