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← Roman Catholic Archdiocese Of Southwark

2023-12-31-accounts

2023 Annual Report & Accounts AIICHI)I()LE.%E SOUTHWARK

Front Cover:

Archbishop John Wilson with pupils at the Oscar Romero Awards for Catholic Schools 2023 in St George’s Cathedral.

Annual Report Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Southwark CIO

CONTENTS

Impact report

Annual accounts

48 Financial Information

Impact report

Annual Report 2023: About the Archdiocese of Southwark

About the Archdiocese of Southwark

The Archdiocese of Southwark is a Roman Catholic Archdiocese in England. The Cathedral is St George's Cathedral, Southwark. The Archdiocese covers the London boroughs south of the River Thames, the county of Kent and the Medway Unitary Authority. Registered Charity no. 1173050

Archdiocese of Southwark Curia Offices:

Archbishop’s House Bowen House 150 St George’s Road 59 Westminster Bridge Road London London SE1 6HX SE1 7JE

Trustees in office during the year and to the date the accounts were signed are as follows:

The Most Reverend John Wilson Archbishop of Southwark and Metropolitan

The Right Reverend Paul Hendricks

The Right Reverend Philip Moger The Reverend Monsignor Gerald Ewing VG

Mr Ben Andradi KSG Dame Mary Ney Ms Sheila Wheeler

The Archbishop is an ex officio Trustee of the Archdiocese and has the power to appoint other Trustees.

KEY MANAGEMENT PERSONNEL

Vicar General & Moderator of the Curia: The Reverend Monsignor Gerald Ewing Chief Operating Officer: Mr Paul McCallum

Finance Director: Mr Paul Jackson Director of Education: Mrs Angela Cox Property Director: Mr Christopher Millington Head of Safeguarding: Ms Mary-Jane Crowley Head of Fundraising: Ms Roisin McLaughlin Director of the Agency for Evangelisation and Catechesis: Mr Mark Nash Director of Communications: Mr Patrick Kinsella

PROFESSIONAL ADVISORS

Auditors: Moore Kingston Smith, 6th Floor, 9 Appold Street, London EC2A 2AP Bankers: NatWest, 40 Whitgift Centre, Croydon, Surrey CR0 2EX

Insurance Managers: Catholic Insurance Services Limited, Suite 5, Oxford House, Oxford Road, Thame OX9 2AH Investment Managers Barclays Wealth: 1 Churchill Place, London E14 5HP

Solicitors: Wedlake Bell: 71 Queen Victoria Street London EC4V 4AY

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Annual Report 2023: Archbishop John’s foreword

Archbishop John’s Foreword

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Grace and peace to you in the love of the Lord Jesus Christ, our Saviour and our hope.

The year 2023 was marked by global turmoil. With so many lives lost through conflict and war: in Nigeria, Sudan, Syria, Ukraine, the Holy Land, and so many other places around our world. Some in our communities may have felt drawn to despair. But, in the face of such sadness, we must always turn to the Lord Jesus, praying that the gift of ‘peace among people of good will’ might overcome the outrage of bloodshed and destruction, the bitter fruits of which disfigure our very humanity. The world yearns for lasting peace.

Our world may sometimes seem hostile to the Gospel. We must not, however, be daunted by our mission to be messengers of the Prince of Peace. Neither must we lose faith in the Church and her divine and authentic message. In yearning for peace in the Holy Land, we recall our roots when the Church was first commissioned to proclaim the Good News on the day of Pentecost. Those first Christians heard the Good News and were empowered. We are still called to hear that word of real hope, and experience God’s love through prayer, so as to

manifest his love in service to our brothers and sisters in need, no matter who they are. In so doing, we contribute to a more just and peaceful world.

It was in response to the call of the Gospel to love our neighbours that Caritas Southwark was established in 2023 to coordinate charitable initiatives by reflecting the love of Christ in action. The example of St Oscar Romero, a champion of faith and justice, and a hero of mine, reminds us that love of Christ and love of neighbour means defending human life and dignity.

It also means working for justice and peace for all people. These are truths which are integral to our Christian witness. It was an honour to visit El Salvador in 2023, to discover the places associated with the life and ministry of this great martyr Saint. St Oscar reminds us of our baptismal promise to be faithful disciples of the Lord Jesus: in being baptised into Christ’s death, we are also baptised into his resurrection. By his example, St Oscar Romero shows how we are not only people who must announce the Beatitudes, but disciples who live them too. The elevation of the Romero Shrine in our Cathedral to become the National Shrine for England and Wales serves as a beacon of great encouragement for all Christians and people of good will.

“

We must not be daunted by our mission to be messengers of the Prince of Peace.

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Archbishop John at a
Mass at St George's
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Annual Report 2023: Archbishop John’s foreword

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Archbishop John Wilson delivers the
Homily at the Mass to celebrate the 175th
Anniversary of St George’s Cathedral
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The global Church witnessed a significant event in 2023 with the month-long Synod in Rome, which as Pope Francis reminded us, is not a parliament or referendum on Church teaching, but a chance to reflect on communion, participation, and mission in the life of the Church. Our Archdiocese took part in the preparatory synodal process, and the fruits of that demonstrated a deep love for the Lord Jesus and His Church in our people, and a desire to be more hospitable and committed to evangelism.

I took this evangelical vigour and passion with me to the Synod. It was in meeting people from across the Universal Church and discovering how they, too, shared a passion for evangelisation which I found to be the most enriching and stimulating part of the Synod. In 2024, we will continue to pray and discern what synodality means for our Archdiocese as we seek to respond wholeheartedly to Christ’s call to authentic discipleship.

I was delighted to ordain Bishop Philip Moger in 2023, for service as an Auxiliary Bishop within our Archdiocese. The very ministry of a Bishop is to be the faithful embodiment of the love of Christ. As we work to be an ever more missionary and evangelising Archdiocese, I am grateful to both Bishop Philip and Bishop Paul, along with our dedicated clergy, religious and consecrated men and women, and

lay-faithful, all of whom, in witnessing to Christ’s love by both word and deed, bear much fruit. This has been evidenced by the growing numbers wishing to become members of the Church. In a world marred by division and conflict, these new Catholics have recognised that the message of love and mercy exemplified by Christ is more vital than ever, and we welcome them with joy and confidence in the future.

Dear brothers and sisters, may the blessing of Almighty God be upon you now and in the year ahead; and may the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of Truth, guide us all in our journey of faith and service to others.

Yours devotedly in Christ

Archbishop John

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Annual Report 2023: Chief Operation Officer’s Report

Chief Operating Officer’s Report

2023 was a busy year for the lay staff who support the grassroots mission in the Archdiocese of Southwark. There were many challenges and successes. We recognise we can always do more to support our ambition to put faith into action to ensure our parishes and schools are supported as communities that: evangelise, form disciples, inspire witness and serve others. We said goodbye to the previous Financial Secretary, Canon Martin Lee, who passed away in the Spring. And we said hello to Bishop Philip Moger, our new Auxiliary Bishop.

I am extremely grateful for all of the hard work undertaken by our staff, who regularly go above and beyond the call of duty. Support took many guises, ranging from training for catechists and clergy, through to helping parishes adapt their finances and fundraising to the new reality. This has been a great success, shown by the change in the way giving is received by parishes. In 2019, giving to parishes via card was £1,579 and in 2023 £1,344,315. Our staff also ensured our retired clergy receive the care and attention they deserve after decades of service.

While our regular range of activities continued, we also dealt with a number of major projects, all aimed at helping to support Catholic life in the Archdiocese:

On a personal basis I try to support the Archbishop and his Trustees to ensure our organisation operates effectively. I also work to ensure parish volunteer groups who need support, such as the dedicated groups that wish to resettle refugees through the Community Sponsorship Scheme, receive help at the right time. My roles as a Director of Safe Spaces – a charity aiming to help abuse victims – and the Catholic Insurance Service demonstrate Southwark’s commitment to support the common good beyond our boundaries.

Paul McCallum Chief Operating Officer

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Annual Report 2023: Our Archdiocesan Mission

Our Archdiocesan Mission

The Archdiocese of Southwark exists to establish, maintain and advance the Roman Catholic faith in the geographical area of the Archdiocese, covering the London boroughs south of the River Thames, the county of Kent and the Medway Unitary Authority. Our aim is to serve the grassroots mission of the Church, based on our conviction of faith. Inspired by the Patroness of our Archdiocese, the Blessed Virgin Mary conceived without sin, we strive to offer our unconditional ‘yes’ to serving the Lord by proclaiming the Good News of Jesus Christ, pointing to her Son, the Lord Jesus, as our endless source of hope, joy and salvation.

Our passion is to share God’s love for all people and our aim is to be an evangelising missionary Archdiocese that puts faith into action.

“

Mary points the way to the Lord Jesus because she is our spiritual Mother… she always invites us to come to her Son with confidence.” Archbishop John Wilson, Pastoral Letter: December 2023

The Archdiocese of Southwark is a richly diverse community of Catholics, striving for fullness of life in God through love, faith and action. Hope is rooted in the heart of the Christian Gospel, where God’s plan for his people echoed through the words of the prophets for many thousands of years until the birth of Jesus. Christ’s love was so great that it redeemed our world through the Cross, where sin and death were transformed to new life. We therefore strive to live out the Great Commandments of Jesus to love God and one another.

We strive to live by Gospel values, serving and caring for God’s people through many forms of social outreach carried out by the faithful through works of charity, bringing hope and dignity to those in need.

We declare our discipleship of the Lord Jesus by supporting food banks, assisting refugees, helping the homeless, caring for vulnerable and isolated people, promoting peace and unity, building harmonious relationships through understanding and forgiveness in addition to numerous activities which demonstrate God’s compassion and love.

The Archdiocese of Southwark seeks to proclaim and live the good news of Jesus Christ by:

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Annual Report 2023: The Archdiocese of Southwark: Area Boundaries and Governance

The Archdiocese of Southwark

The Archdiocese of Southwark consists of three Episcopal Areas: South-West London, South-East London and Kent, for which Bishop Paul Hendricks and Bishop Philip Moger - ordained Bishop on 21st February 2023 - have episcopal responsibility. They are aided by Canons Gerard Bradley and Victor Darlington in their capacity as Episcopal Vicars and supported in their work by the Vicar General, Monsignor Gerald Ewing and the Chancellor, Deacon Michael Kennedy.

Southwark consists of range of diverse communities from inner London and suburban parishes to coastal and rural churches. Southwark’s rich history continues to evolve under the dynamic pastoral leadership of Archbishop John Wilson, who invites all to embrace social justice by putting their faith into action. We are all called to become part of an evangelising and missionary Archdiocese that shares the Good News of Jesus Christ.

Our clergy and lay-faithful serve and worship Christ throughout 20 deaneries, 176 parishes and 163 schools across the South-East of England.

Scan to discover the Archdiocese of Southwark

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Annual Report 2023: The Archdiocese of Southwark in Numbers

The Archdiocese of Southwark in Numbers

176 64406 182 Catholics attending Priests serving in the Parishes Mass in the Archdiocese of Archdiocese, including and Mass centres Southwark 75 Retired priests

92 78 3 Professed Permanent 364 Candidates for the Religious Deacons Professed Women Archdiocesan Brothers and of which 11 Religious Priesthood are retired Religious Clergy

Over 31 5 163 2500 Secondary Candidates for Catholic Schools the Permanent volunteers working in and Colleges with Schools parishes with 29,993 Diaconate 67,433 students students

2 2 380 128 all through Sixth Form couples began life Primary Schools schools (Tertiary) together through the with 33,014 students with 1,362 with 3,064 Sacrament students students of Marriage 2988 205 3589 Received Confirmation adults received joined the Roman Catholic into the Church Church through Baptism

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Annual Report 2023: 175th Anniversary of St George’s Cathedral

The 175th Anniversary of St George’s Cathedral

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Archbishop John Wilson and the Apostolic
Nuncio to Great Britain, with Florence
Eshalomi MP and local dignitaries.
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2023 marked 175 years of St George’s Cathedral. The anniversary was marked with a number of special commemorative events.

On Tuesday 4th July, a Mass celebrated by Archbishop John Wilson to mark the anniversary. which The Apostolic Nuncio to Great Britain, His Excellency, Most Reverend Miguel Maury Buendía also attended. The Cathedral’s opening Mass in 1848, celebrated by Cardinal Wiseman, was attended by Catholic clergy from across Europe and a significant congregation including representatives of England’s Catholic aristocratic recusant families – making a dramatic impact on what had for many years been an unnoticed corner of south London. The 175th Anniversary Mass more than lived up to the standard set by that 1848 celebration, and launched a number of other commemorative events, establishing 2023 firmly in the Cathedral’s story. Music included The Wisdom of Christ by Cathedral Organist Frederick Stocken, specially commissioned for the occasion, sung by the Cathedral Choirs and the Choirs of the Southwark Singing Programme.

Among the special dates from down the years, 1982 was of particular significance: the visit of Pope (now Saint) John Paul II to the Cathedral, on his pilgrimage to Britain – the first visit of a Pope to this country. In 2023, the visit was commemorated on 6th July with a lecture by the Polish Ambassador to Britain, His Excellency Piotr Wilczek, in Amigo Hall, reviving memories of the 1982.

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Jonathan Schranz,
Director of Music, with St
George’s Cathedral Choir
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Annual Report 2023: 175th Anniversary of St George’s Cathedral

An altar that was originally located St John’s Seminary, Wonersh, was installed as part of the 175th Anniversary Celebrations, and a triptych icon of Our Lady of Palestine was formally blessed by the Apostolic Nuncio.

Choirs under the direction of Jonathan Schranz. The concert included historical reflections from writer Joanna Bogle and music by Byrd and Bruckner, together with a piece by the Cathedral’s first director of music, Meyer Lutz.

The Cathedral’s story was brought alive on 3rd July with a presentation by historians Melanie Bunch and Andrew Cusack, recalling the heroic work of Provost Doyle and the pre-history of the project with the earlier chapels. A lecture on July 7th by Jonathan Louth recalled Pugin’s work in creating this magnificent neo-gothic Cathedral, and then celebrations concluded in November with a 175th Anniversary Concert with music by the Cathedral’s

In between these major services and events were a Prayer Breakfast with Fr Pius Collins, who offered a spiritual reflection on St George, and forty hours of devotion in front of the Blessed Sacrament. All of which sent out a strong message that St George’s Cathedral looks to its next 175 years – and more – with joyful gratitude to God and confidence in His providence for the future.

Top Left: St George’s promotes its 175th Anniversary. Top Right: The Cathedral Dean, Canon Michael Branch, Bottom Left: Joanna Bogle, Bottom Right: The Apostolic Nuncio at the 175th Anniversary Mass

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Annual Report 2023: Agency for Evangelisation and Catechesis

Agency for Evangelisation and Catechesis

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The Agency for Evangelisation and Catechesis
team with Episcopal Vicar, Fr Marcus Holden
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Developing the approach, proclaiming the Gospel

2023, saw the Agency for Evangelisation and Catechesis seek to review ongoing activity and refresh our approaches, based on the lessons we have learnt in 2021 and 2022. Nowhere was this more clearly shown than in the volunteer missionary network integral to Some Definite Service.

Some Definite Service

Some Definite Service is the Archdiocesan-wide approach to parish growth in Evangelisation, Catechesis and Formation supported through local people, plans and prayer. Its purpose, essentially, is to enable the flourishing of what is already

happening on the grassroots level of the Church in these three areas, and to expand our vision as to what else is possible.

After successful pilots in 2022 and in the first quarter of 2023, we moved to the next phase of the parish planning process. Each of the Archdiocese’s parishes was encouraged to submit a plan relating to Evangelisation, Catechesis and Formation – the areas for which the Agency provides support.

Inspired by John 1:38-39, the planning process invites clergy and lay people to collaborate on the production of a plan. Firstly, a look at the vision for the parish, then a recognition of the reality (the barriers and challenges as well as the riches present in the parish), and finally a plan is developed to form a bridge between the reality and the vision. By the end of 2023, forty-two plans had been created.

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Annual Report 2023: Agency for Evangelisation and Catechesis

When Jesus turned and saw them following, he said to them, “What are you looking for?” They said to him, “Rabbi” where are you staying?” He said to them, “Come and see.” They came and saw where he was staying, and they remained with him that day. It was about four o’clock in the John 1:38-39 afternoon.

Regarding the people involved in Some Definite Service, the Agency hosted two in-person Deanery Mentor training days in Aylesford and Euston during 2023. In addition, monthly online meetings were held with the Mentors, and a large online meeting for all members of the network with Archbishop John in December 2023.

The Deanery Mentor training was jointly provided by the Agency and representatives from Catholic Christian Outreach, on ‘intentional accompaniment’, the hallmark of Some Definite Service. What the Deanery Mentors learn at these sessions and in the ongoing conversations they have with advisors, informs the way that they relate to the increasing number of Parish Leads in Evangelisation, Catechesis and Formation that are being appointed by the Archdiocesan clergy.

