Archbishop will mark charity’s milestone at cathedral celebration

The Archbishop of Westminster, the Most Rev Vincent Nichols, will lead the mass at Leeds Cathedral on Saturday to celebrate the 150th anniversary of Catholic Care.

The charitable organisation, which is based in Headingley, helps vulnerable and elderly people across Yorkshire.

Carol Hill, director of Catholic Care, said the charity were delighted the Archbishop would join them.

“It is a real honour and something we are very proud of.

“The Archbishop is the most senior clergyman in the country and he is recognising Catholic Care. It’s good to know that we have adapted and cared for so many people.”

Over the last year the charity has provided more than 30,000 one-to-one and group counselling sessions for schoolchildren and teachers across Yorkshire.

The charity also cares for adults and children with learning disabilities and reaches out to different supported living schemes to help people with mental health problems.

Catholic Care also provides support to elderly residents and promotes health and wellbeing to encourage them to live at home and remain independent. It also has two children’s homes and runs a long-established adoption service.

The charity, which cares for people of all faiths and backgrounds, was established during the Victorian era to support orphaned children. But it was during the 1980s that the charity decided to extend its remit to offer care services for adults and older people.

Ms Hill added: “It’s great that we have delivered care and support to thousands and thousands of people throughout its 150-year history.

“There’s a real sense of achievement to reach this landmark.”

The ceremony will be held on Saturday at noon.