In support of the Coronation weekend’s initiative to promote volunteerism across the UK, the Archbishop of Canterbury, Most Rev Justin Welby, and his wife, Mrs Caroline Welby, visited Catching Lives in Canterbury.
As the charity’s patron, the Archbishop’s visit was a show of support for the Big Help Out and its mission to encourage volunteering as a means of supporting vulnerable populations, particularly those experiencing homelessness in the local community.
During their visit, the Archbishop and his wife helped serve lunch to the homeless individuals who rely on Catching Lives for support. They also spent time speaking with some of the people who use the charity’s services and learning more about the challenges they face on a daily basis.
As part of their participation in the Big Help Out and the Coronation weekend celebrations, the Archbishop of Canterbury, Most Rev Justin Welby, and his wife, Mrs Caroline Welby, joined in a picnic at Canterbury Cathedral on Sunday as part of the Big Lunch. A spokesperson from Lambeth Palace expressed appreciation for the warm support extended by King Charles III and Queen Camilla for the Coronation festivities, and emphasized the theme of the Coronation, the Big Help Out, and the Big Lunch initiatives: the importance of loving service in communities.
The spokesperson said: “We are delighted with the enthusiasm and support for King Charles III and Queen Camilla’s Coronation – at Westminster Abbey, up and down the country and around the world – as we marked this historic moment in our national life. We give thanks for a beautiful service that was both sacred and solemn, joyful and inspiring, and suffused with the love of God.
“For the Church, it was a moment to reflect on the commitment that the King and Queen have made to serve God and the people. It was also an opportunity to thank all those who devote their lives to others, and recommit ourselves to loving service in our communities and beyond.
“The Coronation service was both traditional and contemporary, and we are grateful for the participation of people across generations and from many backgrounds and faith communities, to reflect who we are as a wonderfully diverse nation.
“The Archbishops and Bishops have loved spending the Coronation weekend with their local communities and congregations through the Big Lunch and the Big Help Out, both events inspired by the themes of unity and Christ’s call to loving service that shaped Saturday’s Coronation.”
Ahead of the coronation weekend, the archbishop of Canterbury made statements on the “Big Help Out” Initiative, according to a video posted on Twitter by the initiative’s official handle.
The Most Revd and Rt Hon Justin Welby, the Archbishop of Canterbury (@JustinWelby) shares his support for #TheBigHelpOut and speaks of the importance of being part of this great movement of volunteers ahead of the #Coronation weekend. pic.twitter.com/dwbF6j8xdR
— The Big Help Out (@TheBigHelpOut23) May 3, 2023
The Archbishop’s visit to Catching Lives was a reminder of the important role that charities play in supporting the most vulnerable members of society. It was also a testament to the power of volunteering and the impact it can have on both the volunteers themselves and the people they serve.
As the Coronation weekend celebrations continue, it is clear that the values of community spirit, generosity, and compassion are alive and well in the UK. By getting involved in initiatives like the Big Help Out and the Big Lunch, people can help to make a positive difference in their communities and create a more connected and compassionate society for all.