Events and Courses

A regular pattern of events is being built, providing structure to the year and opportunities to recruit and form large numbers of volunteers in Evangelisation, Catechesis and Formation. Events have included:

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Diocesan Day for Catechists in Amigo Hall
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The Agency for Evangelisation and Catechesis also routinely supports archdiocesan celebrations such as the reprisal of the Day for Celebration at The Friars (for those with physical and intellectual disabilities) and the Rite of Election (for those seeking Baptism or reception into the Church at Easter). In 2023, the Rite of Election was busier than it has been for many years, perhaps as a response to reflection through the pandemic on matters of faith, with 275 people plus sponsors and godparents gathered at the Cathedral on the first Saturday of Lent.

The Agency Team continue to cooperate with national initiatives, supporting the Bishops’ Conference Mission Directorate, Allen Hall seminary and colleagues in other dioceses. Although the main focus of the Agency’s work is Southwark, the lessons we learn are able to be shared more widely for the benefit of the Church across the country, for example, delivering workshops on Some Definite Service at the Bishops’ Conference ‘Art of Accompaniment’ summer conference in Liverpool.

The Life in the Spirit Seminars were again offered in Southwark as a collaboration between the Agency for Evangelisation and Catechesis and the Archdiocesan CHARIS team. In 2023 they were

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Annual Report 2023: Agency for Evangelisation and Catechesis

hosted at the Cathedral, and ‘beamed’ to hubs and an eclectic, international online group.

Online courses continued to foster and nourish the faith of students in both the Catholic Certificate in Religious Studies (CCRS) and the Archbishop’s Certificate (ArchCert). 2023 saw the first group to complete the ArchCert’s two-year programme after its launch in 2021, students received their certificates from Bishop Paul Hendricks at the Day for Catechists.

Sharing initiatives

In 2023, the Agency reprised the COME HOME invitation card campaign around Christmas. Both Christmas and Easter are ideal moments to reach out to non-churchgoing Catholics and others who wish to mark the season in a religious manner. Pentecost, by contrast, is rarely marked by such initiatives but, in 2023, the Agency hosted a Towards Pentecost meeting, enabling parishes to see the opportunities that the feast provides for evangelisation and outreach.

Capturing the new ideas at Towards Pentecost and at our events, so that others may benefit, is vital, and sharing these ideas and initiatives is equally important. To this end, in partnership with Beardfish, a web design company run by one of our Parish Leads, the Agency launched the inspire website at the diocesan Day for Catechists. This website is, in essence, an online knowledge base of courses, resources, case studies and examples of good practice from our parishes and elsewhere in the areas of Evangelisation, Catechesis and Formation - though this can be extended to other areas of diocesan life. The main Agency website saw 332,505 visits (up 89% on 2022).

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Tom Quinlan with Southwark Catechists
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Other aspects of Agency life

The refurbishment of the Archdiocesan offices provided the opportunity for a ‘road-show’; the Agency held team meetings, to which local laypeople and clergy were invited, across Kent and south London. This allowed us to hear the needs and concerns of parishes, as well as to share ideas and refine the work of the Agency. The inspire website mentioned above was developed after one such meeting.

The Archdiocese bade farewell to Brenden Thompson, our evangelisation and outreach advisor, who left to take up a role as Director of Word on Fire UK. It is a mark of his gifts and the work he undertook in Southwark that he has taken up this prestigious new role. JJ Hussem moved from parttime to full-time to fill the void.

Parish visits and deanery training days took place in different parts of the Archdiocese. One highlight was the visit of Tom Quinlan, a gifted speaker from the United States, who delivered an excellent session for catechists, hosted in Wimbledon.

The Agency team continued to support the Synod process in the Archdiocese and nationally, including involvement in the new School for Synodality. A fresh document synthesising parish synod submissions on the theme of formation was produced and is available to inform parish and diocesan plans: https://aec.rcaos.org.uk/synod.

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Annual Report 2023: Fundraising and Gift Aid

Fundraising and Gift Aid

The Fundraising and Gift Aid Department is a team working within the central services of the Archdiocese of Southwark. It exists to support the mission and ministry of the Archdiocese, its parishes and entities, through an active, comprehensive, and professional programme of fundraising. The Archdiocese of Southwark recognises it has a great responsibility to carry out fundraising in ways that are consistent with the principles of Christian stewardship, and in the spirit of generosity. Catholic priest, theologian and writer, Henri Nouwen aptly described fundraising as:

“

Fundraising is a rich and beautiful activity. It is a confident, joyful, and hope-filled expression of ministry. Fundraising is proclaiming what we believe in such a way that we offer other people an opportunity to participate with us in our vision and mission. Whether we are asking for money or giving money, we are drawn together by God, who is about to do a new thing through our collaboration.”

The Archdiocese of Southwark’s Fundraising Team strives to take a dignified approach to fundraising,

rooted in respect for donors and parishes, all within a framework that is transparent and efficient. Fundraising in Southwark will always involve the highest ethical standards and will comply with all aspects of UK law and the standards set out by the Charities Commission, Fundraising Regulator and in accordance with data protection rules (GDPR). Fundraising activities will seek to invite people to share their God given gifts of prayer, time, talents, and financial blessings with the charity. The Trustees have systems in place to monitor and respond to due diligence issues surrounding large gifts received by the charity and to monitor and respond to any complaints received. In 2023, the Archdiocese of Southwark received no complaints about fundraising and there were no complaints received by the Fundraising Regulator about the Charity or its fundraising activities.

In the Archdiocese of Southwark, we are blessed and grateful to have thousands of committed and generous Catholics who give their time and financial support, week in and week out, to further the mission of their parish and the work of the Church across the Archdiocese. The running costs of the parishes are met through the regular giving of the faithful via the offertory collections and supplemented, on occasion, by legacy gifts. Parishes also undertake various fundraising activities and events throughout the year to supplement their income. Some churches apply to Foundations and Trusts for a charitable grant to support specific parish or capital building projects. The diversity of cultures and traditions within the parishes of the Archdiocese also drive a variety of approaches and responses to fundraising.

The Fundraising & Gift Aid Team support parishes with their fundraising in several ways. Primarily this takes place through Planned Giving and Stewardship Drives, which seek to encourage parishioners to share their personal and financial gifts with their parish. The Fundraising Team also support parishes to set up contactless and card machine devices, enables online donations, and promotes legacy awareness and Gift Aid to maximise donations. In addition, the team are available to assist with ‘in-memory’ giving and funeral collections, and can provide advice and support to parishes to apply for a charitable grant from a Foundation or Trust.

The Fundraising and Gift Aid team also organise fundraising appeals throughout the year to raise necessary funds for key mission and ministry areas of the Archdiocese of Southwark. These appeals include the Clergy Support Fund in February,

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Annual Report 2023: Fundraising and Gift Aid

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Mass at St Peter’s residence in Vauxhall
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the Priest Training Fund which takes place on Good Shepherd Sunday, St George’s Cathedral on or around St George’s Day in April, and the Archbishop’s Appeal in November.

These appeals are promoted via parish donation envelopes distributed in all parishes across the Archdiocese, and via direct mailing to supporters of the Archdiocese. We also reach out through the Archdiocesan website and social media platforms, and via posters and videos.

Clergy Support Fund

The Clergy Support Fund ensures a dignified retirement for Southwark Priests in their old age and excellent care for them in their ill health, after they have dedicated a lifetime of service to Christ, His Church, and His People. Members of the Priests’ Welfare Team work with priests reaching the retirement age of 75 years in order to plan and carefully consider their retirement options.

In addition, ad-hoc donations are received throughout the year to the Archdiocese of Southwark, with supporters often directing how they wish their gift to be used.

Fundraising is an integral part of supporting the life and mission of the Church, but it is a means to an end, and that is in building up God’s Kingdom through service to God’s people. The Archdiocese of Southwark is committed to exhibiting the best fundraising practices in all its activities, showing respect for people first and foremost, and ensuring donated funds are used accountably and responsibly.

In 2023, the Archdiocese of Southwark cared for 75 retired priests, at a cost of £1.13 million. With the number of priests over the age of 65 steadily increasing, so too will the financial obligation. Wherever possible, the Archdiocese works with the NHS and the local council to ensure funding gaps are met, but there is still a heavy reliance on the generosity of parishioners who contribute to this worthy fund each year.

‘Do not reject me in my old age, nor desert me when my strength is Psalm 71:9 failing’

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Annual Report 2023: Fundraising and Gift Aid

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Fr Bernard Winn, retired priest
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“

As a priest, one of my favourite things to do is to say Holy Mass, particularly with a large congregation.”

Fr Bernard Winn

Age: 79, Ordained: 1989, Retired: 2023

I was born in 1944 in Sidcup and went to school to the Maryville Convent and St Stephen’s Catholic Primary School in Welling. After finishing my schooling, age 16, I worked various jobs in the City of London. I then went on to study at the University of Kent, graduating with a Masters in Politics’ and Sociology. I began teaching for 10 years at St John Rigby College in West Wickham, eventually becoming the Head of the Sixth Form.

One day a priest from the Archdiocese, who used to visit the school, asked me if I had ever thought about becoming a priest. He invited me to come and see the Archbishop, who was coming to his parish to do Confirmations. I eventually had a talk with the Vocations Director at the time, and after about a year, I became a Seminarian and went to the Beda College

in Rome to study for the priesthood, where I thoroughly enjoyed the reading of the Old and New Testaments.

I was ordained in my home parish Our Lady of the Rosary in Blackfen, Sidcup, by the late Bishop Charles Henderson. My first appointment was Curate to the parish in Chatham for four years and then a Curate at Maidstone. I then became Parish Priest of St John of the Cross in Aylsham, Kent for 10 years, and eventually onto St Christopher’s in Cheam, where I was a parish priest for 21 years.

As a priest, one of my favourite things to do is to say Holy Mass, particularly with a large congregation. The Archdiocese provided me with a lovely flat when I retired in September 2023. Living alone, I do all the cleaning, shopping, cooking and other household chores. So far, I have been enjoying my retirement and I occasionally help out with Sunday Masses when a parish priest goes away on leave.

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Annual Report 2023: Fundraising and Gift Aid

Priest Training Fund

The Priesthood has been essential to the life of the Church. In the Archdiocese of Southwark, we are blessed to have men answering that call to the Priesthood and choosing to dedicate their life to Christ and His people. The Priest Training Fund pays for the formation of men to become priests in the Archdiocese of Southwark.

In 2023, there were 3 men in formation to the Priesthood. It costs £30,000 a year to sponsor each seminarian. They study for 6 years before being ordained a Catholic priest. The Archdiocese of Southwark is reliant on the generosity and prayers of the faithful to fund seminarians in their formation and studies to the Catholic Priesthood.

‘No vocation is born of itself or lives for itself. A vocation flows from the heart of God and blossoms in the good soil of faithful people’

Pope Francis

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Makir Ahmed, First Year Seminarian

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I began to look deep into the Catholic faith and I fell in love with The Church’s boundless wisdom and ancient beauty.”

From University onwards my entire goal in life was to become an Actor. I was very blessed that by the end of University I got a good Agent and started booking jobs.

As time went on I noticed there was a longing in my life that wasn’t being filled. I knew that if I wanted to be truly happy I would need the help of God. So one day, on a whim, I decided I would try to fully submit myself to the will of God. I found that once I got on my knees and started to pray, I literally couldn’t say the words. I began to cry and I could not even utter the phrase, I was too scared. In the midst of my distress in the depth of my heart I heard a voice say “Just let go”.

After that experience I began to look deep into the Catholic faith and I fell in love with The Church’s boundless wisdom and ancient beauty.

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Annual Report 2023: Fundraising and Gift Aid

Stephen Trafford, Fourth Year Seminarian

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Seeing the impact of the love of the Lord Jesus upon them, has brought me spiritual nourishment and consolation.”

I am now in my fourth year of priestly formation and greatly enjoy being on an extended pastoral placement. The parishioners of St Aidan’s in Coulsdon are themselves helping me to see what it is to be a priest and shepherd.

I fulfil a number of tasks in my current position; these include assisting liturgies, supporting ministries to the sick and housebound, involvement in catechesis (teaching) and youth work, attending parish social events, working with groups of children in the primary school and operating as a chaplain one day a week in the local hospital. Accompanying people in their suffering and seeing the impact of the love of the Lord Jesus upon them, has brought me spiritual nourishment and consolation.

Frazer Bellfield, Fifth Year Seminarian

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It will be a great joy and a privilege to assist our priests at Mass.”

Every day begins with a period of meditation in the Chapel, followed by the morning prayer of the Church and then the highlight of our daily routine, the Holy Mass. This is our daily nourishment, and starting our day in this way allows us to pray for all who support and encourage us in our discernment, and to focus our minds and hearts on the academic study and daily routine of seminary life.

Across 6 years, students at Allen Hall study many different subjects, including Philosophy, Theology, Biblical Languages, Church History, Liturgy, Psychology and many others! Meals are taken together, and we also have time to engage in social activities and share in a common fraternity…when we are not studying of course!

After 5 years of preparation, I am greatly looking forward to serving as a Deacon. It will be a great joy and a privilege to assist our priests at Mass, to preach the Gospel, to be able to baptise and join together couples in marriage.

Pope John Paul II once said, “Wherever people are suffering, make it your task to serve them”. As a seminarian you are given many opportunities to serve those who are suffering and is an important part of one’s journey towards becoming a priest.

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Annual Report 2023: Fundraising and Gift Aid

Archbishop’s Appeal 2023

The Archbishop’s Appeal seeks to invest faith, hope, love, and charity into three key areas of mission and ministry in the Archdiocese of Southwark:

Money raised through this appeal support projects taking place in parishes, Catholic schools, charities, departments and commissions working in these mission areas in the Archdiocese of Southwark. During the summer 2023, the Archbishop’s Appeal granted funding to 36 innovative projects taking place across South London and Kent. 61% of projects funded were new projects and 39% of projects funded enabled the expansion of existing successful projects, thereby supporting local efforts to build a strong, vibrant, and missionary focused Church.

Archbishop’s Appeal in Numbers

~~22 14 967~~ New projects supported ~~Expansion of existing Supporters projects supported 18 £180,000 Catholic parishes Catholic schools~~ Was raised supported su ~~[6]~~ pported ~~Catholic charities, organisations and Grants~~ Archdiocesan commissions supported distributed ~~9 36~~

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Youth Ministry Interns at St Elizabeth of Portugal, Richmond Archbishop’s Appeal
Project Highlights
St Thomas More Catholic Primary School – Mini
Vinnies Social Outreach
To support their Mini Vinnies group deliver outreach
services in their local community by providing food
to vulnerable people living in the local area, with
the aim of running this project in conjunction with
the two neighbouring Catholic parishes, thereby
encouraging young people, parents, families and
parishioners to come together to support those in
need living in the local community.
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Annual Report 2023: Fundraising and Gift Aid

Lambeth Deanery – Deanery Young Adults Evangelisation and Formation Project

Led by St Bede’s in Clapham Park and St Mary’s, Clapham. This new project will support Lambeth Deanery Parishes Fund to enable a three-day formation retreat to Aylesford for young adults (1835 years) in order to encourage their formation as missionary disciples at grassroot level.

Our Lady of Sorrows, Peckham – Youth Spirituality and Music Project

This project seeks to expand youth ministry by providing resources to improve music tuition and rehearsal for liturgical performance, and the spiritual formation of young people living and attending the parish of Our Lady of Sorrows in Peckham.

Young Adults Evangelisation and Formation Project

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Volunteers at the Cathedral Community Fridge
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The electric bike in action
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St George’s Cathedral – Breakfast Club & Community Fridge

This new project seeks to establish a Community Fridge at St George’s Cathedral; a space that brings people together to eat, connect, learn new skills and offer people in need three-days’ worth of food, which is provided by surplus food from local supermarkets, thereby reducing food waste. A weekly breakfast club will also be launched for local homeless, lonely, and needy people to eat in a safe and welcoming environment, with access to wider support and help for their situation.

The Manna Society – Food Delivery to Homeless Shelter

Enabling this Catholic homeless shelter to purchase an electric bike, an environmentally friendly way to collect food from local supermarkets and deliver it to the homeless centre which provides meals for the poor and homeless living in the Waterloo area.

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Scan QR Code to support the Archbishop’s Appeal

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Annual Report 2023: Caritas Southwark

Caritas Southwark

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Archbishop John at the Inauguration Mass for Caritas Southwark
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Caritas Southwark was established in the spring of 2023 with the aim of harnessing the ancient wisdom of Loving God through loving ones neighbour. This is the ethos of Caritas. It finds expression in the daily relationships with the people we encounter and in the organised social action and charitable activities of Catholics in local communities and schools.

The initial work has focused on celebrating existing examples of excellence in Catholic social action, building the networks and evolving plans for the development of four workstreams prioritised during the set-up phase:

The work of Caritas is cross-community, interfaith and ecumenical. The social and economic challenges facing people in our communities are too big to approach alone, so we stand together in

collaboration and coalition with partner churches and groups.

The highlight of 2023 was the Inauguration of Caritas Southwark on Saturday 18th March 2023. One week before the Inauguration, Archbishop John sent out a Pastoral Message to the Archdiocese in which he announced the forthcoming launch of Caritas Southwark, stating that:

“In such challenging times, it is important that we strengthen and enhance our charitable outreach, rooted in our faith in Christ.”

