As soon as you go into some parishes you become aware of the sense of community and the concern of people not just for other members of the parish community but for the entire local community – and often – those far beyond it. In others there seems to be very little parish life with people going along to Sunday mass but very little sense of people on a shared faith journey.
The LiveSimply award scheme is something that can really bring people in a parish together to not only worship together but to take action arising from their Catholic faith. It provides a way of working on both the environmental concerns expressed by Pope Francis in Laudato Si and how these are related to issues of poverty - which, again, was something that he highlighted in this encyclical.
The award scheme asks parishes to draw up an action plan that demonstrates the activities they are going to undertake to show how their parish will live more simply, live more sustainably and live more in solidarity with those experiencing poverty.
Because the parish themselves draw up the action plan, they can take account of the people they have in their parish and the land, buildings and other parish resources that are available to them. The plan can, and should, incorporate actions that enable individuals, parish group and the whole parish community to take part. Equally, because of the flexibility within the scheme, actions can be devised that appeal to all age groups and different
The garden at St Benedicts churchinterests in a parish. For instance, when St Benedict’s parish in Garforth worked to obtain the award they decided to use some spare land to develop a garden that grew both flowers and vegetables. The people who got involved in this work were not particularly involved in other church groups prior to this. Equally, the flowers are used in church and some of the vegetables produced are shared with a local charity working with older people – thus enabling the parish to contribute to the life of the local community as well.
The LiveSimply scheme is administered by CAFOD – but it goes far beyond the typical things that CAFOD does. In Settle, for example, the parish community there decided to show their solidarity with those experiencing poverty by taking part in the Syrian refugee resettlement scheme. Not that they have ignored the wider dimensions of poverty as this parish has always been a supporter of CAFOD both in its fundraising for those in the global South and in promoting CAFOD campaigns.
SS Mary & StMichael church, Settle, showing their solar arrayIn both Settle and Burley in Wharfedale the parishes have had solar panels installed on the church roof in order to help them be more sustainable.
Drawing up the action plan is something that should involve the whole parish. Working toward the award only really works if the parish take a synodal approach. SS John Fisher & Thomas More, Burley in Wharfedale, they undertook surveys across the whole parish to find out ideas from parishioners. In Burley in Wharfedale they received back over 400 suggestions.
What I have noticed is that parishes working towards or with the LiveSimply award are much more aware of how their faith relates to their everyday life and how working together as a parish community can help them achieve so much more than if they just work as individuals.
by Cath Mahoney, member of the church community at Holy Rosary Church, part of the Leeds Cathedral parish
Fr Luis Orlando is a Mexican Jesuit priest who gave the Romero lecture in Leeds, entitled ‘Excavating Hope’.
He started by telling us about the day he went into the Jesuit Noviciate in Mexico and was confronted by a series of photographs of Archbishop Oscar Romero, the 6 Jesuit priests and the 2 women who were murdered by the Salvadoran army at the university in San Salvador in the 1980s and others who had been murdered because of their stand for justice. They were all martyred. For him, this was a very striking and sobering realisation. The context in Mexico is one where organised criminal gangs operate drugs smuggling and human trafficking and where gang related murders are commonplace.
'The images of these witnesses have accompanied me for almost 20 years. In the picture of Monsignor Romero, I read the powerful words: "If they kill me, I will rise again in the people." For a novice striving to follow in the footsteps of Jesus from Galilee, grasping that this journey may lead to sacrifice is a daunting challenge. Initially, I sought to evade the weight of that phrase, as if I could ignore its significance. But then, something profound shifted within me: "If they kill me, I will rise again in the people."
What inspired me, in what direction? Why didn’t I return home? What compelled me to remain in a place filled with images of those who had been slain by the military amid injustice and inequality? My answer today is hope. I stayed because I felt hope. I was moved toward hope and by hope.'
Fr Luis spoke about his support for the movement of Mexican women who are searching for the bodies of their ‘disappeared’ children (almost all sons). They search for places where bodies have been buried, and excavate these graves to find and identify the human remains in the hope that they can be returned to their loved ones for a respectful funeral and a known resting place. The women literally excavate ‘hope’.
