Catholic Primary Schools across the Archdiocese of Birmingham are invited to take part in our Good Shepherd Appeal.
Held during the spring term and Lent, the appeal is an opportunity for children to learn about our work and play a part in supporting people in need.
Schoolchildren have supported our work by collecting coins during Lent since the early days of the charity. Today, our Good Shepherd Appeal remains one of our most vital sources of income.
Many schools give out a Good Shepherd Appeal box for children to take home and save the money they would normally spend on sweets and treats. Other schools choose not to use the collection boxes and raise money in other ways. We are happy for schools to support us in whatever way is best for them.
Some of the creative ways students have raised funds for the appeal include an Odd Shoe Day, ‘Lenterprise’ challenges, bake sales, non-uniform days, sponsored events and themed cafes. There is lots of inspiration on our Fundraising Ideas page.
Schools taking part in the appeal receive collection boxes and posters. We also supply fundraising ideas, letters to parents and information about the Good Shepherd Masses.
Our School and Parish Fundraisers visit schools to deliver assemblies to those who request them. During the assembly, the children learn about our work and how the money they raise helps people in need across the Archdiocese. The fundraiser and teachers discuss how well they did last year and how each class will try and raise money this year.
These assemblies are an excellent way of showing the children how important each donation is and how they can help make a real difference to people’s lives.
We do our best to provide assemblies to those schools that request them. However, we recommend booking early to avoid disappointment. If the fundraiser in your area is unable to attend, or if there is no fundraiser in your area, we have a PowerPoint presentation and script for you to use in your own assembly. If you would like to receive this, please contact fundraising@fatherhudsons.org.uk.
We have produced some resources to help you with your fundraising.
Good Shepherd Appeal poster - print off a poster to display in your classroom
Odd Shoe Day poster - an odd shoe day is a fun way to raise money
Good Shepherd Appeal stickers - printable stickers to reward students
Totaliser - an editable spreadsheet that shows how much you've raised
Good Shepherd Appeal certificates - say thank you to students for their fundraising, for reading during Mass or other achievements
We have created some activity sheets that children can complete in school or at home with their families. There are different activities for Key Stage 1, Key Stage 2 and Key Stage 3.
We hope that you find these interesting and useful. We would like to share your work - please tag us on social media or contact goodshepherd@fatherhudsons.org.uk.
To celebrate the end of the appeal, we hold Good Shepherd Masses at churches around the Archdiocese and each school that takes part is invited to attend. During the Mass, one or two pupils from each school present their school’s offertory cheque to the Principal Celebrant usually the Archbishop or one of the Auxiliary Bishops.
The Masses are joyful occasions in which the children are encouraged to play an active role by participating in the offertory procession, singing hymns and reading Bible verses or bidding prayers. They offer the chance to meet with other schools, as well as giving an opportunity to talk to the Bishop or Archbishop. Some senior schools also help by leading the music or handing out orders of service. This is an opportunity for older students to inspire the younger children.
Money raised through the appeal helps sustain our work with vulnerable people throughout the Archdiocese of Birmingham. This includes:
You’ll find more information on these projects on this website.
The money raised through schools is crucial in helping us to continue to serve those in need and we are grateful to all those who take part and donate so generously each year.
To find out more, please contact your local School and Parish Engagement Officer.
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