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Annual Report 2023: Caritas Southwark

The Inaugural Mass itself was celebrated by Archbishop John Wilson, with Canon Victor Darlington, the Episcopal Vicar for the Commission and clergy from around the Archdiocese. Following Mass, there was an in opportunity for members of the congregation and guests to visit a range of social action stalls in Amigo Hall, and find out about existing projects in the Archdiocese of Southwark.

During the year, Caritas Southwark has continued to reach out to parishes, schools and institutions through visits, telephone calls, emails and online meetings, primarily trying to establish existing practices and parish representatives for Caritas Southwark. It is believed that when these representatives are in place in at least 20 parishes in the Archdiocese, the work of Caritas Southwark will increase exponentially.

In 2023, Caritas Southwark has successfully joined CSAN England and Wales, and the Commission has welcomed John Coleby as Project Manager, following many successful years as Director of Caritas Westminster. His role is to establish and coordinate social action projects throughout the Archdiocese of Southwark.

The Caritas Team are looking forward to the First Anniversary of Caritas Southwark, and to welcoming Raymond Friel, CEO of Caritas Social Action Network (CSAN), to a special Anniversary event, when he will explain the scope, nature and the main toolkit of the CSAN. Other highlights will be the opportunity to join in prayer with Archbishop John, and to hear, first-hand, about the progress of various social action projects in Southwark. There will be presentations from “Caritas Ashford”, the Dulwich Refugee Hosting, the School Project against crime

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Event at Amigo Hall, Southwark
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(by the Bonus Pastor School, Lewisham), Orpington Good Neighbours, the Cathedral Community Fridge, Streatham Parish Food Programme, Richmond Older Adults Programme and Walworth Parish Food Programme and many more.

In this time of increasing need and social challenge, Caritas Southwark aims to be the compassionate face of Christ through practical action in the community. We extend a warm hand of welcome to all in Southwark that would like a make a difference through charitable outreach. Please find out more by visiting our website, and getting in touch: www.rcaos.org.uk/CaritasSouthwark

View Archbishop John’s Homily for the Inauguration of Caritas Southwark

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Canon Victor Darlington with members of the congregation at the Inaugural Mass for Caritas Southwark in 2023

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Annual Report 2023: Commission for Promoting Racial and Cultural Inclusion

Commission for Promoting Racial and Cultural Inclusion

2023 saw a seminar held simultaneously online and physically at the Amigo Hall, St George’s Cathedral.

These two activities were:

Seminar for Promoting Racial and Cultural Inclusion

Seminar for promoting racial and cultural inclusion in Amigo Hall

On 28th October 2023, a Seminar for Promoting Racial and Cultural Inclusion in our Schools and Parish Communities was successfully held at the

Amigo Hall, next to St Georges Cathedral. The well-attended seminar attracted considerable interest from within the Archdiocese of Southwark, other dioceses in England and Wales as well as participants in Europe and Africa.

In his welcome speech, Archbishop John highlighted the continuous need to work together and to make sure that there is no place for racism in the Archdiocese, whether in the Church, in our communities or society at large.

He explained the steps he took, especially after the ordeal of George Floyd Jr. in October 2020, to carry out a first-hand fact-finding mission in regard to racial tolerance, discrimination and inclusion in the Archdiocese of Southwark.

According to the Archbishop, in his interaction with young people from the Archdiocese, and through his resolution to “listen, reflect and act”, he “heard their distressing experiences of racism today, first hand”. He further acknowledged, that even in the diverse culture and communities of Southwark, racism

Seminar for promoting racial and cultural inclusion in Amigo Hall

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Annual Report 2023: Commission for Promoting Racial and Cultural Inclusion

continues to blight our society.

Closing his welcome speech, the Archbishop called on all to support the young Commission for promoting Racial and Cultural Inclusion, and to share the message of this initiative in the schools, families and parish communities, in order to create a just society which promotes the dignity of all.

Finally, Archbishop John thanked Canon Victor Darlington for his continued leadership of the Commission. He also expressed his gratitude to the members of the Commission, and all the participants of the Seminar, while calling on the blessings and wisdom of the Holy Spirit to guide everyone during the deliberations that followed.

The Seminar continued with an introductory narrative of the Commission’s activities during its few years of existence. Canon Victor Darlington gave a short history of the Commission since its formation on 29th January 2021. In particular, he described the encounter of Archbishop John with some young people in the Archdiocese who participated in a onehour-scheduled video conference, which eventually lasted over three hours. It was during this conference that the Archbishop embraced the shocking impact of the responses and experiences of these young people, and their personal experience of racism in schools and parish communities.

One of the ambitious tasks of the Commission is to encourage parishes to create hubs of the Commission, and to identify activities and cultural celebrations that would promote oneness, and bring a wider diversity of persons together in the parishes. As it stands today, St Margaret’s Parish in Carshalton

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Read Rooting out Racism:
https://bit.ly/RoRacism
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Beaches has now achieved a very practical and functional hub of the Commission, and therefore is the first model in the Archdiocese of Southwark.

Since then, the Commission has successfully celebrated two Racial Justice Sundays, during which diversity was celebrated and the messages of love, inclusion and promotion of racial justice were equally highlighted. The Commission wishes to continue the promotion of these values in all parishes, schools, institutions and groups, and among school governors, teachers and leaders.

The first session of the Racial Inclusion Seminar featured Fr Richard Nesbit and Elizabeth Uwalaka. Fr Richard is the parish priest of Our Lady of Fatima, White City in Westminster Diocese, London. Together with Ms Uwalaka, who is a parishioner, Fr. Richard led the participants through the background of his book “Efforts to root out Racism: The Experience from Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Parish, White City.”

Other speakers on the occasion were Susan Elderfield, Chaplaincy Officer at the Education Commission, who spoke about “Inclusion & Journeying with Young People” and Nana Churcher (From “Little Seeds grow Mighty Trees - A Motivation”). The climax of the day was the presentation of Andrea Fernandes (Forming a Parish Racial and Cultural Inclusion Group) who gave the narrative of the formation, meetings and operations of the first hub of the Racial and Cultural Inclusion in the Archdiocese. This colourful presentation of the activities of the sub-commission in St Margaret of Scotland, Carshalton Beeches, would eventually become a prototype for other parishes in the Archdiocese.

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Annual Report 2023: Commission for Promoting Racial and Cultural Inclusion

Racial Justice Sunday

On Racial Justice Sunday, the Church focuses on opposing racism and pursuing racial justice with renewed vigour.

St George’s Cathedral was completely full on 2nd February 2023. It was a joyful occasion that brought together people of many races, nationalities, communities and schools, to worship God in Holy Mass, in celebration of Racial Justice Sunday. Many people came in their traditional dress, flying their national flags in a visual display of colour and culture.

Racial and Cultural Inclusion in the Archdiocese of Southwark and the Dean of St George’s Cathedral, Canon Michael Branch.

dear sisters and brothers, we announce again that there is no place for racism anywhere

Various communities carried banners aloft during the opening procession of the Mass, at which the Principal Celebrant was Archbishop John Wilson. Concelebrants included Canon Victor Darlington, Episcopal Vicar for the Commission for Promoting

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Racial Justice Sunday
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Annual Report 2023: Safeguarding Report

Safeguarding Report

LoudFence messages of support

Safeguarding is an integral part of the life of the Archdiocese of Southwark. We are committed to embedding a compassionate and strong safeguarding culture across all our parishes and communities. This development of safe environments is for everyone, but particularly for children, young people and adults at risk. At the heart of our safeguarding service is ensuring that everyone who represents the Archdiocese of Southwark offers a compassionate response to all those that have been harmed by abuse, and recognises the impact of the trauma of abuse, particularly when the abuse occurs within the context of the Catholic Church.

Commitment to

supporting those that have been harmed by abuse

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The Safeguarding Team with Canon John Diver,
Episcopal Vicar for Safeguarding
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the Safeguarding Office received messages from around the world. Our LoudFence remains on display in St Georges Cathedral and our next service will be held on the 25th September 2024.

Audit

In-line with IICSA recommendations and as part of the Catholic Church’s’ continuing commitment to the improvement of their safeguarding service, Southwark volunteered to be a pilot for the Catholic Safeguarding Standards Agency (CSSA) audit. In October 2023 the safeguarding team submitted their updated self-assessment as part of their first review audit. This affords a measure of progress against the audit action plan to the CSSA audit team. The full report is published on the Archdiocese website, which details the positive work that the Archdiocese has completed. Case management was recorded as “outstanding” in many categories.

To reflect the commitment of the Archdiocese in supporting survivors of abuse, Southwark held an inaugural LoudFence at its annual service for those that have been harmed by abuse in September 2023, led by Archbishop John. LoudFence is a public demonstration of solidarity and commitment of support for those that have suffered. Everyone was invited to tie ribbons and messages of support and

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CSSA Audit

https://bit.ly/CSSAaudit

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Annual Report 2023: Safeguarding Report

Referrals

The Safeguarding Team continue to receive referrals. Many of these referrals sit outside of the context of the Catholic Church, but require management, guidance and support. From January - November 2023 there were 88 referrals. 26 cases have required statutory agency referrals, including LADO, Adult Social Care, Mental Health Team, Police & Education. The team also liaised with various charities, including Safe Spaces and survivor charities.

Parish Safeguarding Representatives (PSR)

Parish Safeguarding representatives are an important resource to the Archdiocese and assist the safeguarding team in creating safe environments in our parishes and communities. They are volunteers who work with the central team to complete safer recruitment, training, receive & refer concerns and support their parish priests in safeguarding matters. Southwark currently has 312 PSR’s with 96 currently

in recruitment. The annual Gathering day was held in February 2023 with over 150 PSR’s in attendance.

Safeguarding Plans

As part of the Archdiocese of Southwark’s commitment to creating safe environments, the safeguarding team supervise 25 safeguarding and 3 care plans for individuals who may require additional support, supervision or restrictions to attend Mass. These plans are monitored and reviewed regularly. The Safeguarding Team liaise with our statutory partners, parish priests and PSR’s to ensure the necessary assistance and guidance remains in place.

DBS checks

Significant resources are allocated to ensuring that safer recruitment and specifically DBS checks are processed expeditiously and that all those completing a regulated activity role, have a current check.

YEAR MONTH VOLUNTEERS CLERGY CAFOD EDUCATION
COMMISSION		 MONTHLY
TOTAL
2022 November 152 10 0 9 171
December 86 7 1 4 98
2023 January 169 10 0 11 190
February 132 11 2 3 148
March 124 11 0 2 137
April 58 14 0 7 79
May 98 14 2 8 122
June 79 13 0 1 93
July 29 9 0 4 42
August 50 3 2 7 62
September 58 10 1 10 79
October 59 11 0 5 75
November 63 10 1 7 81
Total 1,157 133 9 78 1,377

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Annual Report 2023: Southwark Catholic Youth Service

Southwark Catholic Youth Service

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A young parishioner enjoys a game
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“ Young people are not the future. They are the now of God.”

Pope Francis reminds us that "Young people are not the future. They are the now of God." As an Archdiocese, we recognise the importance of focusing on the young now, enabling them to build a future for all of us.

We have been actively implementing our youth strategy to ensure our young people experience regular, meaningful spiritual encounters with the Lord and to see Him in each other.

Youth Days

Southwark Catholic Youth Service hosts youth days every two months across different areas of the Archdiocese. Between 80 and 100 children attend

our days, and around 40 parishes have sent young people. These days include ice-breakers, inspiring talks, crafts, sports, Eucharistic Adoration with praise, and powerful testimonies from external speakers. The days conclude with Benediction and a lively Q&A session facilitated by our chaplains. The feedback is overwhelmingly positive with many returning to subsequent events.

Youth Retreat Days

We have planned Youth Retreat Days for 13 to 17-year-olds and have invited NET Ministries, the Dominicans and other providers to facilitate these. The days cater to parish youth groups or

Sherman Luk from the Touch Community (based in Hong Kong) leads a retreat day for young people

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Annual Report 2023: Safeguarding Report

Confirmation groups and include testimonies, drama, music, exhortation and prayer.

We have recruited several young adults who wish to evangelise our youth and are planning a training programme for them. The programme will soon enable our young adults and younger clergy to facilitate youth days for parishes and deaneries in the Archdiocese of Southwark.

Training

We are planning quarterly in-person training sessions for local parishes to support the development of youth ministry groups. These sessions will include accompaniment, formation, and practicalities of youth ministry such as Safeguarding, Health and Safety, games and activities.

In 2023 we conducted a training needs analysis of around thirty parishes involved in or interested in starting local-level parish youth ministry. We plan to roll out our training programme in the coming

months to ensure more parishes can offer young people regular, meaningful encounters with Christ and each other.

Young Adults

St George's Cathedral is evolving into a hub for young adults, offering regular Eucharistic Adoration, engaging talks, and social events. We have initiated a monthly Young Adult Mass on the first Sunday of each month, featuring praise and worship, followed by fellowship and refreshments. These Masses have become popular, providing young adults opportunities to build community in the city. We host weekly events and socials, including talks on topics such as the Sacraments and the Virtues, with highprofile speakers from across the Catholic community.

There are many other enriching young adult groups in the Archdiocese, and we are looking at ways to support and encourage them by offering training, retreats, and events at St George’s Cathedral.

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Engaging in discussion in the St George’s Cathedral Young Adults Group
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Annual Report 2023: Southwark Catholic Youth Service

Southwark Education Commission

Angela Cox, Director of Education

The Education Commission acts on behalf of the Archbishop of Southwark to support and promote the work of schools and colleges in delivering the mission of the Church.

There are 163 schools in the Archdiocese reaching across 14 local authorities. During the year, a major project has been to establish a model for multi-academy trusts that can be implemented to allow all schools in the Archdiocese to convert to academies in-line with the vision of the Archbishop. After much discussion and meetings with governing bodies and headteachers the year ended with a further three academy trusts being established. There were already two academy trusts established in the Archdiocese.

In addition, the Order of the Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, which ran the Francesca Cabrini Catholic Primary School in Forest Hill, decided to move back to France, and with falling rolls, the school was closed. Similarly, St Mary Magdalene Catholic Primary School in Lambeth also closed as a result of falling rolls. As families have left London following Covid-19 and Brexit, a reduction in school children in London is likely to become a challenge for all schools in the area.

In the meantime, there were positive developments in 2023 with two school rebuilding projects in St Mary’s Primary School in Deal, and St Thomas More Secondary School in Croydon. The building work is of significant value at around £45m, funded by DfE to benefit future pupils and staff in creating modern learning environments. In February 2023 St. John Fisher Catholic Comprehensive School also moved into a brand-new £40m single site build on City Way in Rochester.

As post pandemic school inspections return to normal, the Commission is pleased that schools in Southwark have been praised for the support they gave children during COVID, whilst ensuring that standards continue to remain high.

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Southwark Education Commission www.rcaoseducation.org.uk/

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Annual Report 2023: Education News: Green Careers Week’ at St Columba’s Catholic Boys’ School

Education News: Green Careers Week’ at St Columba’s Catholic Boys’ School

Green Captains plant two Oaks in partnership with local businesses and college.

St Columba’s Catholic Boys’ School in Halcot Avenue, Bexleyheath, certainly do offer a world class careers education programme! They launched their ‘Green Careers Week’ in style with a monumental activity; planting two Oak trees sponsored by Inspired Community Group and Provender Nurseries with the support of Capel Manor College and Level X.

The idea of planting an Oak came from an acorn; a conversation between Shayon a Year 11 student and Jamie Sanneh the Director of Level X. They were discussing possible careers for the future

during a mentoring session and Shayon said that he loved gardening with his grandad, and the idea snowballed!

The Headteacher, Dave Evans, helped the idea grow by suggesting planting a Coronation Oak as it was 6 months since the King’s Coronation. When two local businesses, Inspired Community Group and Provender Nurseries, both generously offered to be sponsors – one Oak became two. The second Oak to celebrate the School’s 50th Anniversary.

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Annual Report 2023: Education News: Green Careers Week’ at St Columba’s Catholic Boys’ School

The School asked London’s only specialist environmental college, Capel Manor College, for some help to plant the Oaks. Denise Lloyd, Vice Principal at the College said, “We will send you Sophie Guinness our Head of Horticulture, she is amazing and her knowledge and passion for horticulture and garden design is inspiring.” Sophie stayed for the Year 10 assembly and shared insights into her career.

Jeanette Johnson, Chair of Governors at the school said, “We all had a lot of fun planting the oak trees today and the boys did an amazing job! They were so pleased with their efforts, and quite rightly so too!! What a great legacy!”

Whilst digging a hole for the Oaks, Jerome, a Year 11 student, was overheard saying to one of the younger students “Just think about it, our children and grandchildren will see these Oaks we have planted today grow.”

David Garrido also attended the event. He said, “St Columba’s is certainly making the most of ‘Green Careers Week!’ It’s a great opportunity for students to explore careers in sustainability, which is one of the fastest growing career sectors.”

St Columba’s has much more in store for its students this week; Green PSHE Lessons, Green Assemblies, Go Green for CAFOD, Sustainability Planning culminating in a ‘Dragons’ Den’ to decide which project will be awarded funding, Work experience and carbon literacy training at Footprint, a sustainable scenery business in Sidcup, and a trip for the Green Captains at the end of the week to see what makes Footprint a sustainable business. It is not surprising that St Columba’s school is popular, oversubscribed and has a waiting list!

– Claire Williams, RCAOS Education Media Officer

St Columba’s school is part of the South East London Catholic Academy Trust (SELCAT). The CEO,

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Annual Report 2023: Higher Education Chaplaincy

Higher Education Chaplaincy

Laurence Jasper (Chaplain, King’s College), Sister Anouska Robinson-Biggin (Senior Catholic Chaplain) and Ginny Jordan-Arthur (Chaplain, Roehampton)

The Ministry of Higher Education Chaplaincy continues to embed itself within the Archdiocese of Southwark since the closure of St Hilda’s Catholic Chaplaincy House in New Cross.

We work in collaboration with the Higher Education institutions within the Archdiocese of Southwark and their chaplaincy teams. Whilst serving and being present for all students and staff, we desire to reach out particularly to Catholic students and staff.

With the appointment of Fr Mark Wharton to the University of Kent in January 2023, we once again had three chaplains appointed by the Archdiocese in universities within Southwark. We continue to work closely in collaboration with the Chaplain at Digby Stuart College, the University of Roehampton.

In September 2023 we began the process of working with the University of Greenwich to look at re-appointing a chaplain there. There remain many universities without chaplaincy, and part of the renew and review of Higher Education Chaplaincy needs to address what we do to minister to these people, even if not on campus.

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Higher Education Chaplaincy www.hechaplaincy. rcaos.org.uk

With funding received from the Archbishop’s Appeal, chaplains had the opportunity to access formation courses to enable their continued professional development and enable them to meet colleagues at local and regional meetings and conferences: this is an ongoing need. We also began to explore what would be possible in terms of joint events that could be held across the Archdiocese and open to students and staff from across our different universities.

We look forward to ongoing co-operation between universities and chaplaincies located within the Archdiocese of Southwark, so that collectively we may be the human face of the Catholic faith on campus.

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Annual Report 2023: Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation

Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation

Archbishop John homily

By God’s mercy, our ministry does not waver. It is not ourselves we are proclaiming, but Christ Jesus as Lord, and ourselves as servants for Jesus’ sake.

2 Corinthians 4: 5

our most vulnerable fellows: faith instructs us to put the needs of the poor and vulnerable first.

In 2023 we reflected on a number of concerns that entwine our world, causing both struggle and suffering. The continued arrival of migrants near Dover in the face of conflict around the globe has left the many countries struggling to cope with the significant needs of the displaced, and uncertain about how best to manage this new reality.

Love the Stranger

Earlier in 2023, JPIC shared news of a significant Report from the Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales, entitled ‘Love the Stranger’. The document presents a Catholic response to migrants and refugees and was a major item in our Autumn Assembly, where Bishop Paul McAleenan was keynote speaker and celebrant for the opening Mass.

Our tradition proclaims that the person is not only sacred but also social. A moral test is how we treat

Speaking of the document and of the wider issue he said: “Refugees are human beings made in the image and likeness of God, not a political problem to be

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Annual Report 2023: Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation

solved. We must never make recognition of people’s dignity dependent upon where they come from or how they reach our country. The biblical call to love the stranger is unequivocal and indiscriminate.”

Bishop Paul also drew attention to a Jesuit Refugee Service report about poor conditions in accommodation at Napier Barracks, near Folkestone. This report was launched in March, and bought to the attention of those attending a JPIC event in the hall of Our Lady Help of Christians church. The Report garnered much attention in the National and Catholic press.

During the year, Archbishop John called for recognition of our shared humanity in September in a Podcast for the 109th World Day of Prayer for Migrants and Refugees, saying “Don’t lose sight of the person in the refugee debate”. In the meantime, in a letter for the Day of Prayer, Pope Francis wrote of everyone’s right to live in peace in a country free from poverty, plundering and persecution, together with a right to choose whether to stay or to seek a new life elsewhere.

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Listen to the Refugee Podcast https://bit.ly/RefugeePodcast

The Autumn Assembly

The Big One

In April, people from over 100 different faith groups and movements gathered at Westminster for ‘The Big One’: a four-day rally beginning in prayer and calling for an end to pollution and the loss of biodiversity, making visible the gift of God’s creation and rule of life. Westminster was filled with flags, banners and people. The European Group of Laudato Si Animators met outside St John’s Church, Waterloo. The group consists mainly of Catholics trained by a Vatican-backed initiative to inform and inspire others to engage in dialogue and action on current environmental emergencies. The following day was Earth Day, a celebration for all the family which raises awareness of the environment and during which the public is urged to turn off all unnecessary power for one hour in the evening. Petitions were delivered as Parliament returned: https://bit.ly/Tbo2023

As the year ended the Justice and Peace in Creation Commission were saddened by the death of Fr Francis Kemsley, O Carm, former Aylesford Prior, who always greeted the Commission warmly and contributed to discussions and liturgies. Over many years he welcomed pilgrims from around the world to Aylesford Priory, once including a visiting Shinto monk during a Hiroshima remembrance service!

In 2024 the JPIC Commission looks forward to hosting the London Dioceses Migrants Mass at St George’s Cathedral: a joyous occasion when we will give thanks or the contribution made by migrants in our parishes and to society.

Over 75 people joined the Assembly in Beckenham on 23rd September 2023, demonstrating a good level of interest and participation. Raising their voices for refugees, the theme of the day was ‘Free to Stay: the right to choose’.

As Chair of the Justice and Peace in Creation Commission, Fr Habte Ukbay began the Assembly by describing the Church’s concern to shape and develop doctrine in order to form the conscience of the Christian family. This is formed according to Gospel values whilst applying the principle of the dignity of individuals. The day proved a success with a strong focus the teaching of Pope Francis, which encourages us to follow the ‘Preferential Option for the Poor,’ recommends making poor people central to our thinking.

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Annual Report 2023: Southwark Spirituality Commission

Southwark Spirituality Commission

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Watch Renewed in hope week one

In February 2023 the Commission launched its third Online Lenten Retreat; a series of weekly videos introduced by Archbishop John Wilson. The theme was ‘Renewed in Hope’ and each week, following a Biblical reflection, we had a ‘witness statement’ sharing individual faith experience. Speakers included Commission members, sixth-formers, a housebound couple and the director of a leprosy project in Africa.

Over 1700 people signed up to access the videos. At least 8 parish groups met to run the retreat together. Feedback was very positive, with 94% watching the video, 65% also trying the weekly prayer exercises, and 11% took part via a local group meeting.

During Lent and Advent we continued with our very popular series of short daily reflections, emailed to over 2000 people who had signed up to receive them. This must be one of our most long-standing projects. Feedback about these has remained extremely positive, thanks to our author’s ability to refresh the content and range of topics each year.

In June each year, the Commission holds an all-day meeting for its members, so that we can discern our future direction in a context of prayer and reflection. Our shorter meetings during the year, also embody our principle that we have to practice what we preach!

The Commission’s website ( https://www. southwarkdsc.org.uk ) continues to make available the Ways into Prayer resource, a simple introduction to a range of different forms of prayer. This is also promoted at local level, by presentations in parishes, to enable more people to share these resources around the Archdiocese. The website also contains information about different spiritual traditions in the Church, an introduction to Spiritual Direction

and details of a number of retreat houses available around the Archdiocese.

During the year, the Commission maintained a list of up to 35 Spiritual Directors, who are open to referrals within the Archdiocese. Currently about 40 people contact the Commission each year seeking a Spiritual Director. We hosted three opportunities, for those who are available on our list, to network and engage in continual professional development. We also continued work on drawing up a Code of Practice for Spiritual Directors, in consultation with diocesan authorities.

For some time, the Commission has wished to engage more with those of a younger age range. We welcomed two members of the Cathedral young adults group, to participate in some of our meetings. This has given some valuable insights and the Commission is happy to send a speaker to visit similar groups.

In November the Commission Chair, Trudy Kilcullen, was presented with the Diocesan Medal in recognition of her service and leadership of the Commission. Bishop Paul also highlighted her promotion of opportunities for prayerful reflection, such as by making her prayer garden available locally.

Looking ahead to 2024, we have been planning a ‘Southwark Spirituality Forum’, to establish a dialogue on enabling spiritual development within the Archdiocese. The aim is to increase the number of voices that feed into the development of future events, and at the same time to widen our range of local contacts.

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Annual Report 2023: Southwark Catholic Charismatic Renewal

Southwark Catholic Charismatic Renewal

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Service at St George's Cathedral
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The Catholic Charismatic Renewal (CCR) is one of the lay ecclesial movements in the Roman Catholic Church operating in the Archdiocese of Southwark. The vision of the Archdiocesan team for the promotion of Catholic Charismatic Renewal is to help Catholics to become more open to the working of the Holy Spirit in their lives. This includes organising events that facilitate personal conversion to Christ and also to help Catholics discover and embrace the Charisms that the Holy Spirit has bestowed on them through their Baptism, to be more effective missionary disciples in the service of the Church.

The new extended team, which had come together 18 months before, and has representatives from different prayer groups, communities and ministries, held their first in person retreat as a team between 20th and 22nd January 2023, at the Divine Retreat Centre in Ramsgate. Mark Nash from the Agency for Evangelisation and Catechesis, was also invited to attend and share in the prayer and discussion about the future vision for the team, and plans for the coming year. Kristina Cooper, who had been the Acting Co-ordinator was elected as the Diocesan Co-ordinator for a term of three years.

The team agreed to follow the mandate first suggested by Archbishop John Wilson in January 2020 to evangelise and catechise by organising three events a year. These would be

An Annual Day of Renewal

As it was not possible to hold the planned Healing Day at St George’s Cathedral on 18th March it was decided to accept the invitation of the Italian Chaplain and hold a Leaders’ Refreshment and Healing Day at the Italian Church in north London. Fr Columba CFR from the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal led this day which culminated with an outreach Healing Mass for the Italian Church parish.

Life in the Spirit Seminars

Following a meeting with Canon Michael Branch, the Dean of St George’s, the Catholic Charismatic Renewal (CCR) Team was invited to organise the Life in the Spirit seminars for the Cathedral parish in Eastertide 2023. Canon Michael saw these as a useful tool to help bring renewal to his parish after Covid. He himself attended as a participant.

To facilitate those who couldn’t come in person, the Seminars were also offered on Zoom, and the live talks from the Cathedral were streamed to parish hubs in Archdiocese. Locations included Purley,

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Annual Report 2023: Southwark Catholic Charismatic Renewal

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Service at St George's Cathedral
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Canterbury, New Malden, Beckenham, Twickenham, Ramsgate, Sevenoaks, Orpington. About 100 people were involved at the Cathedral, 100 people on Zoom and 250 people at the various hubs. The seminars, as for the two previous years, were undertaken with the sponsorship of the Agency for Evangelisation and Catechesis. These culminated on Pentecost Saturday (27th May 2023), with a special Retreat Day at St George’s with Confessions, small group sharing and prayer for Baptism in the Holy Spirit led by Catholic lay evangelist Michelle Moran. Participants from hubs joined in, with 300 people participating. A further 50 people were prayed with online on the following Monday. This was followed up by a celebration Mass with testimonies from those touched by the event celebrated by Archbishop John Wilson.

This model of having a live event at the Archdiocesan cathedral, at hubs and online proved so successful that three other dioceses went on to adopt the same format in 2024. (Hexham and Newcastle, Northampton and Arundel & Brighton).

Prayer Groups and a Healing Seminar

A fruit of the 2023 Life in the Spirit seminars was Canon Michael Branch’s request, that a discipleship prayer group be formed at the Cathedral. Deacon Javier Elderfield, supported by several members of the Southwark CCR Team, agreed to take this on. The prayer group began in September 2023 and continues to meets weekly in Amigo Hall. A healing Mass takes place on the second Tuesday every month. Each evening session involves praise and worship, teaching and small group sharing. Numbers range from 25-40 people every week. The aim is to form missionary disciples and to help people to both praise God and grow in their faith.

On 4th November 2023 the autumn Day of Renewal and Healing was led by Allegra Mutanda, a lay evangelist, attended by about 300 people. About 50 people served the day, helping to consolidate bonds between local leaders and the central team.

The Diocese of Portsmouth have been exploring the Called and Gifted programme developed by Sherry Weddell from the Catherine of Siena Institute in the USA. This is to help lay people identify and develop their charisms. In October 2023, a small team of 7 people from the Cathedral group and the CCR Southwark team attended a presentation day in Basingstoke to see if this was something that could be developed and used in Southwark.

In summary 2023 was a very productive year for the CCR team. Key to this was intercessory prayer and the graces that flowed. Through organising the seminars together, a great esprit de corps developed among all those who were serving at the different levels (the Cathedral, parish hubs and on Zoom). Moreover, by having the prayer for the outpouring of the Holy Spirit at the St George’s Cathedral, participants were able to experience the meaning of Pentecost in the Mother Church of Southwark. We also experienced how effective it is when the institutional Church and the charismatic dimension of the Church work together using their different gifts.

Several members of the CCR team are Deanery Mentors (Liz Corcoran and Deacon Neil Philippson), so informal cross fertilisation takes place through the relationships that happen between the CCR events and those of the Archdiocese, as we are able to uncover gifts and talents of different individuals and groups. We would particularly like to thank Mark Nash from the Agency of Evangelisation and Catechesis and Canon Michael Branch for their support and trust in the CCR Team, and for what they have enabled to take place and grow during 2023.

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Annual Report 2023: The Archdiocesan Chancery

The Archdiocesan Chancery

Here to help, to advise and to guide

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Deacon Michael and Mary
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The Archdiocesan Chancery is located in Archbishop’s House and it is the central office of the Archdiocesan Curia. It is headed by the Chancellor who is assisted by two Vice Chancellors. The Chancery acts in the name of the Archbishop and draws up all official documents that he signs by mandate of his office.

The main focus of the work of the Chancery is to support the clergy and the parishes of the Archdiocese in their pastoral role. A large portion of the work of the Chancery is focused on the preparation of marriage paperwork for marriages that are to be celebrated in this Archdiocese or dioceses overseas. On average the Chancery deals with 1000 sets of marriage papers in a single year for couples who are marrying outside the Archdiocese. In relation to this the Chancery is responsible for granting, in the name of the Archbishop, the Dispensations and Permissions for Catholics to marry both baptised non-Catholics and those of another or no faiths.

The Chancery also grants to priests the permission to receive into Full Communion those wishing to join the Catholic Church and also grants delegation to Confirm baptised Catholics who, for whatever reason, never completed their full initiation in to the Church. It arranges three days to facilitate the Commissioning of Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion and issues the Faculties to the newly commissioned ministers and hold the information on those commissioned for each parish.

When a priest is appointed to a parish it is the Chancery that draws up the appropriate documents; these are needed for his induction once the Archbishop’s Council have finalised the appointment. The Chancery also issues documents of appointment in the name of the Archbishop for an assistant priest and also for any official offices that a priest or deacon is appointed to within the Archdiocese. All copies of these documents are preserved in the Chancery archives.

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Annual Report 2023: The Archdiocesan Chancery

When a priest or deacon is ordained the Chancery prepares the documentation that is required for their ordination. Ordinations celebrated in the Archdiocese are recorded in the ordination register which is kept in the Chancery.

Every year the Chancery receives requests from clergy from overseas to come and minister in the Archdiocese. In addition to the testimonials of suitability required from the Bishop or Religious Superior, the Chancery liaise with the UK Government Visa and Immigration to act as the Sponsoring Body recognised by the Home Office, in order to facilitate the granting of a visa to enable the priest or deacon to work in the United Kingdom.

Before a priest or a deacon is allowed to exercise any ministry in the Archdiocese they must be issued with Archdiocesan Faculties and these are created and sent out by the Chancery. The faculties are issued for the duration of their stay in the Archdiocese, whether they are priests or deacons from another diocese, or from a religious order, or until expressly revoked. It is the Chancery’s responsibility to request and obtain these and to work in collaboration with the Safeguarding Office in ensuring that all procedures are followed before anyone takes up an appointment.

The Chancery has a close working relationship with the Safeguarding Office and also with other colleagues in Central Services, the Agency for Evangelisation and Catechesis and the Southwark Metropolitan Tribunal. They also work closely with the Vicar General, the Auxiliary Bishops and the Episcopal Vicars to support them in their ministry. Over the years, good relations have been established with colleagues in Chancery Offices both in the UK and Ireland, and there us a good network of support.

is there to assist the Archbishop in his pastoral role and to be an instrument of service to the clergy of the Archdiocese.

During the past year the Chancery have attended meetings with Religious clergy and more recently have begun a systematic visitation of all the deaneries to speak about their work. The Chancery team were also present at the recent day for newly arrived and recently ordained clergy, and gave a presentation at the Annual Day for Parish Secretaries.

The Chancellor, in addition to his day-to-day work, is a member of the Archbishops Council and attends their meetings. In addition, he attends gatherings of the Council of Deans, the Council of Priests and he also serves as a member of the Archive Committee and the Diocesan Appointments Committee. He has also represented the Archdiocese at meeting with agencies, in particular the Home Office in relation to visa issues.

The task of the Chancery is to support the clergy and lay people of the Archdiocese of Southwark in building our life of faith and our witness to the Gospel. Our role is principally administrative, but exists to enable the sacramental life of the Archdiocese to be fulfilled in keeping within the norms of the Church.

The Chancery recognises very much that it shares in the wider role of the Church, that it is part of the call to reach out and evangelise. As part of the Archdiocesan family, the Chancery is here to help and serve, and most of all to allow the mission of the church in the Archdiocese of Southwark to go forward in the spirit of the Gospel.

Each year the Chancery collates the Annual Mass Count figures, required by the Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales, and the Annual Pastoral Statistical Return, required by the Central Statistical Office of the Secretariat of State.

When a priest or deacon dies, the Chancery, in the name of the Archbishop, notifies the clergy of the Archdiocese as to death and also records the death in the Deceased Clergy Register. Once the funeral arrangements have been finalised, notification is sent to clergy and the parishes. The Chancery also prepare the official obituary ahead of the funeral liturgy.

In collaboration with the Archdiocesan Archives, the Chancery now holds the Adopted Children’s Baptism Registers and deals with all requests pertaining to this.

The work of the Chancery is very varied and in addition to the above it is very often the first port of call for many clergy, parish secretaries or members of the public seeking advice or help, and so our aim is to be helpful, welcoming and supportive. The Chancery

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Annual Report 2023: The Archdiocesan Chancery

Marriage and Family Life

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Bishop Paul with a family outside St George’s
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Our sincere thanks go to Archbishop John Wilson for his support and especially his Pastoral Letter on the Feast of the Holy Family, 31st December, with the inclusion of information about the relaunching of Building A Better Marriage enrichment days run by the Marriage and Family Life (MFL) team across the Archdiocese.

The work of the Marriage and Family Life (MFL) team

As well as providing marriage preparation courses of high quality, all of which benefit from being led by a team including both clergy and married couples, we also regularly invite married couples to attend a ‘Building A Better Marriage’ (BABM) day to provide enrichment, and we continue to celebrate the annual Marriage Mass. The Marriage and Family Life website pages are regularly updated and feature a list of national and diocesan family support organisations and resources, including

Bereavement ministry training

Marriage preparation courses

In 2023, 501 couples attended online and in-person courses and modules and online one-to-one sessions for couples who could not attend our other courses. Every marriage preparation course has clergy and married couple presenters. We aim to help couples to communicate effectively with each other so they have a shared vision of their future together with God at the centre of their relationship. Detailed information on natural fertility awareness and birth control is presented and discussed in all our courses. The MFL team were delighted to appoint two more couples to the presenting teams in December 2022 and a successful year of introduction and mentoring followed throughout 2023.

Building A Better Marriage

The MFL team ran several online marriage enrichment courses in 2020-22. However, we were disappointed with the very small numbers of couples attending and decided that we would revert to in-person days. Fr Shaju Varkey, Tooting parish, invited us to present a BABM day in January 2023 which was supported by a team of parish helpers. The day was highly successful, and we considered whether this could provide a future model for

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Annual Report 2023: The Archdiocesan Chancery

deaneries in the Archdiocese. Fr Cyriacus Okafor, invited us to deliver a BABM at Our Lady of the Crays in November 2023. The MFL Team met several times with Fr Cy and the parish secretary, Dominica Winter, to discuss the role of the parish before, during and after the Building a Better Marriage day. One legacy is that the parish deacon, Dcn Longinus Anyanjo, has been given the task of co-ordinating a familyorientated parish day in summer 2024, with a vision of hope for families in the parish.

Going forward, we will adopt this parish-based process in 2024 as the key to success in supporting married couples in the parish setting; not only for the couples themselves but for the parish community as a whole.

The Annual Marriage Mass

This special occasion at St George’s Cathedral was this year presided over by Bishop Paul Hendricks on September 23rd. We welcomed 829 people which comprised of 217 couples and their family members. The number of parishes represented was 91. The largest cohort were the 25th anniversaries group and their families. Before the Mass, couples were invited to attend a Build a Better Marriage taster session, facilitated by the Marriage and Family Life team.

SycamOre

The MFL team continued to offer married and engaged couples a four or six-week SycamOre Growing in Faith Together (GIFT) course, usually run in the evening. The MFL team were also involved in presenting webinars and training of MFL coordinators or related MFL personnel for dioceses in England and Wales, which were coordinated by Dr Susan Longhurst from SycamOre.

Bereavement

The MFL team continues to support and promote the work of Deacon Javier and Mrs Susan Elderfield in organising training courses across the Archdiocese for those wishing to support the bereaved.

Grandparents: Passing on the Faith

The MFL team invited parents and grandparents to attend an online course. The parents’ course went ahead with eight participants and we hope to engage with grandparents in the future.

Collaboration with other agencies

The MFL team continued to work with the Agency for Evangelisation and Catechesis especially with respect to SycamOre Powerpoint presentations, also initiatives from the USA which are useful in developing a vision of enrichment for married couples after a BABM day. Looking to the future, the MFL team is interested in promoting a Catholic version of ‘Restored lives’ for separated and divorced couples. The team met with MFL coordinators from the Southern MFL region and attended the MFL conference at Hinsley Hall, Leeds, in October for coordinators from across England and Wales. The team will continue to explore ways of expanding MFL outreach with the Agency and others.

Spiritual development

The MFL team met at Worth Abbey in August and attended a retreat run by Fr John O’Leary, Rector Allen Hall Seminary on “Faith, Hope and Love”.

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Wedding photo
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Annual Report 2023: The Archdiocesan Chancery

Human

Resources

Volunteer Report

I was introduced to St George’s when I began working in St George’s Cathedral office in the summer of 2023, shortly before I was received into the Catholic Church. Sadly, I became very ill with a chronic condition and had to give up work later that year. I was heartbroken to leave, as I so loved the beauty and serenity of the Cathedral, and the community who first taught me what my new Catholic family was.

Lauren Izatt, HR Manager

A period of change took place in the Human Resources department during 2023, as Sarah Wood, our HR manager for over ten years, decided to retire. Lauren Izatt was duly appointed in her place, and there was a handover period of 6 months.

During the year, Human Resources has vigilant to take account of the cost of living crisis, and most staff were awarded a 3% bonus in July 2023 to assist with rising prices. The department has also worked on service levels and fitness for purpose, including succession planning. In addition, anew structure for Education, Human Resources and Finance and Property were approved and duly implemented.

The Archdiocese of Southwark is a significant organisation, and orientation to its structure and function is essential for new appointees and clergy working in parishes. HR continued to facilitate Staff Induction and Clergy Training Days, and with the organisational assistance of the Fundraising Department, was also pleased to plan a Secretaries Away Day for 2024.

As soon as I was able, I jumped at the chance to come back and volunteer. In the office at first, shifting the steady stream of paper that moves the Cathedral parish through its daily histories of baptisms and Mass intentions, weddings and Feasts, and helping out with the social media. I then joined the lively Sacristy team, learning how to care for the vestments and prepare for Mass.

I remember very clearly the first time I set the chalice on the altar, looking at the glory of the Cathedral’s painted ceiling stretching away to the jewel of the West window, a gorgeous Harry Clarke Studios creation depicting the crowning of the Virgin Mary as Queen of Heaven. I remember thinking: I cannot believe I get to do this.

I still feel that way, when I upload a photo to the Cathedral Instagram, or catch the scent of frankincense on my clothes on my way home. Every time I pray before the Blessed Sacrament before heading to the office and light the candles before Mass. I love it all, from the office printer’s ‘moods’ to counting cassocks.

“ Thank you, Lord. I cannot believe I get to do this.”

Natasha Kuler

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Financial Information I ,.11 tl

REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES

Report of the Trustees

The Trustees present their Report & Accounts for the year ended 31 December 2023. The Statements appear in the format required by the Statement of Recommended Practice for Accounting and Reporting by Charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS102) - Charities SORP FRS 102.

Structure, Governance and Management

The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Southwark Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) was established by a constitution dated 16 May 2017. On 6 October 2017, the assets and liabilities of Roman Catholic Diocese of Southwark Diocesan Trust registered Charity number 235468 were transferred into the CIO.

The CIO is governed by the Board of Trustees which currently has eight members and consist of both Clerical and Lay Trustees. The Clerical Trustees are appointed for their expertise in parochial, spiritual, and pastoral matters. The Lay Trustees are appointed for their expertise in a number of different areas such as finance, technology and safeguarding. The Archbishop is empowered to appoint and remove all Trustees. The Board of Trustees is responsible for formulating the strategies and policies of the CIO.

There are five Sub Committees of the Board: Finance, Audit and Risk; Property and Health and Safety; Safeguarding; Education and Investments. New Trustees are provided with terms of reference and an induction pack of information relating to the constitution, governance, and operation of the Trust. Trustees are expected to visit all central departments and be familiar with the work of parishes. The Trustees are normally updated regularly through training sessions and courses both internally and externally, refreshing their expertise in their own particular field and their responsibilities as Trustees. The management of the CIO’s investments is delegated to the Investment Committee which is responsible for establishing a detailed investment policy with regard to the CIO’s overall strategy and risk tolerance parameters.

The Board of Trustees met five times in 2023. The Finance Audit and Risk Committee met seven times in 2023. The Property, Health and Safety Committee met six times, the Safeguarding SubCommittee met four times, the Investment Committee three times, and the Education Committee met three times. Trustees chair all of these meetings, with the exception of the Investment Committee, which is chaired by an independent expert.

The Archbishop also appoints the Clerical Trustees (currently two auxiliary bishops and the Vicar General & Moderator of the Curia) as members of the Archbishop’s Council. The Archbishop’s Council also includes the Episcopal Vicars for South East London, South West London, and Priestly Life, as well as the Chancellor, the Judicial Vicar, and the Chief Operating Officer and deals with local administrative, pastoral, and disciplinary matters. Issues are referred to the full Trustee board if necessary. The Archbishop’s Council meets regularly; in 2023 there were ten meetings.

The Trustees share the view that the Charity and the local Church, the latter being called 'the Archdiocese', are two distinct entities. They are bound together by the will of the Archbishop of Southwark, who must intend throughout his period of office to govern the Charity, in conjunction with the other Trustees, in support of the Archdiocese, as this is understood in Catholic theology and Canon Law and in accordance with Charity Law. The Archbishop is supported in his role by senior members of the clergy who have responsibility for three pastoral areas: South West London, South East London and Kent. In addition, the Archbishop is further supported by the Vicar General &

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REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES

Moderator of the Curia and various Episcopal Vicars. The Episcopal Vicars are charged with establishing, maintaining and developing or furthering the educational and worship functions of the Church, within their specific pastoral fields.

The Archdiocese owns those lands, buildings, and other forms of property, which it is necessary for the Church to have and to use, to fulfil the mission of the Church within the area covered by the Archdiocese of Southwark. The Archdiocese consists of 176 parishes.

The Archdiocese does not control, nor own, property owned by the many religious orders of the Church which have convents, abbeys, friaries, shrines, care homes, chapels, schools, retreat houses, and other property in our geographic area. There is, therefore, a considerable commitment of resources, financial, material and human, from members of the Church within our Archdiocese, which is not reported here.

Key management personnel

The Trustees consider that the Trustees and the Senior Leadership Team consisting of the Chief Operating Officer, Director of Education, Property Director and the Finance Director along with the Vicar General & Moderator of the Curia comprise the key management personnel of the Charity in charge of directing, controlling, running, and operating the Charity on a day-to-day basis. The pay of the senior staff is reviewed annually and normally increased in accordance with earnings in similar organisations in the sector to reflect a cost of living adjustment. All Trustees give of their time freely and no Trustee received remuneration for their service as Trustees in the year. Details of Trustees expenses are disclosed in Note 17 of the accounts.

Use of volunteers

Those who are termed volunteers in other charities are in our Archdiocese the “lay faithful,” members of the worshipping community, which is the parish. Many parishioners help in all aspects of parish life and they are vital in our parishes, which would not be able to operate without their assistance. Many parishioners are members of organisations in the parish that provide support to those in need. The Trustees would like to express their sincere thanks to all parishioners for all the work they do in helping to build and maintain the parish communities.

Achievements and Performance

In the wider Impact Report you will be able to read about the services to the community provided by the Archdiocese and the achievements and contribution of the many individuals and teams who support our work.

During the year we:

• Expanded our communications team’s capacity and continued our investment in our Website (https://rcaos.org.uk/) and social media channels to promote the Good News and provide rich information regarding the Archdiocese.

• Continued to develop new delivery models plans for our Agencies and Central Services, to ensure that they assist the Mission in the most appropriate way, serving the grassroots of the Church.

• Continued to implement changes in Safeguarding, particularly around improved training and implementing the new national arrangements.

• Continued to implement our fundraising strategy, offering more choice to donors while promoting improved governance and administration.

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REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES

Public Benefit

The Trustees confirm that they have complied with the duties in the Charities Act 2011 to have due regard to the public benefit guidance published by the Charity Commission in determining the activities undertaken by the Charity.

Going Concern

Whilst the Archdiocese as a whole is in a strong financial position the central Archdiocesan (Curial) income and expenditure account has been in deficit for several years, apart from 2022, which has resulted in a reduction in unrestricted funds. In 2023 there was a surplus on Unrestricted Funds of £2,8m after transfers. This is after the reversal of an accrual of £2.6m that is no longer necessary. After the implementation of the new levy regime from 2022 and investment gains over the last 8 years, the Curia has unrestricted funds, excluding Designated funds, of £11m, this includes an in-year transfer of £1.6m from Designated funds in line with the Archdiocese’s Free Reserves policy.

The Trustees’ assessment of going concern as at the accounting date was formed following a review of the following information:

  1. Cash flow forecasts to December 2026

  2. Income and expenditure forecasts for the three years 2024-26

  3. Projected free reserves for the three years 2024-26.

The Trustees will continue to focus on the key risk area of going concern as part of the Financial Plan approved in March 2021 which aims to protect the long-term financial position of the Archdiocese including balancing the central income and expenditure account and unrestricted reserves position. A new financial strategy will be adopted for the years 2025-2027. Please see Note 1.2 to these accounts which sets out the accounting policy as regards the preparation of these accounts on a going concern basis.

RISK MANAGEMENT

Two of the main challenges that the Archdiocese has to deal with are the historically low Mass attendance figures and the increased age of Priests. This impacts on both the Archdiocese centrally but also on its Parishes and schools. In 2023 Mass attendances increased again, but remains below pre-Covid numbers. This impacts directly on fundraising efforts.

We continued to develop our fundraising strategy and the focus has been on helping parishes switch collections which were cash focused into more standing orders, card and on-line payments by parishioners. There has also been a focus on parishioners’ gift aiding their donations.

We have developed our disposal strategy as regards our surplus properties and this will continue over the next 3 -4 years. We are continuing to develop our support for our sick and retired priests ensuring that they claim the benefits they are entitled to, that the properties they live in are safe, and they are visited regularly by our priest welfare team and others. We also monitor the care they receive and consider any changes recommended.

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REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES

Other Risks

A new risk management policy and procedure was adopted during 2021. The Trustees have assessed the other major risks to which the Archdiocese is exposed, in particular those related to the operation and finances of the Charity and are satisfied that systems are in place to mitigate the exposure.

The major risks and high-level mitigations are:

Financial

There is a risk to the financial viability of the Archdiocese due to pressures from decreasing Mass attendance and increasing costs due to inflation and an ageing clergy group who require care. This is mitigated by a significant investment portfolio both in terms of shares and properties, some of which it is realising in order to meet our objectives. Budgeting processes are also now embedded so that suitable actions can be put in place to respond to areas of specific concern well in advance.

Missionary and Pastoral

The Charity is working hard to encourage vocations. Although the closure of the Seminary due to the low number of students was sad, it represented a significant call on the working capital of the two Dioceses (Arundel & Brighton and Southwark) and the sale of the site has released funds to develop a strategy to increase vocations to the priesthood and promote the Mission.

Safeguarding

All the relevant recommendations arising from national reviews in the Catholic Church in England and Wales have been implemented, including new governance. The Trustees continue to prioritise safeguarding as a strategic priority which is kept under constant review.

Educational landscape changes

An Education Strategy is in place in part to ensure that national developments are tracked and responded to in a positive manner.

Regulatory and compliance failures

A comprehensive Health & Safety system is in place for Parishes. The Trustees continue to prioritise compliance in this area, with well-developed governance and regular reporting.

Key Plans for the future

In 2024 we will:

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FINANCIAL REVIEW OF THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

Financial Performance

We refer to the statement of financial activities in the financial statements that follow and cover the year ended 31 December 2023. The comparatives are for the period from the 1 January 2022 to 31 December 2022.

Overall, excluding the extraordinary donation of £5.3m from St John’s Seminary, Wonersh in 2022, Collections and donations (including legacies) were up on the previous year from £22.1m to £24.2m. The Total Income decreased year on year by £1.3m or 4%, again excluding the St John’s Seminary Wonersh donation. The decrease was due to there being a slight loss on sales of Assets in 2023 (£20,382) against a Profit on disposals totalling £2.7m in the year before. Legacies, which were mainly credited to parishes, increased by 21% to £1.9m.