He communicated and shared his admiration and respect for these ordinary women and their extraordinary courage and commitment in the face of the loss of their children. The mothers find their courage and hope in the support and solidarity that they experience from and with other mothers. They have formed strong networks across Mexico, sharing information and intelligence through WhatsApp groups. Local groups of women meet and talk, sing and pray together, their faith sustaining them for their work.
Fr Luis said that the women are especially devoted to Our Lady of Guadeloupe. “La Salve,” known in English as “The Hail Holy Queen,” carries profound meaning. The Spanish version contains enriched phrases that add depth to the original text. The prayer beautifully expresses:
“Hail, Queen and Mother, Mother of mercy, life, sweetness, and our hope,
our life, our sweetness, and our hope;
Hail God.
To You do we, the banished sons of Eve, cry out;
to You do we sigh, groaning and weeping
in this vale of tears.
Therefore, O Lady, our advocate,
turn to us those merciful eyes of Yours,
and after this exile, show us Jesus,
the blessed fruit of your womb.
O clement, O merciful, O sweet Virgin Mary!
Pray for us, Holy Mother of God.
That we may be worthy to attain
the promises of our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.”
A representative of the women met Pope Francis in Rome and this encounter highlighted their work to the Mexican Bishops.
The mothers are searching for ‘ the lost sheep’ that Jesus spoke about in the parable and Fr Luis hears the people as God’s voice and sees God at work through these women.
'One of the remarkable leaders of this movement is Doña María Herrera, a devoted mother of four children who have disappeared. For Doña Mari, the search for the missing starts with God, whom she sees as the first to seek out those who are lost. She likens God to the Good Shepherd, tirelessly searching for the literally lost sheep. She once shared, "God goes out to search. He doesn't know where to go, but he goes." This profound belief inspires her to look for her children. She has even founded a national network of women's groups committed to finding their loved ones.'
I was left full of admiration and sorrow for these women, but wondering what hope there is for a Mexico (and wider world) where violence is not the only occupation open to young men and where mothers are not driven to dig the earth to find their murdered sons.
Read the full text of Excavating Hope by Luis Orlando Pérez Jiménez, S.J.
On Wednesday 19th March, Kathy from SPARK visited our Social Justice Group to support the group develop ideas and events based on local issues.
SPARK is a faith informed social justice group for people aged 18-30 in the Yorkshire area who support younger Catholics with taking action on the issues that they care about.
The group is currently looking to branch out into supporting students aged 16-18 and their visit to Notre Dame was the first time meeting with students of this age group.
Kathy discussed previous events SPARK have run in Leeds, opportunities that are open to our students, and helped the Social Justice Group narrow down events that they would like to be involved in.
Following this, the Social Justice Group are now organising an event that will run later this year, to showcase local issues that impact Notre Dame students and ways we can help.
Kathy Shaw, SPARK manager, says
"As part of the new SPARK Pipeline Project, this week we met the Social Justice group at Notre Dame Sixth Form College looking at exciting ways to include the age group 16 to 18 years.
The Social Justice group are interested in organising a marketplace event and future leadership activities, with a focus on their particular interest of poverty in the UK.
Working closely with key staff and Notre Dame Chaplaincy, we are listening to what these group members want to achieve and finding ways to support their passion for social justice."
Watch this space for a Social Justice event soon!
Huge thank you to our Lay Chaplain, Anne Merry, who organised this event to support the group.
Ash Wednesday Act of Witness and service of repentance for the continued possession and development of nuclear weapons
Although there has been an Ash Wednesday Service in London for over 30 years, 2025 was the first time we have organised one in Leeds.
We gathered outside Holy Trinity Church on Boar Lane as a public witness to our commitment to ending the possession of nuclear weapons.
