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“When we care about others in our family, we share in their lives and think about ways to help them and make life better. This is living in solidarity and should be extended to our brothers and sisters in Uganda. We must get to know them and learn what their life is like”

Parishioners from the church communities of Haslemere, Hindhead and Chiddingfold held a special fundraising event recently to raise money for the education of eight girls supported by the parish who live in Mbale District, Uganda.

The connection with the village came about when St Anselm’s, Hindhead – then a separate parish – set up a Third World project in Uganda. Once Hindhead was united with Haslemere and Chiddingfold, it was adopted by all three churches, with much of the funding coming from the monthly 100 Club lottery, events and personal contributions.

This fundraising event began with the celebration of Mass, with the choir singing a South African gathering chant Thuma Mina (Send me, Lord), accompanied by the event organiser, Audrey Podmore, on percussion.

After Mass, parishioners adjourned to the church hall where a buffet lunch was served, to view display screens showing pictures of village life in Mbale District, where the girls live. Young parishioners were encouraged to learn about the lives of girls and boys in Uganda through stories and drawings, with Audrey Podmore giving a talk about farming, education and culture in Uganda to older attendees – with additional video clips showing villagers going about their daily lives.

In seeking ways to be more closely involved, the parish is embracing one of the main principles of CAFOD’s LiveSimply initiative and is working towards protecting the world which God has entrusted to people on earth. Over the next few months, the principles of living simply, in solidarity with God’s creation, will be put into action with the parish pledging to live more sustainably and exploring ways to work more closely with the people of Uganda.

Many thanks to Fay Foster for sharing this news with us.‍