Expenditure was £30.6m for the year (2022 £27.5m) and the main areas of expenditure are church repairs and supporting sick and retired priests.

Before unrealised investment gains/losses there was a deficit on unrestricted funds of £2m (2022: surplus £1.8m); restricted funds had a deficit of £366k (2022: £350k); and parish funds showed a surplus of £1.6m (2022 £7.4m). Overall, before gains and losses on investments, the Archdiocese had a deficit of £700k (2022: surplus £8.8m).

Investments returned to an unrealised gains position (£3.8m) after the loss in 2022 (£3.9m). Please refer to the section on “Investment Policy” below.

The new levy regime was in place for the second year in 2023. This forms part of the “Transfers” line on page two of the SOFA. The levy is offset by the interest paid to Parishes on their loan accounts. The net transfer figure was stable at £2.9m (2022: £2.8m).

Parishes

In 2023 Parish collections and donations income continued to recover and was 10% higher than 2022 (increasing from £18.5m to £20.4m). This is a combination of more people returning to weekly Mass and also the increased use of cashless giving machines, online giving and encouraging donations via standing order. However, there were no surpluses from property sales in Parishes (2022: £2.7m) and the amount of grants and legacies received fell by £594k (to £1.1m). Overall Parish income reduced by 6%, or £1.6m, to £24.5m.

Parish Expenditure increased by 22%, or £4.2m, to £22.9m. A large portion of this expense was an increase in Church Repairs and Building Works, which increased by £2.5m to £4.1m. Four Parishes contributed 90% of the increase and all had raised funds or had sufficient reserves for this work. Other Parish expenses also increased due to a combination of inflation and increased activity.

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Parishes had a Net Income before transfers of £2.3m. The total Reserves for Parishes was £88m at the end of the year.

Archdiocesan Funds

In 2023 Curial collections and donations income was £2.6m, an improvement on the £1.9m in 2022 (when excluding the £5.3m donation explained above). This was as a result of legacy income which has increased as a result of concerted efforts in this area. School contributions to the Education Service also increased to £714k (2022:£406k). However, there was a slight loss on disposal of fixed assets of £20,383 (2022: Profit: £1.2m).

Curial Expenditure increased from £8.8m to £10.6m, before the reversal of the accrual mentioned earlier (after the reversal expenditure was £7.7m). A large portion of this expense was an increase in planned Repairs and Building Works to Clergy Houses (active and retired) and offices (at a cost of £864k). Utilities also saw a substantial increase of £363k. Care home, carer and Health care fees increased by 14% to £1.1m and there was an increase of £114k in Grants to Priests, mostly an inflation uplift for retired clergy. Designated Reserves held at the end of 2022 was used as intended for £883k of this expenditure relating to the installation of the Wonersh altars into St George’s Cathedral, works done at Bowen House, Cathedral repairs and parish building costs (see Note 13).

The Curia had Net Expenditure before transfers of £2.3m. The total Reserves for Archdiocesan Funds were £27.1m at the end of the year. Of this amount £11.4m is Restricted, £3.7m is Designated and £12m Unrestricted.

Reserves Policy

The Trustees have determined a suitable range of free reserves as part of its prudent financial management and planning. The suitable range balances the need to:

The Trustees regularly assess risk and keep a risk register. Some of the risks have financial implications and so it is essential that a suitable level of reserves is maintained to mitigate this financial risk.

The Archdiocese’s free reserves are those funds which can be freely spent on the Archdiocese’s charitable purposes. Free reserves will therefore normally exclude tangible fixed assets because these assets are used by the charity to deliver their activities and as such cannot be sold to meet a funding deficit. Free reserves therefore are defined unrestricted reserves less Fixed Assets less designated reserves.

The policy adopted by the Trustees is that the level of free reserves across the Charity should represent 3 to 6 months of unrestricted expenditure. At 31 December 2023, the level of free reserves was £1.5m (2022: -£3.8m) which represents 3 months of unrestricted expenditure (2022: -5 months). Previously the Archdiocese has set aside substantial Designated Funds – these are part of the unrestricted reserves and represent funds that the Trustees have set aside for a specific use, without creating a legal restriction. They were set aside from Unrestricted Funds and not Free Reserves, thus representing a first call against Reserves represented by Tangible Assets. Since moving to a Free Reserves approach it is necessary to recategorize some previously designated funds (see note 13 transfers of £1.6m). The policy will be subject to annual review and will be addressed in

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2024 via a revised financial strategy. It must be noted that in addition there are Parochial reserves of £59.25m which can be called upon by the Curia.

The Free Reserves of the Archdiocese are calculated as follows:

Note 2023 (£’000) 2023 (£’000) 2022 (£’000)
Total Reserves 115,022 111,962
Less Restricted Reserves 15 11,443 10,650
Less Parish Funds 14 87,945 88,492
Total Unrestricted Reserves 15,634 12,820
Less Designated Reserves 13 3,727 6,210
Less those Unrestricted Reserves
held in Fixed Assets		 16 10,405 10,439
Free Reserves 1,503 -
3,828

For further detail on the Archdiocese’s reserves see notes 12 to 16 of the Accounts.

The Archdiocese has a number of restricted funds to be used for specified purposes totalling £11.4m (2022: £10.6m) which include:

Priests Training Fund (formerly Ecclesiastical Education Fund)

This fund meets the costs of students at Seminaries training to be priests for the Archdiocese and ongoing training for Clergy, including those in the Permanent Diaconate. Its income derives from the annual second collection and donations.

Clergy Support Fund

A legacy specifically restricted to helping clergy in need has been invested and the income is applied to the Clergy Support Fund. Income is also derived from the Clergy Support Campaign. These funds are used in helping towards the costs of our retired and sick clergy.

Mass Funds

Income received on investments provided by donors is paid to priests who offer Masses for the intentions of the donors.

Education Fund

The Education fund represents historical funds received on the disposal of school sites. These funds can only be used towards supporting Education in the Archdiocese.

Archbishop’s Appeal Fund

This is a fund set up to support youth, evangelisation, social outreach and clergy care across the Archdiocese and is from the second collection and fundraising events for this fund. The spend is made through the awarding of grants to Parish, School and community initiatives and specific commissions of the Archbishop’s Appeal awarding committee.

Investment Policy

The Trustees have issued an Investment Policy Statement and The Trustees’ investment goal is to place emphasis on maximising total return through both income and capital growth.

A Sustainable Total Return Strategy was adopted in 2019, which built upon our ethical stance by addressing a number of issues including fossil fuels and positive investing. This strategy enhanced our approach to environmental, social and governance practices and required each element of our

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portfolio to be able to demonstrate a positive contribution to the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals. We no longer have any fossil fuel investments. The portfolio has performed well over the years, with an unrealised gain in 2023 of £3.8m (2022: unrealised loss £3.9m, 2021: unrealised gain of £5.8m). The Archdiocese remains committed to this approach in line with our Catholic values.

The Trustees look after this issue by a structure of quarterly meetings between the Investment Committee and the investment managers, Barclays Wealth. At these meetings, the officers and the managers consider each holding in the portfolio and the officers instruct Barclays Wealth as appropriate if disinvestment is required on ethical grounds.

STATEMENT OF TRUSTEES’ RESPONSIBILITIES

The purpose of this statement is to distinguish the Trustees’ responsibilities for the accounts from those of the auditors as stated in their report. The Charities Act 2011 requires the Trustees to prepare for each financial year financial statements, which give a true and fair view of the Charity’s financial activities during the year and of its financial position at the year end. In preparing the financial statements, the Trustees are required to:

The Trustees are responsible for ensuring that proper accounting records are kept which disclose, with reasonable accuracy at any time, the financial position of the Archdiocese and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Trust Deed and the disclosure regulations. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the Archdiocese and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of error, fraud, and other irregularities.

The Archdiocesan Trustees meeting on 29 October 2024 approved this statement of responsibilities, together with the Report and the Review and the Accounts.

Most Reverend John Wilson Archbishop and Chairman Trustee 2024

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INDEPENDENT AUDITORS’ REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF THE ROMAN CATHOLIC ARCHDIOCESE OF SOUTHWARK

Opinion

We have audited the financial statements of Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Southwark (the parent charity) and its subsidiaries (the ‘group) for the year ended 31 December 2023 which comprise the Group Statement of Financial Activities, the Group and Charity Balance Sheet, the Group Cash Flow Statement and notes to the financial statements, including significant accounting policies. The financial reporting framework that has been applied in their preparation is applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards, including FRS 102 ‘The Financial Reporting Standard Applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland’ (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).

In our opinion the financial statements:

Basis for opinion

We conducted our audit in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (UK) (ISAs (UK)) and applicable law. Our responsibilities under those standards are further described in the Auditor’s Responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements section of our report. We are independent of the charity in accordance with the ethical requirements that are relevant to our audit of the financial statements in the UK, including the FRC’s Ethical Standard, and we have fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in accordance with these requirements. We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion.

Conclusions relating to going concern

In auditing the financial statements, we have concluded that the trustees’ use of the going concern basis of accounting in the preparation of the financial statements is appropriate.

Based on the work we have performed, we have not identified any material uncertainties relating to events or conditions that, individually or collectively, may cast significant doubt on the group’s and parent charity’s ability to continue as a going concern for a period of at least twelve months from when the financial statements are authorised for issue.

Our responsibilities and the responsibilities of the trustees with respect to going concern are described in the relevant sections of this report.

Other information

The other information comprises the information included in the annual report, other than the financial statements and our auditor’s report thereon. The trustees are responsible for the other information contained within the annual report. Our opinion on the financial statements does not cover the other information and, except to the extent otherwise explicitly stated in our report, we do not express any form of assurance conclusion thereon.

Our responsibility is to read the other information and, in doing so, consider whether the other information is materially inconsistent with the financial statements or our knowledge obtained in the course of the audit or otherwise appears to be materially misstated. If we identify such material inconsistencies or apparent material misstatements, we are required to determine whether there is a material misstatement in the financial statements themselves. If, based on the work we have performed,

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we conclude that there is a material misstatement of this other information, we are required to report that fact.

We have nothing to report in this regard.

Matters on which we are required to report by exception

We have nothing to report in respect of the following matters where the Charities Act 2011 requires us to report to you if, in our opinion:

Responsibilities of trustees

As explained more fully in the trustees’ responsibilities statement set out on page 55, the trustees are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements and for being satisfied that they give a true and fair view, and for such internal control as the trustees determine is necessary to enable the preparation of financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error.

In preparing the financial statements, the trustees are responsible for assessing the group and parent charity’s ability to continue as a going concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters related to going concern and using the going concern basis of accounting unless the trustees either intend to liquidate the group or parent charity or to cease operations, or have no realistic alternative but to do so.

Auditor’s Responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements

We have been appointed as auditor under section 144 of the Charities Act 2011 and report in accordance with regulations made under section 154 of that Act.

Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements as a whole are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and to issue an auditor’s report that includes our opinion. Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance, but is not a guarantee that an audit conducted in accordance with ISAs (UK) will always detect a material misstatement when it exists. Misstatements can arise from fraud or error and are considered material if, individually or in aggregate, they could reasonably be expected to influence the economic decisions of users taken on the basis of these financial statements.

As part of an audit in accordance with ISAs (UK) we exercise professional judgement and maintain professional scepticism throughout the audit. We also:

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INDEPENDENT AUDITORS’ REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF THE ROMAN CATHOLIC ARCHDIOCESE OF SOUTHWARK

We communicate with those charged with governance regarding, among other matters, the planned scope and timing of the audit and significant audit findings, including any significant deficiencies in internal control that we identify during our audit.

Explanation as to what extent the audit was considered capable of detecting irregularities, including fraud

Irregularities, including fraud, are instances of non-compliance with laws and regulations. We design procedures in line with our responsibilities, outlined above, to detect material misstatements in respect of irregularities, including fraud. The extent to which our procedures are capable of detecting irregularities, including fraud is detailed below.

The objectives of our audit in respect of fraud, are; to identify and assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements due to fraud; to obtain sufficient appropriate audit evidence regarding the assessed risks of material misstatement due to fraud, through designing and implementing appropriate responses to those assessed risks; and to respond appropriately to instances of fraud or suspected fraud identified during the audit. However, the primary responsibility for the prevention and detection of fraud rests with both management and those charged with governance of the charity.

Our approach was as follows:

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INDEPENDENT AUDITORS’ REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF THE ROMAN CATHOLIC ARCHDIOCESE OF SOUTHWARK

There are inherent limitations in the audit procedures described above. We are less likely to become aware of instances of non-compliance with laws and regulations that are not closely related to events and transactions reflected in the financial statements. Also, the risk of not detecting a material misstatement due to fraud is higher than the risk of not detecting one resulting from error, as fraud may involve deliberate concealment by, for example, forgery or intentional misrepresentations, or through collusion.

Use of our report

This report is made solely to the charity's trustees, as a body, in accordance with Chapter 3 of Part 8 of the Charities Act 2011. Our audit work has been undertaken so that we might state to the charity’s trustees those matters we are required to state to them in an auditor’s report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, we do not accept or assume responsibility to any party other than the charity and charity's trustees as a body, for our audit work, for this report, or for the opinion we have formed.

Date: 19 December 2024

Statutory auditor

9 Appold Street London EC2A 2AP

Moore Kingston Smith LLP is eligible to act as auditor in terms of Section 1212 of the Companies Act 2006.

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GROUP STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

----- Start of picture text -----
Archdiocesan Funds
Unrestricted Restricted Parish 2023 2022
Funds Incl
Funds Funds Total Total
Designated Funds
Notes £ £ £ £ £
INCOME FROM
Donations and legacies
Collections and donations 671,799 1,014,478 20,411,575 22,097,852 25,523,174
Grants receivable 1.3 51,055 27,200 128,353 206,608 369,214
Legacies 676,458 195,734 1,029,818 1,902,010 1,573,267
Investment income
Investment income and Interest receivable 2 639,002 151,206 315,751 1,105,959 845,129
Rents receivable 479,029 - 1,331,310 1,810,338 1,771,174
Other Trading Activities
Rents receivable (occasional lettings) 69,300 - 1,060,868 1,130,168 1,319,938
School Contribution 713,676 - - 713,676 405,640
Charitable activities
Other income from charitable activities (inc
2 723,918 2,851 186,035 912,804 716,260
Repositories)
Other
Profit on disposal of fixed assets (20,382) - - (20,382) 3,838,643
TOTAL INCOME 4,003,855 1,391,469 24,463,710 29,859,034 36,362,439
EXPENDITURE ON
Raising funds 3 101,454 90,304 84,145 275,903 292,091
Charitable activities 3&4 5,853,834 1,667,099 22,765,519 30,286,452 27,195,574
TOTAL EXPENDITURE 5,955,288 1,757,403 22,849,664 30,562,355 27,487,665
(1,951,432) (365,934) 1,614,046 (703,320) 8,874,773
Net gains/(losses) on investments 1,876,169 1,158,973 735,088 3,770,230 (3,898,147)
Net gains on investment properties (6,825) - - (6,825) 182,761
NET (EXPENDITURE)/INCOME (82,088) 793,039 2,349,134 3,060,085 5,159,388
----- End of picture text -----

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STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

----- Start of picture text -----
Archdiocesan Funds
Unrestricted
(incl Designated) Restricted Parish 2023 2022
Funds Funds Funds Total Total
Notes £ £ £ £ £
NET (EXPENDITURE)/INCOME (82,088) 793,039 2,349,134 3,060,085 5,159,388
Transfers 7 2,896,141 - (2,896,141) - -
NET MOVEMENT IN FUNDS 2,814,052 793,039 (547,007) 3,060,085 5,159,388
RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS
Funds brought forward 12,820,024 10,649,601 88,492,074 111,961,698 106,802,310
FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD 15,634,076 11,442,640 87,945,067 115,021,783 111,961,698
----- End of picture text -----

The notes form part of these accounts.

The Statement of Financial Activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year.

