Friday, 27 January 2012

2012 marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of CAFOD by the Bishops of England and Wales. Since its inception back in 1962, the official aid agency of the Catholic Church has brought hope and compassion to poor communities overseas and stood side-by-side with them to end poverty and injustice. The year will therefore be a special year of thanks to all CAFOD’s committed supporters: to the Conference of Bishops for its ongoing support, to CAFOD’s partners overseas, and to all those who enable its vital work to happen.

Here in the Diocese of Salford, CAFOD hopes to visit many parishes to say a huge “thank- you” to as many supporters as possible.

Match Funding
The year will also start with a wonderful opportunity which could enable the agency to reach an additional 155,000 people across the world.

Under the UK Aid Match initiative, the UK government will match pound-for-pound all parish and individual donations towards CAFOD’s lenten appeal, including funds raised for Fast Day.

This means that all donations to CAFOD’s Lent Fast Day will be doubled at no extra cost to parishioners.

UK Aid Match is a scheme that allows the UK public to have a say in how some of the government’s existing international aid budget is spent.  All donations made, as a result of Lent fundraising activities that happen from mid-February 2012 to mid-May 2012, will qualify.

Give it Up Lenten Appeal
During Lent itself, CAFOD will be asking parishes and schools across the diocese to give up their favourite treats to help provide clean water for people around the world as part of its ‘Give it Up’ Lenten campaign.

School pupils and parishioners will be invited to give up a treat, such as wine, chocolate or a favourite magazine, and donate the money to CAFOD instead. Some pupils will be sponsored for giving up Facebook, computer games or using their mobile phone apps for the Lent period, whilst others will hold sponsored walks for water and taking part in other water themed challenges.

Diocesan Manager, Anne Marie Coppock said, “Lent is a time when we stop and reflect on our lives. Here, we take it for granted that we have clean and accessible water, and don’t think about it until there is a problem. But far too many people have to spend every day travelling miles and queuing for hours to collect water, and worrying that the next drink they take will kill them or their children. Diseases caused by dirty water claim more lives every year than any war. It doesn’t need to be this way.

“During this special anniversary year, we want to reach out to thank all our supporters for all their hard work across the years. They have made a huge difference to millions of people across the world. Together we have more to do to tackle the injustices that cause this situation and we will continue with our work because as Christians we believe we have been given the task to change the world for the good of all."

How it all began
February 1960: The first Family Fast Day, organised by members of the National Board of Catholic Women to raise funds for a mother-and-baby healthcare programme on the Caribbean island of Dominica. £32,000 was raised.

February 1961: Family Fast Day is affiliated to the Freedom from Hunger Campaign.

June 1962: “Sword of the Spirit” call a meeting of representatives from many Catholic organisations. The group recommends the establishment of a central Catholic Fund. They suggested calling it the Catholic Fund for Overseas Development.

July 1962: The structure and mandate of the proposed fund is developed. Bishop Grant is appointed as chair.

23rd October 1962: The Conference of English and Welsh Bishops, who have gathered in Rome for the Second Vatican Council, pass a resolution establishing CAFOD. This is CAFOD's official birthday.

Contact CAFOD Salford on 0161 705 0605, or by email:  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .