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Bishop Richard led a Day of Recollection for St Vincent de Paul Society (SVP) members across Sussex last Friday, with a talk and the celebration of Mass, followed by lunch at Tower House in Brighton. A significant number of diocesan churches have SVP groups (called "Conferences"), with members of the SVP said to: "work silently but with a cacophony of celebration in heaven." The essence of the SVP's work is person-to-person contact and spending time with people. The charity has a network of nearly 10,000 volunteers in England and Wales, with members motivated by their faith to visit vulnerable or isolated people and offer them friendship and practical support.

‍Tower House, run by the SVP, offers a café for visitors of all faiths and none, with a range of support groups for older people - including those who have been impacted by a stroke or dementia, and a programme of exercise, art and craft classes. Speaking during the homily, Bishop Richard said:

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"Many of the people to whom you minister - because of what has happened in their lives - feel a bit discarded and, perhaps, abandoned; into that space you step, bringing the life and the love of Christ to them. It is the Lord who calls you to do this work; to bring His life to those to whom you minister, to help them find their dignity and place in the wonder of His kingdom."

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‍You can find out more about work and mission of the SVP on their website.