A Message from the Bishops Conference
We wish to pay tribute to all in the Catholic community who have shown courage, generosity and understanding in the face of adversity this past year. Across England and Wales, families and parish communities have risen to the challenge of sustaining one another through times of great isolation, loneliness and grief in an impressive variety of ways, spiritual, emotional and practical. We thank all who have worked tirelessly in hospitals, carehomes and across the medical profession for giving of themselves so generously. We thank all who have worked valiantly in our schools, facing unforeseen demands and meeting them with characteristic professionalism and dedication. We also pay tribute to those who have given of their time and energy to keep open our churches as havens of peace and prayer. We thank all who have developed diverse new patterns of outreach - of prayer, catechesis, study and spiritual solidarity; all who have made participation in the Mass possible through the internet. Also prominent in this tribute should be thanks to all who have contributed to the immense effort of providing food for those most in need.
