A 2,000km pilgrimage of hope: BCCET unite for CAFOD
Schools across the Bishop Chadwick Catholic Education Trust (BCCET) took part in an extraordinary challenge this Lent: walking a combined 2,000 kilometres to raise funds for CAFOD, the official Catholic aid agency for England and Wales.
With 25 primary schools and five secondaries across East Durham, South Tyneside, and Sunderland, the Trust fully embraced this year’s CAFOD Big Lent Walk, a 40-day walking challenge that’s particularly meaningful in the Catholic Church’s Jubilee year, themed ‘Pilgrims of Hope’.
Bishop joins the walk at St. Bede’s
One of the many schools involved was St. Bede’s Catholic Primary School in South Shields, where pupils and staff were thrilled to welcome a very special guest: Bishop Stephen, Bishop of Hexham and Newcastle and Chair of CAFOD’s Board of Trustees.
Head Teacher Carol Devine shared her pride in the school community’s efforts: “We were absolutely delighted to have Bishop Stephen join us for the CAFOD Big Lent Walk on such a beautiful, sunny day!
“His energy and enthusiasm were truly infectious, and it was heartwarming to see parents, grandparents and governors all coming together to support the event. It was a fantastic opportunity for our school community to pray together, get some exercise and contribute to a great cause. Our school choir gave a fantastic performance for our visitors, and our Mini Vinnies did a brilliant job serving afternoon tea.
“It was a perfect day that really showcased the spirit of our school community, and we’re so grateful to Bishop Stephen for making it even more special!”
Bishop Stephen reflected on his visit: “It was wonderful to have such a warm welcome from the staff and children at St. Bede’s. I thoroughly enjoyed taking part in the afternoon celebrations and it was fantastic to join everyone for the Big Lent Walk for CAFOD. The sense of community shone through.”
Spreading hope at St. Cuthbert’s
At St. Cuthbert’s Catholic Primary School in Seaham, staff and pupils also laced up their walking shoes.
Deputy Head Teacher Elaine Parlett explained why the school is committed to this meaningful initiative: “We regularly participate in the Big Lent Walk, raising money to help CAFOD support communities around the world become self-sufficient in times of crisis.
“Our pupils know that Lent is an opportunity for us not only to pray and fast but to make positive contributions. In this Jubilee year, we are all reflecting on hope and how we can bring hope to others; the Big Lent Walk is a fantastic way for our community to bring hope to our global family.
“We challenged ourselves to walk a collective 2,000 km before the Easter holidays and have already surpassed that.”
Connor, a Year 6 pupil at the school, put it simply and powerfully: “It’s important to raise money because it helps families living in poverty around the world get the essentials they need, especially the families we learned about in Kenya.”
Chris Zarraga, Director of Schools North East, praised the initiative: “This is a brilliant example of young people putting faith into action, connecting learning, compassion and community to make a real difference.”
Faith in action across the trust
All schools within BCCET began the Jubilee year by creating their own Holy Doors of Hope, now proudly displayed in their school buildings. And on Friday 27 June, the trust’s schools will come together with others across the Diocese of Hexham and Newcastle for a special celebration of the Jubilee year.
The CAFOD Big Lent Walk Jubilee wasn’t just about fundraising… it’s about faith in action. As pupils and staff walked, ran, or strolled through the 40 days of Lent, they did so in solidarity with communities around the world, inspired by the message of hope, unity, and compassion.
Bishop Chadwick Catholic Education Trust is a Schools North East Partner Trust. If you’d like to find out more about our Partner School membership, click here.
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