For the parent charity alone, total income for the year £33,563,048 (2022 £32,604,320) and net income was £3,427,837 (FY2022 £5,477,700)

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BALANCE SHEETS

AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2023

----- Start of picture text -----
2023 2022
Notes Charity Group Charity Group
£ £ £ £
FIXED ASSETS
Tangible fixed assets 8 39,304,952 39,304,952 39,618,832 39,618,832
Investments 9 62,448,157 62,448,157 59,138,049 59,138,049
101,753,109 101,753,109 98,756,881 98,756,881
CURRENT ASSETS
Debtors 10 3,050,974 2,831,296 2,664,891 2,670,192
Current Asset Investment 6,000,000 6,000,000 - -
Cash at bank and in hand 14,642,812 14,855,535 26,927,940 26,941,807
23,693,786 23,686,831 29,592,831 29,611,999
CREDITORS: Amounts falling
due within one year 11 (10,425,112) (10,418,158) (16,388,014) (16,407,182)
NET CURRENT ASSETS 13,268,674 13,268,674 13,204,817 13,204,817
NET ASSETS 115,021,783 115,021,783 111,961,698 111,961,698
FUNDS
Unrestricted 12 11,907,447 11,907,447 6,610,471 6,610,471
Restricted 15 11,442,639 11,442,639 10,649,601 10,649,601
Designated 13 3,726,629 3,726,629 6,209,553 6,209,553
Parish Funds 14 87,945,067 87,945,067 88,492,074 88,492,074
£115,021,783 £115,021,783 £111,961,698 £111,961,698
----- End of picture text -----

Approved by Trustees on 29 October 2024 and authorised for issue on 18 December 2024 and signed on their behalf by :

Most Reverend John Wilson Trustee

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GROUP STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

----- Start of picture text -----
2023 2022
£ £
Cash flows from operating activities
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities: (see below) (7,288,763) 8,156,916
Cash flows from investing activities
Dividends, interest and rents from investments 1,105,959 845,129
Purchase of property (599,371) (990,813)
Proceeds from sale of Fixed Assets 235,787 4,065,454
Purchase of current asset investment (6,000,000) -
Purchase of investments (7,269,997) (7,243,342)
Proceeds from sale of investments 7,730,113 8,373,676
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities (4,797,509) 5,050,105
Change in cash and cash equivalents in reporting period (12,086,272) 13,207,021
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of reporting period 26,941,807 13,734,786
Cash and cash equivalents at end of reporting period 14,855,535 26,941,807
Reconciliation of net incoming resources to cash flow from
operating activities
Net income for reporting period (as in SOFA) 3,060,085 5,159,388
Depreciation 653,361 578,493
Returns on investments (3,770,230) 3,898,147
Dividends (1,105,959) (845,129)
Net gain on Disposal of school sites and Fixed Assets 20,382 (3,838,643)
Net gain on Disposal of Investment Properties 6,825 (182,761)
(Increase)/Decrease in Debtors (161,104) 43,207
Increase/(Decrease) in Creditors (5,989,024) 3,403,585
Sundry (3,099) (59,370)
Net Cash provided by/ (used in) operating activities (7,288,763) 8,156,916
ANALYSIS OF CHANGES IN CASH AT BANK AND IN HAND
2023 Cash flow 2022
£ £ £
Cash at bank and in hand 14,855,535 (12,086,272) 26,941,807
----- End of picture text -----

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NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES

1.1 Basis of Accounting

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with all statutory requirements and with Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable to the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS102) – (Charities SORP (FRS102)) and the Charities Act 2011.

The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Southwark meets the definition of a public benefit entity under FRS102. The financial statements are prepared in Sterling which is the financial currency of the entity. Monetary amounts are rounded to the nearest pound.

Assets and liabilities are recognised at historical cost or transaction value unless otherwise stated in the relevant accounting policy note(s).

Basis of consolidation

The consolidated financial statements include the results of the charity and its subsidiary RCAOS Property Services Limited. All activities are consolidated on a line-by-line basis in the Statement of Financial Activity (SOFA). Accordingly, the consolidated statement of financial activities reflects the income and expenditure of the group and not the Charity as an individual entity. The consolidated accounts do not include St George’s Cathedral Car Park Limited as the subsidiary is not material to the group.

1.2 Preparation of the accounts on a going concern basis

The Trustees have assessed whether the use of the going concern assumption is appropriate in preparing these accounts. The Trustees have made this assessment in respect of a period of at least one year from the date of approval of these accounts.

The Trustees of the Charity have concluded that there are no material uncertainties related to events or conditions that may cast significant doubt on the ability of the Charity to continue as a going concern. The Trustees are of the opinion that the Charity will have sufficient resources to meet its liabilities as they fall due.

1.3 Income

Donations

Donations are recognised when received. Receipts of property, investments or other gifts in kind are included at market value.

Legacies

For legacies, entitlement is considered to be earlier of when either:

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NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

1.3 Income (Continued)

Receipt of a legacy is only considered probable when the executors have indicated that there are sufficient assets in the estate to make a distribution. Where legacies have been notified to the Charity, but the criteria or income recognition have not been met, then the legacy is treated as a contingent asset and disclosed if material. Life interests are not recognised until the cessation of the life interest: they are then valued as residuary legacies.

Grants

Grants are recognised when receivable.

Investment income

Investment income is accounted for as it accrues.

Rental income

Rents and service charges from lettings are recognised net of losses from voids. Income is recognised from the date the property is first let.

Other income

Fees receivable and sale of goods are accounted for in the period in which the relevant services or goods are provided or supplied.

1.4 Expenditure

Costs of raising funds comprise those costs associated with attracting voluntary income and the management of the Charity’s investments.

Costs of charitable activities consist of all expenditure directly relating to the objects of the Charity. Support costs that cannot be directly allocated are apportioned between the different areas on the basis of the Trustees’ estimate of the time spent on the relevant functions.

Governance costs include expenditure on management and compliance with constitutional and statutory requirements and are now part of support costs.

Liabilities are recognised as expenditure as soon as there is a legal or constructive obligation committing the charity to that expenditure, it is probable that settlement will be required and the amount of obligation can be measured reliably.

Irrecoverable VAT is included with the category of expenses to which it relates.

1.5 Schools Building Programme

The Archdiocese assists schools undertaking major projects by meeting the costs and claiming grants on behalf of the schools. These grants are netted off against the cost and only the net costs to the Archdiocese are included in the financial statements.

1.6 Tangible Fixed Assets

Prior to 31 December 1996, the cost of fixed assets was written off in the year of acquisition and no comprehensive cost records were maintained. In order to arrive at a reasonable valuation of parish property, taking into account age, type, condition and life expectancy, the Trustees considered that the then insured values should be discounted by 90% and not depreciated further. Properties acquired after 31 December 1996 are capitalised at their actual cost of acquisition. The value of buildings includes all fixtures and fittings and organs, which form part of the fabric of the building. The Trustees consider that the residual values of buildings held at 31 December 1996 were considered to be significantly higher than

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NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

1.6 Tangible Fixed Assets (continued)

their carrying value in the accounts, resulting in an annual depreciation charge of nil. An impairment review of buildings is performed annually to confirm whether a charge for impairment should be recognised in the Statement of Financial Activities.

The Archdiocese owns a number of properties which are occupied and run by independent charities in the form of Voluntary Aided Schools. The School properties (land and buildings) are vested in the name of the CIO. The Archdiocesan Trustees cannot take a unilateral decision to dispose of these properties.

Disposal can only occur if the school governors and the Secretary of State for Education decide that all or part of a school site is no longer required for education. In most circumstances, where a disposal occurs, the Secretary of State or the local authority may be entitled to recoup grant. Although no rights of ownership vest in the school governing body, most other rights and obligations, such as for the maintenance and repair of the school and its facilities, are passed to the governors. The Trustees therefore consider that there is no capital value to the Archdiocese in the stock of school buildings. Thus, these properties have not been capitalised. There is a potential value, or contingent asset, in the event of a closure of a school (either connected to a re-organisation or not). Such an asset is recognised only upon the occurrence of a closure/re-organisation and the site’s development value becoming certain, such as upon the granting of planning permission. The recognition of this value is accounted for as an income in the year in which this value becomes measurable and certain.

Equipment is not capitalised but written off as incurred. There may be some parish equipment included in the historic cost figures.

Depreciation is calculated by the straight-line method to write off the cost/value less anticipated residual value, over the expected useful lives of assets as follows: -

Freehold buildings 50 years Long leasehold 50 years

1.7 Financial instruments

The Charity only enters into basic financial instruments transactions that result in the recognition of financial assets and liabilities such as trade and other accounts receivable and payable and investments in stocks and shares. The measurement basis used for these financial instruments is detailed below.

1.8 Investments

Quoted investments are valued at their bid price on the balance sheet date. Properties held for investment purposes are included in these accounts at open market value. The valuation has been determined by the Trustees, with professional assistance with respect to properties both commercial and residential valued at £24.2m (2022 - £24.6m). Residential properties valued at £10.6m were valued internally Details of the dates and basis of the valuations are given in note 9 to the accounts. Disposals of investment properties are accounted for on completion. Realised gains (or losses) on investment assets are calculated as the difference between disposal proceeds and either their opening carrying value, or their purchase value if acquired subsequent to the first day of the financial year. Unrealised gains and losses are calculated as the difference between the fair value and the carrying value at year end. Realised and unrealised investment gains (or losses) are combined in the statement of financial activities and are credited (or debited) in the year in which they arise.

1.9 Debtors

Short term debtors are measured at transaction price, less any impairment. Loans receivable are measured initially at fair value, net of transaction costs, and are measured subsequently at amortised cost using the effective interest method, less any impairment.

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NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

1.10 Cash and cash equivalents

Cash is represented by cash in hand and deposits with financial institutions repayable without notice of not more than 24 hours. Cash equivalents are highly liquid investments that mature in no more than three months from the date of acquisition and that are readily convertible to known amounts of cash with insignificant risk of change in value.

1.11 Creditors

Short term creditors are measured at the transaction price. Other financial liabilities, including bank loans, are measured initially at fair value, net of transaction costs, and are measured subsequently at amortised cost using the effective interest method.

1.12 Fund accounting

Designated Funds

These are funds set aside by the Trustees out of unrestricted general funds for specific future purposes or prospects.

Restricted Funds

These are funds where the income is restricted by the conditions imposed by the donors. Further details of the restricted funds are shown in note 15 to the accounts.

Parochial Funds

Each parish is considered by canon law to be a juridical person with corresponding rights and obligations, including the holding and use of funds. The use of these parochial funds is the responsibility of the parish priest, Archdiocesan Finance Committee, College of Consultors, and the Archbishop in varying ways depending on the amount and significance of the funds. They therefore constitute a form of restricted fund.

1.13 Pensions

Certain staff are members of personal pension schemes to which they make contributions. The Archdiocese contributes an additional amount to the employee’s contribution but has no commitment to make good any shortfall in funding.

Some staff employed in the educational work of the Archdiocese are members of the Department for Education and Skills Teachers’ Superannuation Scheme (TPA), which is a defined benefits scheme. The Department instructs the Archdiocese as to the level of employer’s contribution, which the Archdiocese is obliged to make, but the Archdiocese does not have any commitment to make good an actuarial deficit, nor is it entitled to benefit from surplus funding. For the purposes of complying with relevant accounting standards, the TPA is accounted for as a defined contribution scheme as the employer is not responsible for or entitled to receive benefit for any deficit or surplus of the scheme.

1.14 Significant judgements and estimates

In preparing these financial statements the Trustees have had to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts recognised in these financial statements. Estimates and judgements are continually evaluated and are based on historical experience and other factors, including expectations of future events that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. The judgement which has the most significant effect on the amounts recognised in the financial statements relates to the valuation of investment property. The Trustees have reviewed valuations in the year and consider that the valuations represent the best estimate of the fair value at the Balance Sheet date and that there has been no impairment in the year.

The investment properties are included at valuation. This is considered to be a critical accounting estimate in view of the amounts invested and the judgment applied to their valuation.

Buildings purchased prior to 1996 are not depreciated.

67 | P a g e

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

2 INCOME

Investment Income and Interest Receivable

Arising on quoted investments
Bank interest
Other interest and investment income
Other income
Education income
Other income
Other parish income		 2023
2022
£
£
801,574
566,600
151,394
6934
152,990
1,788
1,105,959
575,322
2023
2022
£
£
105,981
443,848
620,788
88,730
186,035
183,682
912,804
716,260

3 EXPENDITURE

a
Total Expenditure
Raising Funds (note 3b)
Direct Charitable Expenditure
(also Note 5)
b
Raising Funds
Investment Management Fees
Fundraising & Social		 2023
2023
2023
2023
Staff Costs
Other
Depreciation
Total
£
£
£
£
-
275,903
-
275,903
5,889,203
23,743,887
653,361
30,286,452
5,889,203
24,019,790
653,361
30,562,355
2023
2023
2023
Unrestricted
Restricted
Parochial
2023
Funds
Funds
Funds
Total
£
£
£
£
70,706
90,304
-
161,010
30,747
-
84,145
114,892
101,454
90,304
84,145
275,903

68| Page

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

3 EXPENDITURE

a
Total Expenditure
b
Raising funds
Direct Charitable Expenditure
Costs in furtherance of objects
(see also Note 5)
b
Raising Funds
Investment Management Fees
Fundraising & Social		 2022
2022
2022
2022
Staff Costs
Other
Depreciation
Total
£
£
£
£
-
292,091
-
292,091
5,525,767
21,091,314
578,493
27,195,574
5,525,767
21,383,405
578,493
27,487,665
2022
2022
2022
Unrestricted
Restricted
Parochial
2022
Funds
Funds
Funds
Total
£
£
£
£
69,769
84,210
-
153,979
40,494
-
97,617
138,112
110,264
84,210
97,617
292,091

4 EXPENDITURE ON CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES

Commissions consist of:
Schools
Schools Project
Agency for Evangelisation and Catechesis (formerly Centre for Catholic Formation)		 2023
2022
£
£
959,298
419,811
(3,760,045)
-
328,295
300,665
(2,472,453)
720,475

69| Page

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

Provision of Worship
Upkeep of Buildings:
- Church Supplies
- Church Repairs
- Hall Expenses
Other Parish Expenses
Depreciation
Support Costs allocated
Clergy & Parish Support
Priests' Training
Clergy Support
Clergy & Church Support:
- Household
- House Repairs & Equipment
- Salaries & Wages
-Property costs
- Offerings paid to Priests
- Other
Support Costs allocated
Pastoral Care & Community Support
Commissions (see above)
Safeguarding
Chaplaincies
Marriage Tribunal
Education & Training
Special collections for 3rd parties
Telephone, stationery & cars
Catholic Trust England & Wales
Other Grants
Youth Service
Support Costs allocated
Schools Programme
Schools building & maintenance
Schools Project Cost
Support Costs allocated		 Unrestricted
Restricted
Parochial
2023
2022
Funds
Funds
Funds
Total
Total
£
£
£
£
£
100
-
3,736,612
3,736,712
2,750,649
-
-
4,117,402
4,117,402
1,652,868
-
-
120,342
120,342
254,367
-
-
3,720,800
3,720,800
2,789,325
-
-
398,727
398,727
341,572
2,280,391
-
-
2,280,391
1,407,813
2,280,491
-
12,093,883
14,374,374
9,196,594
-
-
61,569
61,569
98,891
-
1,222,082
1,029,025
2,251,108
2,114,914
-
-
1,102,997
1,102,997
1,083,183
-
-
462,150
462,150
499,776
-
-
2,603,966
2,603,966
2,561,959
-
-
1,590,059
1,590,059
1,627,255
570,568
-
1,776,719
2,347,287
2,377,512
-
-
-
-
0
1,964,589
-
-
1,964,589
1,873,188
2,535,157
1,222,082
8,626,486
12,383,726
12,236,677
1,287,592
-
-
1,287,592
720,475
260,702
-
-
260,702
332,780
93,143
-
-
93,143
163,539
237,799
-
-
237,799
207,073
-
264,893
-
264,893
213,790
28
180,124
1,311,190
1,491,342
1,440,643
-
-
733,960
733,960
671,752
295,613
-
-
295,613
273,848
423,537
-
-
423,537
296,102
84,267
-
-
84,267
42,671
975,371
-
-
975,371
658,323
3,658,052
445,017
2,045,150
6,148,218
4,300,520
959,298
-
-
959,298
1,238,014
(3,760,045)
-
-
(3,760,045)
-
180,881
-
-
180,881
223,770
(2,619,867)
-
-
(2,619,867)
1,461,784
5,853,834
1,667,099
22,765,519
30,286,452
27,195,574

School Project Cost

Cost previously accrued, subsequently spent and recover by SCA.

