Meet the volunteer - Patricia

How did you first get involved with volunteering?

My name is Patricia. I’m a Religious Sister of Charity and I am retired. I am Irish but have lived in the UK for over 40 years. In that time I have lived in several parts of England and in Scotland. I returned to London three years ago.

Soon after my return to London I looked around to see where I could volunteer. I applied to CAFOD and was accepted. I was delighted when I was asked to join the LiveSimply campaign as a contact person with LiveSimply parishes.

What does volunteering at CAFOD give you?

The congregation I belong to is committed to care of the earth and I have been involved in this area for over 30 years.

Being part of the LiveSimply campaign allows me to encourage parishes and communities to be confident that their contribution through LiveSimply is invaluable. While we look to our government to pass legislation and fund green projects at the top, the grassroot movement is essential in advocating for change and making improvements by changing our own behaviour.

LiveSimply offers leadership at grassroots level. The core values of working together, sharing, respecting each other’s gifts and contribution, promoting the common good here and abroad, and building community are inherent in LiveSimply.

What are some of your best memories?

I spent a very pleasant weekend in St Anselm’s parish in Tooting Bec, London. The members of the parish present at each Mass were invited by the LiveSimply parish team to an exhibition which was held in a room off the church. The room was warm and cosy and the displays were laid out with great imagination. Among the displays was one about beekeeping and the beekeeper was present to explain and invite. While I was there I so wanted to be a member of that parish so I could take part in the exciting plans that were being proposed.