The Catholic Union held a privately sponsored dinner for its Patrons and Benefactors this week.The Catholic Union’s team was pleased to welcome an array of supporters including several parliamentarians, two former Presidents, Rt Hon Sir Edward Leigh MP and Lord Brennan, and two Catholic Vice-Chancellors, Professors Charles Egbu and Anthony McClaran.
The Chair of the Catholic Union of Great Britain thanked donors for their generous support during 2025 which has enabled the organisation to serve the laity and bishops of England, Wales and Scotland. He said “At the heart of the Catholic Union is a drive to encourage the laity to participate. To be active and not passive. We can each play a part, at parish level or public level, this might be in educating or campaigning, this might be in giving, this might be in writing or speaking, this might be by voting. It’s up to you.”
Baroness Hollins, President, addressed the gathering, speaking about the challenges of this year in Parliament especially the painstaking work of peers to confront the assisted suicide bill.
Our excellent guest speaker, Father Stephen Langridge, emphasised the importance of parishes focusing on their mission rather than their traditional role. He noted that things had changed since his ordination when parish priests had three jobs akin to a bus conductor: to ring bells, get parishioners in and tell them where to get off – this was echoed by Stephen Pound, former bus conductor, quoting the bus driver’s prayer!
The event was very convivial and we are enormously grateful for all the support, in terms of time, finance and good will, that our Patrons and Benefactors bestow (many for several years now) helping the Catholic Union community to promote faith in public life. Please consider joining the St Thomas More Circle to help the mission of the Catholic Union.