70| Page

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

Provision of Worship
Upkeep of Buildings:
- Church Supplies
- Church Repairs
- Hall Expenses
Other Parish Expenses
Depreciation
Support Costs allocated
Clergy & Parish Support
Priests' Training
Clergy Support
Clergy & Church Support:
- Household
- House Repairs & Equipment
- Salaries & Wages
-Property costs
- Offerings paid to Priests
- Other
Support Costs allocated
Pastoral Care & Community Support
Commissions (see above)
Safeguarding
Chaplaincies
Marriage Tribunal
Education & Training
Special collections for 3rd parties
Telephone, stationery & cars
Catholic Trust England & Wales
Other Grants
Youth Service
Support Costs allocated
Schools Programme
Schools building & maintenance
Support Costs allocated		 2022
2022
2022
Unrestricted
Restricted
Parochial
2022
Funds
Funds
Funds
Total
£
£
£
£
1,813
-
2,748,836
2,750,649
-
-
1,652,868
1,652,868
-
-
254,367
254,367
-
-
2,789,325
2789325.38
-
-
341,572
341,572
1,407,813
-
-
1,407,813
1,409,626
0
7,786,968
9,196,594
98,891
98,891
978,521
74,668
1,061,725
2,114,914
-
-
1,083,183
1,083,183
-
-
499,776
499,776
-
-
2,561,959
2,561,959
-
-
1,627,255
1,627,255
469,288
-
1,908,224
2,377,512
-
-
-
-
1,873,188
-
-
1,873,188
3,320,997
74,668
8,841,013
12,236,677
-
332,780
-
-
332,780
163,539
-
-
163,539
207,073
-
-
207,073
-
213,790
-
213,790
530
165,553
1,274,560
1,440,643
-
-
671,752
671,752
273,848
-
-
273,848
296,102
-
-
296,102
42,671
-
-
42,671
658,323
-
-
658,323
1,974,865
379,343
1,946,312
4,300,520
438,014
800,000
-
1,238,014
223,770
223,770
661,784
800,000
-
1,461,784
7,367,271
1,254,011
18,574,293
27,195,574

71| Page

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

5 SUPPORT COSTS

Diocesan Administration
- General
- Staff Costs
Archbishop and Area Bishops costs
Depreciation
Audit Fees
Allocated as follows:
Expenditure on Charitable Activities
Provision of Worship
Clergy and Parish Support
Pastoral Care and Community Support
Schools Programme		 2023
2022
£
£
2,573,712
1,569,789
2,138,235
1,914,717
367,580
312,325
254,634
236,921
67,071
129,340
5,401,233
4,163,093
£
£
2,280,391
1,407,813
1,964,589
1,873,188
975,371
658,323
180,881
223,770
5,401,233
4,163,093

6 STAFF

The average number of employees of the Archdiocese during the year and their aggregate emoluments are shown below:

Staff Costs:
Wages and salaries
Employers National Insurance
Pension costs		 2023
Archdiocese
Parish
Total
£
£
£
2,873,976
2,450,060
5,324,035
298,742
121,133
419,875
112,519
32,774
145,293
3,285,237
2,603,966
5,889,203
Staff Costs:
Wages and salaries
Employers National Insurance
Pension costs		 2022
Archdiocese
Parish
Total
£
£
£
2,561,952
2,430,623
4,992,575
274,318
102,906
377,225
127,538
28,430
155,967
2,963,808
2,561,959
5,525,767

72| Page

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

Average number of employees 2023 2022
Number Number
Administration 23 19
Diocesan agencies 61 52
Parish employees (mainly domestic and secretarial) 262 264
346 339
The numbers of employees earning £60,000 or more during the year were as follows:
£130,001 - £140,000 1 -
£120,001 - £130,000 - 2
£80,001 - £90,000 2 -
£70,001 - £80,000 2 1
£60,001 - £70,000 5 4

Key management personnel salary, employer’s national insurance and pension contribution costs amounted to £442,239 (FY2022 - £423,146)

7 TRANSFERS FROM/ (TO) PARISH FUNDS

Levy
Net loan interest to parishes		 2023
2022
Total
Total
3,592,271
3,201,648
(696,131)
(387,395)
2,896,141
2,814,253

The transfers from parish funds represent charges made to the parishes for defraying central diocesan costs and supporting sick and retired clergy. The net loan interest represents interest paid by the Diocese to the parish on deposited funds.

73| Page

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

8 TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS

Group and charity
Cost/valuation
At 1 January 2023
Additions
Disposals
At 31 December 2023
Depreciation
At 1 January 2023
Charge in year
Disposals
At 31 December 2023
Net Book Value
As at 31 December 2023
Net Book Value
As at 31 December 2022		 Parish
Archdiocesan
Property
Property
And Equipment
Total
£
£
£
13,901,770
42,942,805
56,844,575
476,975
122,396
599,371
(383,297)
(6,632)
(389,929)
13,995,448
43,058,569
57,054,017
3,257,213
14,033,672
17,290,885
254,634
337,305
591,939
(127,128)
(6,632)
(133,760)
3,384,719
14,364,345
17,749,064
£10,610,729
£28,694,224
£39,304,952
£10,644,557
£28,974,275
£39,618,832

The Archdiocese also owns a number of properties, which are occupied and run by independent charities in the form of Voluntary Aided Schools. The Trustees consider that these properties have no capital value to the Archdiocesan Charity – see Accounting Policy 1.6. The total insurance value of these schools is approximately £218m. Apart from a small proportion used for management and administration, all fixed assets are used in direct furtherance of the Charity’s objects.

The Archdiocesan property includes long leaseholds at a cost of £2,532,317 (FY2022 £2,532,317) and at a net book value of £1,883,811 (FY2022 £1,934,456)

74| Page

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

9 INVESTMENTS

Group and charity
Investment properties
Brought forward
Additions
Disposals
Quoted investments (see below)
The breakdown of quoted investments is as follows:
UK and Overseas equities and fixed interest stocks
Corporate and government bonds
Commodities
Other
Portfolio bank accounts
Quoted investments at market value:
Opening balance at 1 January 2023
Additions
Disposals
Gains/ (Losses)
Balance at 31 December 2023
Cost of investments at 31 December 2023
Unrealised gains on original cost		 2023
2022
£
£
24,572,965
25,123,000
-
274,965
(420,000)
(825,000)
24,152,965
24,572,965
38,295,097
34,564,983
62,448,062
59,137,948
2023
2022
£
£
30,932,282
28,698,490
5,259,655
3,041,149
863,413
980,368
974,580
1,467,774
265,168
377,202
38,295,097
34,564,983
2023
2022
£
£
34,564,983
38,860,668
7,269,997
6,968,377
(7,310,113)
(7,365,915)
3,770,230
(3,898,147)
£38,295,097
£34,564,983
£27,368,503
£26,353,819
£10,926,594
£8,211,165

75| Page

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

9 INVESTMENTS (Continued)

All quoted investments (other than cash) are listed on a recognised Stock Exchange or are valued by reference to investments listed on a recognised Stock Exchange. There are no investments representing more than 5% of the portfolio value.

A figure for the cost of investment properties owned at 1 January 1997 is not available.

Certain investment properties both residential and office have been valued by independent valuers – staff of Gerald Eve LLP who are all MRICS and RICS Registered Valuers all of whom have recent experience of valuing such properties. One property has a protected tenancy and has been valued taking into consideration this restriction. These investment properties were valued at £13.77m. In the current year this valuation has been updated by Diocesan Staff with relevant experience.

The other investment properties were valued internally based on market information. These were all residential properties. These properties were valued at £10.38 m.

SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES

The Charity owns 100% of the Issued share capital in St George’s Cathedral Car Park Limited (Company registration number 02705778). The company had net liabilities of £87 at 31 December 2023. The Charity owns 100% of the Issued share capital in RCAOS Property Services Limited (Company registration number 12592137). The company had net liabilities of £1 at 31 December 2023.

10 DEBTORS

Other debtors, prepayments and accrued
income
Amount owned by group undertaking		 Charity
Group
£
£
2,795,416
2,811,858
255,558
19,439
3,050,974
2,831,296
2023		 Charity
Group
£
£
2,645,453
2,650,754
248,200
19,439
2,893,653
2,670,192
2022

76| Page

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

11 CREDITORS: Amounts falling due within one year

Loans to the Archdiocese and Parishes from
third parties
Other creditors
School Building Projects		 Charity
Group
£
£
392,131
392,131
3,410,253
3,639,417
6,386,609
6,386,609
10,188,993
10,418,158
2023		 Charity
Group
£
£
468,657
468,657
6,983,905
7,003,073
8,935,451
8,935,451
16,388,014
16,407,182
2022

12 UNRESTRICTED FUNDS

UNRESTRICTED FUNDS
Group and Charity Balance at
Balance at
01-Jan
Income
Expenditure
Transfers
31-Dec
2023
2023
General
Group and Charity		 £
£
£
£
£
6,610,471
5,873,199
(5,072,363)
4,496,141
11,907,447
Balance at
Balance at
01-Jan
Income
Expenditure
Transfers
31-Dec
2022
2022
General £
£
£
£
£
8,967,956
3,949,539
(7,477,534)
1,170,510
6,610,471

General

The General Fund represents the free reserves of the Charity.

13 DESIGNATED FUNDS

Group and Charity
Building repairs reserve
Reserve to support parishes building costs
Cathedral repairs reserve
Clergy Formation and St John Seminary related
costs
Total Unrestricted Funds
(including Designated Funds)		 Balance at
Balance at
01-Jan
Income
Expenditure
Transfers
31-Dec
2023
2023
£
£
£
£
£
350,000
-
(265,227)
84,773
169,553
-
(146,715)
22,838
350,000
-
(63,000)
287,000
5,340,000
-
(407,982)
(1,600,000)
3,332,018
6,209,553
-
(882,924)
(1,600,000)
3,726,629
12,820,024
5,873,199
(5,955,288)
2,896,141
15,634,076

77| Page

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

13 DESIGNATED FUNDS continued

Group and Charity
Building repairs reserve
Reserve to support parishes building costs
Cathedral repairs reserve
Clergy Formation and St John Seminary related
costs
Total Unrestricted Funds
(including Designated Funds)		 Balance at
Balance at
01-Jan
Income
Expenditure
Transfers
31-Dec
2022
2022
£
£
£
£
£
350,000
-
-
-
350,000
235,643
-
-
(66,090)
169,553
350,000
-
-
-
350,000
-
5,340,000
-
-
5,340,000
935,643
5,340,000
(66,090)
6,209,553
9,903,599
9,289,539
(7,477,534)
1,104,420
12,820,024

Building repairs reserve

This amount relates to costs to renovate Bowen House. This work was begun in 2023 and is expected to be completed by summer 2024.

Reserve to support parishes building costs

This relates to a distribution received from CNM insurance in 2021 and is allocated to cover fire risk assessment cost for three years.

Cathedral repairs reserve

£350k has been set aside for Cathedral repair costs. The repairs have commenced in 2023 and expected to completed by summer 2025.

Clergy Formation and St John Seminary related costs

£5.34m received from St John Seminary, Wonersh as a distribution after the sale of the seminary. Trustees have Designated this for clergy formation and the relocation of the altars to the Cathedral.

78| Page

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

14 PARISH FUNDS

Balance at Balance at
01-Jan Income Expenditure Transfers 31-Dec
2023 2023
£ £ £ £ £
Parish Funds 88,492,074 25,198,798 (22,849,664) (2,896,141) 87,945,067
Balance at Balance at
01-Jan Income Expenditure Transfers 31-Dec
2022 2022
£ £ £ £ £
Parish Funds 84,928,345 26,084,499 (18,671,910) (3,848,860) 88,492,074

79| Page

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

15 RESTRICTED FUNDS

Balance at Balance at
01-Jan Income Expenditure Transfers 31-Dec
2023 2023
£ £ £ £ £
Priests Training Fund 3,198,536 837,278 (70,508) - 3,965,306
Clergy Support Fund 192,714 1,052,270 (943,665) - 301,319
Ferrers Funds 798,990 144,482 (30,101) - 913,371
Mass Funds 1,995,603 10615 - - 2,006,218
Parish Church Fund 52,622 - - - 52,622
Trust and Other Funds 3,116,354 321570 (274,594) - 3,163,329
Legion of Mary Fund 236,053 - - - 236,053
Archbishop's Appeal Fund 106,941 184227 (189,534) - 101,634
Education Fund 951,787 - (249,000) - 702,787
10,649,600 2,550,442 (1,757,403) - 11,442,639
Mass Funds include the restricted fund held within the parishes
Priests Training Fund Balance at
01-Jan
2022
£
3,468,487		 Income
£
278,085		 Expenditure
£
(105,891)		 Transfers
£
(442,145)		 Balance at
31-Dec
2022
£
3,198,536
Clergy Support Fund 402,872 691,393 (432,329) (469,222) 192,714
Ferrers Funds 906,212 18,922 - (126,144) 798,990
Mass Funds 2,003,948 - - (8,345) 1,995,603
Parish Church Fund 52,622 - - - 52,622
Trust and Other Funds 3,148,385 (107,335) 393.70 74,910 3,116,354
Legion of Mary Fund 236,053 - - - 236,053
Archbishop's Appeal Fund - 107,335 (394) - 106,941
Education Fund 1,751,787 - (800,000) - 951,787
11,970,366 988,400 (1,338,220) (970,946) 10,649,600

Priests Training Fund ( formerly Ecclesiastical Education Fund)

This fund meets the costs of students at Seminaries training to be priests for the Archdiocese and ongoing training for Clergy.

Clergy Support Fund

A legacy specifically restricted to helping clergy in need has been invested and the income is applied to the Clergy Support Fund. This income is insufficient to meet the needs of the Fund. As annual expenditure is invariably

80| Page

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

Clergy Support Fund (Continued)

considerably in excess of the income generated and is met from a specific parish assessment and allocations from Unrestricted Funds, all the income and expenditure is shown in the Unrestricted Funds column of the Statement of Financial Activities. The Fund also received £261,460arising from the Clergy Support Fundraising Campaign and all of this was expended in the period in supporting the Archdiocese’s sick and retired priests.

Ferrers Fund

The Archdiocesan Charity Trustees took over the administration of the Vyvyan Macleod Ferrers Deceased Almshouses Trust (former registered Charity number 265719) under a Charity Commission Scheme dated 24 February 2011.

Under the terms of the Scheme the property of the Fund is to be used for the public benefit:

(a) To provide adapted accommodation for the beneficiaries: and/or

(b) To make grants to the beneficiaries for goods and/or services;

In carrying out these objects the Trustees shall take all reasonable steps to ensure that the beneficiaries have their spiritual needs recognised and supported

Mass Funds

Income received on investments provided by donors is paid to priests who offer Masses for the intentions of the donors.

Trust and Other Funds

The Archdiocese has a number of subsidiary and connected trust funds as well as some 22 other restricted funds, which have been received over many years from donors who have specified particular purposes for the funds.

Education Fund

This fund represents the net proceeds of sale from schools that have been closed. The funds will be allocated to the cost of building new schools and supporting Education in the Archdiocese.

Legion of Mary Fund

These funds are held on trust for the Legion of Mary’s purposes or, if the Legion shall cease to exist or to carry out any charitable works in the area of the Archdiocese of Southwark, then for such similar charitable purposes to the Legion’s Purposes, as the Trustees of the Archdiocese of Southwark shall decide.

Archbishop's Appeal Fund

This is a fund set up to support youth, evangelisation, social outreach and clergy care across the Archdiocese and is from the second collection and fundraising events for this fund. The spend is made through the awarding of grants to Parish, School and community initiatives and specific commissions of the Archbishop’s Appeal awarding committee.

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NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

16 ANALYSIS OF NET ASSETS

Unrestricted Archdiocesan funds
Designated Archdiocesan Funds
Restricted Archdiocesan funds
Parish funds
Total Net Assets
Free Reserves
ANALYSIS OF NET ASSETS continued
Unrestricted Archdiocesan funds
Designated Archdiocesan Funds
Restricted Archdiocesan funds
Parish funds
Prior year difference
Total Net Assets
Free Reserves		 Fixed Assets
Investments
Net Current Assets
less loans
Net Parish and
Restricted Fund
loans to the
Diocese
Total as at
31/12/2023
£
£
£
£
£
10,404,938
30,900,948
4,848,994
(34,247,433)
11,907,447
-
-
3,726,629
-
3,726,629
205,791
8,349,598
2,887,251
-
11,442,640
28,694,224
23,197,516
1,805,894
34,247,433
87,945,067
£39,304,952
£62,448,062
£13,268,768
£0
£115,021,783
1,502,509
Fixed Assets
Investments
Net Current Assets
less loans
Net Parish and
Restricted Fund
loans to the
Diocese
Total as at
31/12/2022
£
£
£
£
£
10,438,766
29,196,210
758,174
(33,782,679)
6,610,471
-
-
6,209,553
-
6,209,553
205,791
7,230,973
3,212,837
-
10,649,601
28,919,689
22,710,867
3,078,839
33,782,679
88,492,074
£39,374,054
£63,983,668
£2,998,996
£0
£111,961,698
-3,828,295

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NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

17 TRANSACTIONS WITH TRUSTEES

Some of the Trustees of the Archdiocese (“Clerical Trustees”) are also priests in the Archdiocese conducting pastoral ministries. As priests they receive income in respect of their priestly work together with living accommodation, living expenses and reimbursement of costs on a similar basis as other priests of the Archdiocese. They do not receive any remuneration or benefits from their trusteeship.

The remaining Trustees (“Lay Trustees”) did not receive any remuneration or other benefits in the year ended 31 December 2023 nor for the year ended 31 December 2022. No Lay Trustee was paid any expenses in 2023 or 2022.

18 TRUSTEE INDEMNITY INSURANCE

The insurers of the Archdiocese provide Trustees’ indemnity insurance at nil premium.

19 RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

The Most Reverend John Wilson and The Reverend Mons.ignor Matthew Dickens VG, two of the Trustees are members of Kent Catholic Schools Partnership (KCSP). A credit facility was provided to KCSP. The balance due from KCSP at 31 December 2023 is £114,155 (2022£188,155). No interest is charged on this facility

The Most Reverend John Wilson is a member of St Matthew Academy. No payments were made to St Matthew Academy in 2023 (2022£Nil). The balance due at 31 December 2023 and 31 December 2022 was £Nil.

In the year, there are transactions between charity and it’s wholly own subsidiary Property Services Ltd which includes sales / recharges of £344,512 and intercompany balance of £161,186.

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