We prayed for our leaders, and ourselves to do everything we can to end nuclear war preparations and to give priority to those most disadvantaged in our world
We are inspired by Pope Francis in 2023 in his Urbi et Orbi message when he said,
‘To say yes to the Prince of Peace, then means saying no to war to every war and to do so with courage, to the very mindset of war, an aimless voyage, a defeat without victors and inexcusable folly’
Our service included a time for repentance a time for remembrance and those present tied purple ribbons to a wooden cross as a symbol of all those effected by conflicts throughout the world. We remembered those in Gaza, Sudan, Ukraine, Democratic Republic of Congo and many others throughout the world
It was encouraging to be joined by young people from Corpus Christi Catholic College who held our banners including one that proclaimed ‘Say Yes to Peace and No to War’
Our service ended with singing Ubi Caritas and a sign of peace to each other.
Oscar Romero lecture - Excavating Hope on 13th March at Leeds Trinity city centre campus
Presented in the Leeds Diocese by SPARK Social Justice working in partnership with Leeds Trinity University
Fr Luis Orlando Pérez Jiménez (speaker) supported by Julian Filochowski, Chair of the Archbishop Romero Trust
Fr Luis Orlando Pérez Jiménez is a Jesuit priest from Mexico and has vast experience of work in the field of human rights in Latin America. He worked as a lawyer at the Human Rights Centre in Mexico City and his work with the Jesuit-run Centre exposed him to the plight of thousands of mothers who had lost their children because of forced disappearances and extra-judicial killings committed by Mexican military forces and organised crime. Now a doctoral student at the University College London Institute of the Americas, Fr Luis is researching these grave human rights violations, which have claimed over 100,000 victims in Mexico, and the culture of impunity surrounding it.
The title of the lecture “Excavating Hope” reflects the desperate and dangerous work undertaken by 240 networks of mainly women across Mexico who are seeking answers and hoping to find the bodies of their loved ones. They connect locally and regionally to share information and support, building a community in the face of great challenges. This high-risk activism can and does result in threats and on occasion the risk of death. Simply being seen to support the search for the “disappeared” can be enough to bring consequences from organised crime, or corrupt government and police officials.
Fr Luis spoke powerfully of faith, hope and love. The critical connections and relationships sustaining these 2000 women searching for their loved ones, should be mirrored in our experiences of Church, “ relationships are the key, if you don’t connect with someone, where is the reason to come back?”
Oscar Romero brings an inspiration of collective action through a united community, as a “a Prophet of Hope”. Fr Luis spoke about Oscar Romero, a privileged Archbishop who could have stepped back from the atrocities he witnessed but instead was inspired to action by the community he served. Fr Luis described his own experiences and the inspiration he has through his faith and through being with people who had few material benefits but were determined to fight for their rights. He challenged us to be part of the solution, “be a witness” and in doing so “to encounter God, the source of our hope”.
Rev'd Jon Swales read his poem at the event echoing the key themes of the evening.
Rev’d Jon Swales is an ordained Priest in the Church of England and founder of Lighthouse West Yorkshire, a church community with a special focus on those struggling with addiction and mental health issues in Leeds. Set up in 2014, Lighthouse now supports over a hundred people with multiple and complex needs, working closely with both St George’s Church and St George’s Crypt. Jon was recognised in the 2022 New Year’s Honours and was awarded an MBE for services to the city, particularly during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Alongside this Jon is involved in theological education and is currently a tutor with Leeds School of Theology, St Hild and Niagara School of Missional Leadership. Jon is passionate about peace making and climate justice and seeks through prayer and activism to be a prophetic witness to the church.
Hope leans forward,
tender,
listening to the whispers of creation
groaning for renewal.
It does not turn its face from shadows
but gazes through them,
finding in the darkness
the first faint glimmer of dawn.
There is a holy audacity in hope—
a quiet trust and boldness,
knowing the story is held
in hands not our own,
nail scarred hands that invite us
to weave and work with them
a future of beauty and grace.
Hope speaks where
fear falters,
narrating a kingdom ,
telling a story
where the scattered are gathered,
where the weary find rest &
the exile a home.
It does not retreat,
nor stumble
beneath the solemn,
world-weary weight.
It moves with sacred purpose,
a searching grace,
a steady faith.
