Almsgiving: Fight poverty with Caritas this Lent

This Lent, our diocesan social action charity Caritas Salford is calling on people across Greater Manchester and Lancashire to help fight poverty.

Caritas estimates that this year will present increased challenges for those experiencing personal crisis and disadvantage because of poverty, and is once again asking for support to help those in need in our communities.

Patrick O’Dowd, director or Caritas Salford, said: “Children in communities across our diocese are growing up in households with insufficient income to meet basic needs.

“Working parents are struggling to meet the increasing cost of living and to make ends meet.  Inflation is up and wages are barely keeping up, especially for those already on low wages.  Increases in food, energy, clothing and footwear, mean more people are facing very difficult choices.  Inevitably, this will force some towards a ‘debt now, more debt later’ way of living.

“Your donations this Lent – no matter how small – will provide immediate practical relief, as well as the longer term support to help people out of poverty.”

How you can help

Schools across the diocese are already stepping up to the challenge by committing to this year’s St Joseph’s Penny Appeal.

Dating back to 1904, the St Joseph Penny Appeal is an easy and popular way to fundraise, because it encourages young people to collect loose change or earn it in exchange for chores that help others.

This year, Caritas is also taking care of our common home by ditching the mass-produced boxes and instead asking fundraisers to create their own containers out of recycled materials.

Don’t forget to share your wonderful creations on Twitter by tagging @CaritasSalford!

Find out more https://www.caritassalford.org.uk/lent-2022/lent-school-resources/

However, it’s not just schools getting involved. This year, Caritas Salford will provide Parish Collection Envelopes for Lent, for anybody wishing to make a donation as part of their personal Lenten almsgiving.

The charity will send out 25 envelopes for each church, but do contact Rachel Taylor if you would like to receive more by calling 0161 817 2285 or emailing  fundraising@caritassalford.org.uk. Online card donations are still encouraged for those with internet access https://www.caritassalford.org.uk/service-view/lent-2022/