Sr. Carmel Ring introduces us to one aspect of the work of CAFOD in London. At age 75, she has found a new energy and enthusiasm as a volunteer with this organisation, continuing her lifelong service in the Lord’s vineyard.
Since September 2012 I have been working as a Volunteer for CAFOD (the Catholic Fund for Overseas Development) in the England and Wales branch of Caritas International, founded here in 1962 and of which as a Congregation we have been constant supporters.
For the previous 14 years I had been the lead Catechist in the parish of Our Lady of Muswell in the ministry of preparing adults for reception into the Catholic Church- the RCIA to many of you.
Then our new parish priest decided that he would prefer to run the course himself and so dispensed with my services. That left me free to volunteer for CAFOD and pursue what I am doing now.
My main job is to contact all of the parishes of the Archdiocese and introduce our programme of catechesis on Social Justice with is geared to Confirmation candidates who are 15-16 years old.
I have also been involved in various fund-raising activities and training days and my next venture is to join in the Religious lobby of our MPs at the House of Commons on the coming Wednesday. I hope to persuade Lynne Featherstone, the Liberal Democrat member for Haringey, to present our case on the alleviation of world poverty to the Prime Minister as he chairing the G8 summit in Enniskillen, Northern Ireland, in June.
I love this work. it is so much in keeping with our Charism, the holistic betterment of those in the greatest need worldwide.
The North London CAFOD office is on the first floor, just over the Cockfosters Benedictine Church. In all we are 12 volunteers and two full paid employees. My colleagues are lovely people.
Although our job is a serious one, we have lots of fun besides. The cheerful atmosphere of the office makes up for the drudgery of sorting through files and folding endless letters and sticking labels on envelopes for posting. Don’t tell me that at 75 it is time to put your feet up. No way!
I am enclosing our blurb on the Religious Congregation House of Parliament Lobby on Wednesday.
Enjoy the read and say a prayer too. Love
Carmel (London)