Hope is a spring,
a foretaste,
an existential refreshing
a momentary liberation
that lifts us from despair.
Hope knows the wounds of this world,
but counters fear
with holy persistence, &
holy resistance,
declaring that there is not a hurt
he will not heal.
Hope,
a gift,
a call to action,
a quiet confidence that moves towards the pain—
not alone,
but with hands outstretched,
pulling the darkness of this world
towards the light of Christ.
Hope leans forward,
Tender,
‘Be ready,
Greet it with a kiss.
An evening of inspiration which will resonate with those attending for many weeks to come.
Find out more:
An article about Romero written by Rev'd Jon Swales:
An award scheme with something for everyone in your parish to bring Hope in this Jubilee Year
Saturday 03 May 2025
10:30 - 3:30pm @ Wheeler Hall, Leeds Cathedral
A day to inspire renewal of everyone in your parish through living more simply, more sustainably, and in solidarity with those experiencing poverty.
All are invited to join this day to find out more about this inspirational award scheme which, through its flexibility, allows parishes to bring together individuals and parish groups to work together towards some common goals and to integrate the work they do into the liturgical life of the parish.
In the Leeds Diocese there are only 5 parishes that have obtained this award. People from these parishes will be there so you will have the opportunity to find out what other parishes have done as part of this scheme and to think about what sort of things might work in your parish.
We're delighted that Christine Allen, CAFOD director, will be with us for this event. There will be a couple of short inputs but the day will mainly be workshop-based so attendees can actively participate and leave with clear actions to take back to their parish.
Wheeler Hall is joined to Leeds Cathedral with an entrance on St Ann's Street. It's less than a 10 min walk from Leeds City station. Parking is available in any of the city centre car parks.
The venue is fully accessible.
We'll provide hot drinks. Lunch will be a shared buffet so (if your dietary requirement allow it) please bring something to share which doesn't need to be heated up.
This day is free to attend but there will be a voluntary collection taken during the day to help defray the costs of putting it on.
This day is organised by SPARK Social Justice and the Leeds Diocesan J&P Commission in partnership with existing LiveSimply parishes, CAFOD and with the endorsement of the SVP and Caritas Leeds.
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How do we provide for the increasing urgent need in our communities? And how do we challenge the systems that are pushing people into poverty? This Social Justice Lunch is for everyone who dreams of a better world – whether you’re a seasoned campaigner or a budding activist, you’re very welcome. We will provide a light lunch, and you’ll have the chance to hear from the panel and join conversations in small groups
Follow this link to book a free ticket (lunch is included!)
We are several months into the Year of Jubilee, a holy year named ‘Pilgrims of Hope’ by Pope Francis. It’s tempting, in our busy world, our busy lives, to just let it happen around us but that would be to miss a key moment in the life of faith, and a vital moment for our world.
The phrase “May you live in interesting times” is not known as a blessing, but rather quite the opposite. We hold on to hope precisely because we live in interesting times.
When we act together, we can do more than we might know. Perhaps you can take a moment now to reflect on what God might be calling you to, this Jubilee.
Here are some important updates on Family Fast Day, The Big Lent Walk and overseas aid…
Family Fast Day this Lent in your parish, Friday 14 March: In the year of Jubilee, encouraging parishioners to give generously toour Fast Day Appeal is a vital way we can respond to Pope Francis’ call for us to be tangible signs of hope for our sisters and brothers. Electronic versions of Lent parish resources (including prayers of intercession for Sundays in Lent) are on CAFOD's website (you will need to scroll to the end to see all the resources). Do speak to your parish priest about the CAFOD collection and speaking at Mass (ideally on 8/9 March or 15/16 March).
New short talk: In light of the UK government’s decision to cut the overseas aid budget, CAFOD has made a revised version of the Fast Day short talk, which mentions this and invites parishioners to act with compassion in this moment through their giving to their Lent Appeal. If you would like to use that new talk when you speak at Mass, you can find it here.
