Sacred Heart Exeter
About Us
On the ground around the world
Caritas Internationalis is confederation of over 160 members who are working at the grassroots in almost every country of the world. When a crisis hits, Caritas is already on the ground. The diverse members give us our strength – from small groups of volunteers to some of the biggest global charities. Inspired by Catholic faith, Caritas is the helping hand of the Church – reaching out to the poor, vulnerable and excluded, regardless of race or religion, to build a world based on justice and fraternal love.
Caritas Internationalis has its headquarters in Rome – co-ordinating emergency operations, formulating development policy and advocating for a better world for everyone. All national Caritas organisations are members of their own regional Caritas networks and the international confederation.
From the founding of the first Caritas in Germany in 1897, to the setting up of Caritas Internationalis in 1951, until today, Caritas has a rich history of listening respectfully to the suffering of the poor and giving them the tools to transform their own lives. The deep moral and spiritual principles of dignity, justice, solidarity and stewardship still guide Caritas today.
Jubilee of Workers 1-4 May
On 1 May we celebrate St Joseph the Worker, and this is also a day to reflect on the Jubilee of Workers. The Jubilee of Workers celebrates the essential contribution to society made by all workers: professional and trades, paid employees and volunteers; while also recognising the model of all workers, St Joseph. The Jubilee reaffirms the Church's commitment to upholding the rights and dignity of workers and the integral role of work in human development. Work is not just a way to make a living; it is a way to participate in God’s creation.
Laudato Si week 19-26 May
Ten years ago, Pope Francis wrote Laudato Si’, setting out a new vision for our common home. We are invited this week to celebrate 10 years of prayer and action tand to reflect on how we can create a brighter future as stewards of creation. The Diocese of Plymouth recently published the annual review of our Environment Strategy which sets out the actions we are taking to care for creation.https://www.plymouth-diocese.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Environment-Policy-Annual-Review-2024.pdf Caritas Plymouth will be hosting a Photography exhibition at Plymouth Cathedral from 19-27 May showcasing images submitted by people from across the diocese which highlight the gift of God's creation. Please come along to visit the exhibition which will be available during the normal opening hours of the Cathedral.
Dementia Action Week 19 - 25 May 2025
Pope Francis has spoken about the importance of respecting and caring for the elderly, including those with dementia, emphasizing their wisdom and the value of their lived experiences. He has also highlighted the need to protect the elderly from violence and abuse, and to pray for those affected by Alzheimer's and their families. We are all invited to pray for those affected and to consider how we can support those living with dementia and those who care for them.
The Diocese of Plymouth currently has a vacancy for a Head of Caritas. Further information can be obtained by emailing recruitment@prcdtr.org.uk
Caritas March Newsletter
Click on the link for news from Caritas about love in action around the diocese: https://tinyurl.com/285mneux
​Jubilee 2025 : Forgiveness
One of the themes of this year’s Jubilee is forgiveness. Caritas Diocese of Plymouth have created a sheet with information and resources around the theme which can be read here https://tinyurl.com/mwmmdmc5
Caritas Survey
Caritas Social Action Network (CSAN) is conducting a survey to understand the impact of the two-child benefit cap and the current economic climate on Catholic families in England and Wales. Please share your experience by completing the survey, which can be accessed here where you’ll also find further information about the survey. The survey will close on 25th March"
Caritas News
To keep up to date with Caritas news click here
Caritas Jubilee Lent resources
The theme of the 2025 Jubilee year is “Pilgrims of Hope”. This is a year of hope for a world suffering the impacts of war, the ongoing effects of COVID-19 pandemic, and a climate crisis. The Pope has chosen six social action themes for prayer and reflection during the Jubilee Year: care for creation, food poverty, modern slavery, managing debt, forgiveness and rest. Caritas Diocese of Plymouth has created a resource on these six themes. It can be used by individuals or parish groups to discuss one or more of the themes. Caritas Diocese of Plymouth can also provide support to parishes wishing to explore any of these themes in greater details. https://www.plymouth-diocese.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Jubilee-Parish-Resources-2.pdf
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Feast of St Oscar Romero 24 March
One of the patron saints of Caritas Internationalis and patron saint of Caritas Social Action Network. Oscar Romero, the Archbishop of San Salvador, was assassinated while saying Mass on this day in 1980. He was a prophetic voice for justice and human dignity in El Salvador during the years of the military dictatorship. He embodies the preferential option for the poor. For more information and a bank of resources visit: http://www.romerotrust.org.uk
