Catholic Church launches online spiritual resource for those affected by economic hardship

A spiritual internet resource has been launched to support people in England and Wales who are living with uncertainty and hardship.

The tailor-made portal offers visitors an mp3 meditation for download, a space for reflection, stories from people who have previously lived through difficult times, 'tips on how to get through' and a place to share burdens and offer thanks. An important part of the resource is the area devoted to prayer; this features an 'Uncertainty Prayer', a 'Prayer For Families', a 'Prayer To Our Guardian Angel' and encourages people to seek the intercession (help) of the patron saint of financial matters - St Matthew. The Apostle is the patron saint of accountants, bankers, bookkeepers, customs officers, financial officers, guards, money managers, Salerno, Italy, security forces, security guards, stock brokers and tax collectors. Whilst we all need money to live, we read in the Gospels that on meeting Jesus he abandoned a life unhealthily focussed on finance to pursue the lasting treasure found in the message and person of Christ.

Mgr Andrew Faley, Assistant General Secretary to the Catholic Bishops' Conference of England and Wales said: "We wanted to put together a resource that would offer support, consolation and practical help to people in need at this time". A links page directs visitors to a number of Catholic organisations who are able offer practical help to those experiencing difficulty.

The resource is the work of the Catholic Enquiry Office which is run by the Catholic Agency to Support Evangelisation (CASE).

A member of the online creative team said: "If anyone is suffering at the moment for financial or other reasons, please do visit this new resource. One of the principal messages that we hope to share through this new online initiative is that there is always hope, however bleak your personal circumstances might currently be and that Jesus and His Church care deeply about you and your concerns."

The site can be found at www.life4seekers.co.uk/uncertainty