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.

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Refugee Week in June

There are some activities in Exeter for Refugee Week include film screenings with refreshments (£9 per ticket) at Exeter Phoenix from 5:30pm on Weds 18th June and a shared meal (£16:96 per ticket) at St Sidwells Community Centre on Fri 20th June at 6pm. The RAMM sewing event is free entry.

Caritas has asked us to be involved in the up and coming sewing event at RAMM, Exeter. I think this will be a wonderful opportunity for us as Catholic Exeter to show our support. For more information click here.

What does June look like for Caritas?

Day for Life - Sunday 15 June

Every year the Church in England, Wales, Scotland, and Ireland marks the Day for Life, as a reminder of the need to respect and protect the inherent value and dignity of each life. This year it will be celebrated on 15th June, Trinity Sunday.

Refugee Week (See article above)

Each year around World Refugee Day on 20 June, there is a UK-wide festival to celebrate the contributions, creativity and resilience of refugees and people seeking sanctuary. For more information and how to get involved, visit: https://refugeeweek.org.uk/. Jesuit Refugee Service One Shared Humanity manifesto has five simple messages about how we can show our faith in action through our welcome and support for refugees.

Caritas in Veritate

29 June is the anniversary of the publication in 2009 of Caritas in Veritate, by Pope Benedict XVI. There is so much to reflect on in this long and powerful encyclical which followed the financial crash of 2008. Pope Benedict's call is for us to see the relationship between human and environmental ecologies and to link charity and truth in the pursuit of justice, the common good, and authentic human development. Why not have a look at paragraph 45 on the need for a people-centred, ethical economics?

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

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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

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