To mark this year’s Education Sunday, Sr Silvana Dallanegra, one of our Development Team and our Lead for Catholic Social Teaching, reflects on the impact of CST and the Caritas Ambassadors programme on schools across the diocese.
I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that you have hidden these things from the wise and understanding and revealed them to little children (Matthew 11: 25)
Catholic Social Teaching (CST), for too long known as the Church’s ‘best-kept secret’, is now being thoroughly revealed to children, thanks to its growing popularity and new prominence in the Religious Education Directory. A thorough grounding in CST enables children to understand the values and attitudes which must underpin their choices and activities; how to treat other people, especially those who have less than them, and how to treat all of God’s gift of creation.
Caritas Westminster is committed to supporting schools in deepening and developing their Catholic life, particularly through CST. One way is via our Caritas Ambassadors programme, currently being used by over 35 schools across the Diocese of Westminster. This aims to equip pupils with a strong understanding of CST and how they can put it into action in their daily lives: it deepens their understanding of six key themes, helping them to think about social justice issues in their local community before taking them through developing and running their own social action project.
In the five years since we started piloting it, Caritas Ambassadors have led their schools in numerous initiatives, including reaching out to those who are isolated, supporting local homeless projects and food banks, and caring for the environment. They have also led their schools in prayer and campaigning, and in some cases, invited the wider parish community to get involved.
Miss Bessant from St Peter & St Paul Primary in Clerkenwell, recently told us:
This is the second year that we have taken part in Caritas Ambassadors. The children have embraced the different aspects of Catholic Social Teaching and have worked together to identify the needs of their community. As a result, they have built relationships with some of the elderly in the community that attend The Peel Centre. It has been a real honour watching the children grow in love as they embraced their role as a Caritas Ambassador.
Speaking of their collaboration with The Peel Centre, her pupils added:
At our age, we cannot give money or physical gifts, but we can give the gift of our love and time; to let others know that in an age where many things are online, there are still people that care. We are all God’s children, and as Ms Peters, our head teacher always says, Jesus is the tree and we are branches… ready to reach out and share our fruits.
A pupil from St Joseph’s Primary in Chelsea said of their social action initiative:
Looking back, our project was more than just supporting charities; it was a testament to the power of community and participation, and we really showed our ‘love in action.’
A few months ago, we hosted our second Caritas Ambassadors Festival at Westminster Cathedral. In a liturgy led by Bishop Paul McAleenan, Chair of the Caritas Board, almost 400 students came together to present examples of their work and receive certificates for their schools.
Many children spoke of their pride at being able to represent their school, and noted the inspiring effect of hearing and learning from other students.
Mrs Kelliher from The Rosary in Heston said:
the Festival has been a standout moment for us this half term! The testimonials shared by the other schools were inspiring, and our Ambassadors have already been discussing their next ideas.’
Indeed, a student from St Joseph’s, Harrow, poignantly noted:
Through his ministry, Jesus taught us how to serve others. Being a part of the festival made me really reflect on what we have already achieved but it also made me think about what else we could do.
We were all in awe as we listened to the Ambassadors sharing not only what they do, but why they do it. It’s so lovely to see children who are not only enthused by social action, but able to understand and demonstrate the underlying principles so well. In the years to come, I hope they will remember this experience, and that they will always be Caritas Ambassadors, called to step forward in love and service wherever they may be.
On this Education Sunday, and as we begin a new academic year, we invite you to pray with us for all the pupils and staff in our schools, as they seek to live their call to follow Jesus, our original Love in Action. Please join us in saying this prayer, written by a Caritas Ambassador from The Rosary Primary School, Heston, and pray especially for all the children who will be taking part in the programme this year:
We pray for all our schools and their Caritas Ambassadors who are leading Faith in Action through their service and care. May our school communities be in unity and solidarity, and may kindness and compassion fill the hearts of those we help. May the Lord’s healing hands touch those who are unfortunate to have to struggle in their lives.
Learn more about Caritas Ambassadors here.
Find out more about our Catholic Social Teaching programmes here.
Photo credit: © 2024 Paul Hampartsoumian