CAFOD Lent Appeal 2025: An introduction for parish volunteers and helpers. For those who weren’t able to come to a local meeting, please see this inspiring video of our national briefing covering tips for making Fast Day happen in your parish, more information about CAFOD's work in Marsabit in Kenya and about the impact of recent international developments.
CAFOD's Big Lent Walk is upon us! Thank you to those who have signed up. It’s not too late, and you can still join as an individual, Parish group or alongside your local school. Search 'Big Lent Walk' on the CAFOD website or go to walk.cafod.org.uk to sign up and do share with anyone who may be interested.
Overseas Aid: As mentioned, the Prime Minister has announced that the aid budget will be cut again, to its lowest level since 1999. In some of the most vulnerable places on earth, more people will die and many more will lose their livelihoods. Please contact your MP and call on the UK government to stand by our sisters and brothers around the world. More info here.
Finding our voices in the Jubilee Year Tuesday 11 March 6.30pm. Hear from two incredible speakers and enjoy a glass of wine or soft drink. Join Adeniké, CAFOD ambassador and semi-finalist of The Voice UK, who is currently touring as Whitney Houston in Queen of the Night, and Brian Nyerere, a Kenyan activist. Rooftop Pavilion, CAFOD, Romero House, 55 Westminster Bridge Road, London, SE1 7JB.
Live simply, care deeply, Saturday 3rd May, Wheeler Hall, Leeds City Centre. A date for your diary. Your parish are welcome to come for a day to inspire renewal through living more simply, sustainably and in solidarity with everyone experiencing poverty. CAFOD’s Director Christine Allen will be there with Leeds diocese J&P Commission in partnership with existing LiveSimply parishes. We will share ideas and local support to help more parishes take up the LiveSimply journey this Jubilee year. Sign up and more details coming soon here
On Wednesday 9 July, CAFOD will join many other organisations for a mass lobby of Parliament in London
Re-dedication of Br Guy Jarrosson’s Gravestone (1926 – 2013)
Br Guy Jarrosson, a long time supporter of J&P in the Leeds Diocese, was a Little Brother of Jesus of St.Charles de Foucault. For many years he and his fellow brother, Xavier, lived in a house in Wortley. Their vocation called them to serve God amongst working people. Xavier had skills in woodwork and Br Guy worked at Yorkshire Chemicals on Kirkstall road in Leeds (now demolished). For a number of years he was a union shop steward.
From the start of the Commission in 1973, Br Guy was involved. He spent many years as a Commission member. During the 1980s he was lead person in a group examining the world of work and issues of justice in the workplace and he continued to support the Commission’s work until his death in 2013.
His gravestone had become eroded to the point where it was unreadable. Friends paid for a more sturdy replacement and a short re-dedication service was held on 20 February, attended by J&P supporters and members of the local parish (Holy Family) who remembered him. We were delighted that Br. Xavier was able to come across from Lille (where he now lives) and join everyone for this event.
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The mothers are searching for ‘ the lost sheep’ that Jesus spoke about in the parable and Fr Luis hears the people as God’s voice and sees God at work through these women.
I was left full of admiration and sorrow for these women, but wondering what hope there is for a Mexico (and wider world) where violence is not the only occupation open to young men and where mothers are not driven to dig the earth to find their murdered sons.
Kathy Shaw, SPARK manager, says
Our service included a time for repentance a time for remembrance and those present tied purple ribbons to a wooden cross as a symbol of all those effected by conflicts throughout the world. We remembered those in Gaza, Sudan, Ukraine, Democratic Republic of Congo and many others throughout the world
Fr Luis spoke powerfully of faith, hope and love. The critical connections and relationships sustaining these 2000 women searching for their loved ones, should be mirrored in our experiences of Church, “ relationships are the key, if you don’t connect with someone, where is the reason to come back?”
Hope leans forward,
His gravestone had become eroded to the point where it was unreadable. Friends paid for a more sturdy replacement and a short re-dedication service was held on 20 February, attended by J&P supporters and members of the local parish (Holy Family) who remembered him. We were delighted that Br. Xavier was able to come across from Lille (where he now lives) and join everyone for this event.