Southend: Parishes united in walk for CAFOD, BCCS

On Saturday June 2nd, the Knights of Saint Columba in Southend-on-Sea brought two parishes in the Southend Deanery together in solidarity for two worthy causes. The annual sponsored walk between Our Lady Help of Christians and Saint Helen in Westcliff-on-Sea and Saint George and the English Martyrs in Shoeburyness has always been a fundraiser for the Brentwood Catholic Children's Society (BCCS), but this year, the 'walking' was also in support of CAFOD's Share the Journey campaign to raise awareness for the struggles of migrants and the refugee crisis.

We began with Mass with Father Joseph, and after Mass all gathered in the car park where the CAFOD Action cards were handed out and discussed, and walkers were drawn to the significance of the Lampedusa Cross that we would be carrying on our journey, The cross is a powerful symbol of the unfolding tragedy of the refugee crisis across the world, and is made from the wreckage of boats carrying refugees that had sunk off of the island of Lampedusa. After Father Joseph lead us in prayer, we set off on our seafront walk smothered by glorious sunshine all the way to Shoeburyness where we were greeted in the hall with smiles, and refreshments from the welcoming team including Father Brett, and we took advantage of the chance to rest.

Petition cards were signed for CAFOD, sponsorship forms and certificates for the BCCS crossed hands and after a closing prayer and a group photograph, those that needed lifts back to St Helens were duly returned to where it all began with both charities having gained from the efforts of the morning.