Our older children were given the opportunity to apply to become Caritas Ambassadors. We appointed 12 Caritas Ambassadors, who are enthusiastic and hold faith and social fairness close to their hearts.  

Our Caritas Ambassadors are activists for social change, and are ambassadors of Catholic Social Teaching at Our Lady & St Gerard's. Their mission is to make a positive difference by showing 'love in action', raising awareness and encouraging others. The pupils are committed to their roles and received training from Caritas at the start of their journey as ambassadors. They understand that 'Caritas' means charity in Latin and they organise events to support local charities. They believe that supporting them can help to make a positive difference to people's lives. 

Our ambassadors decided their mission statement should be "As Caritas Ambassadors, we are here to live out our faith by helping others and showing love in action. We believe in Catholic Social Teaching, which reminds us to care for the poor, protect the planet, and treat everyone with dignity. Our purpose is to inspire our friends and family to join us in making a difference in our community, spreading kindness, and sharing God's love with everyone we meet." 

“Whatever you do for the least of these, you do for me.”
(Matthew 25:40)

Caritas Award 

Within Salford Diocese schools can award children the Caritas in Action Award when they demonstrate the principles of Catholic Social Teaching.

Coffee Morning Success!
Our wonderful ambassadors recently planned and hosted a fantastic Coffee Morning, inviting our parish family and members of the local community to join us in raising vital funds for St Joseph's Penny. Alongside this we held our usual penny appeal throughout lent and had a non-uniform day. 

The school hall was transformed into a warm and welcoming space, where guests could enjoy a cup of coffee and a slice of cake—generously donated by our amazing parents and teachers. It was a lovely opportunity for everyone to come together, have a chat, and learn more about the important work this charity does.

After school, the ambassadors continued their efforts by selling the remaining cakes, which proved to be incredibly popular!

Thanks to the kindness and generosity of everyone involved, we’re thrilled to share that over £750 was raised for this worthy cause.

Thank you to all who donated, supported, and joined us—it truly made a difference!

“Truly, I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.”
— Matthew 25:40

#Beethere appeal 

Advent Appeal: #BeThere – Love in Action
Our amazing Caritas Ambassadors launched the #BeThere Appeal during a special assembly to mark the beginning of Advent.

After speaking with a representative from our local food larder, they felt inspired to support its vital work during this season of giving. They asked which essential items were most needed, and in addition to dried and tinned foods and toiletries, they discovered that cleaning products—especially washing powders and liquids—are in short supply, with many families unable to afford these basics.

In response, our ambassadors are calling our whole school community into action. During Advent, we’re collecting donations to support the larder and help make Christmas a little brighter for those who are struggling.

If you’re able to give, please send your donations into school and hand them to your teacher. Every item, no matter how small, will make a big difference.

Let’s come together in faith and kindness to put our love into action this Advent.

“Faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.”
— James 2:17

Thank you

When we help others, share what we have, and look after God’s world, we are showing His love.

“Do small things with great love.” St. Teresa of Calcutta (Mother Teresa)

Foodbank (23/24)

The Ambassadors held an assembly to ask everyone to put their love into action and help those in need.  As a school we gathered items for the food bank. We then met some of the volunteers to discuss their roles and say a huge Thank you for the work they do. 

St Joseph's Penny (23/24)

Our Ambassadors once again called everyone into action to help support people in our community experiencing homelessness, poverty and discrimination. We wanted to help them transform their lives with dignity. They sent home collection boxes and invited others to be creative and make their own from recycled materials. 

We managed to raise £316 by collecting money boxes.