The Catholic Union of Great Britain held its AGM on 4 November at the London Jesuit Centre, administrated by Martin Foley, Secretary of the Catholic Union. The Chair, Richard Collyer-Hamlin, outlined the work of the Catholic Union over the last twelve months focusing on Education, Engagement and Encouragement. He thanked everyone who has played a part in the life of the Catholic Union across England, Scotland and Wales.
Treasurer, Benedict Jennings, presented the accounts as set out in the Annual Report. Nine new Vice Presidents were appointed who will serve alongside Baroness Hollins, President of the Catholic Union, and our existing Vice Presidents.
Rt Rev Richard Moth, Bishop of Arundel and Brighton, celebrated Mass at Farm Street church, remembering existing and deceased members of the Catholic Union.
Following Mass, a reception was held in the Aula Magna, London Jesuit Centre, kindly sponsored by CCLA. Baroness Hollins, President of the Catholic Union, gave an excellent overview of legislation making its way through Parliament with a particular focus on the assisted suicide bill.
As Lead Bishop for Prisons, Bishop Moth addressed the reception and urged members and supporters of the Catholic Union to volunteer prison visitors, support prison chaplaincies, look after families of prisoners, and work to ensure that your parish is a place, where possible, where former offenders will be welcomed. Bishop Moth highlighted Remember Me a document on criminal justice by the Department for Social Justice of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales, exploring contemporary issues of criminal justice in the light of Catholic Social Teaching
Professor Philip Booth, Director of Policy and Research at the Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales, provided an overview of public engagement work of the Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales.
