Archbishop Longley supports Lord Mayor of Birmingham's Lent Appeal

The Archbishop of Birmingham, Most Rev Bernard Longley is encouraging Catholics across the city to support Lord Mayor Cllr Carl Rice's charity appeal.

Mayor Rice is asking Brummies to help raise money for charitable organisations which provide shelter, food and support to rough sleepers and the homeless. Lord Mayor Cllr Carl Rice said: "Sadly, rough sleeping and homelessness are on the rise both here in Birmingham and nationally. Birmingham City Council works with charities and volunteers across the city to help rough sleepers get back on their feet - these services really do give hope and they change lives.

"This year, I'm asking people to give the money they save through giving up things for Lent to my Lent Appeal. All the money raised will be distributed to charities through the Birmingham Community Action Trust, based at Birmingham Voluntary Service Council. Although Lent is a Christian festival, this is something people of all faiths, and those without faith too, can get behind to help people who are sleeping rough."

Archbishop of Birmingham Bernard Longley said: "Our fasting purifies the intentions of our hearts and enables us to see more clearly our dependence on God and our responsibilities towards God and our neighbour. Our almsgiving should come from a generous heart prompted by the teaching of Jesus himself so that our faith becomes fruitful in good works. I welcome the Lord Mayor's Lent appeal as a good way to support our neighbours during this period of reflection."

Bishop of Birmingham David Urquhart said: "For Christians, Lent is a time to follow the sacrifices Jesus made for humanity and strengthen our willpower. People can choose to celebrate Lent by giving instead of, or as well as, giving something up. I welcome the Lord Mayor's Lent appeal as a way of bringing people together to support rough sleepers."

Anyone wishing to make a donation can do so by visiting - http://campaign.justgiving.com/campaigns/charity/lordmayorbirmingham/lentappeal