Children and Families Step Out to Support St Catherine’s Church
More than 60 children and young people from St Catherine’s Church, Pontypridd took part in a lively sponsored walk this weekend to raise funds for a new church heating system, helping ensure that worship at St Catherine’s is accessible to all.
Led by Children’s Minister Trish, families gathered in Ponty Park for the walk, joined by participants ranging from babies in prams to parishioners in their 80s. For those unable to attend in person, the spirit of the event travelled far beyond the park, with families completing their own walks elsewhere and sending photos back to the church.
The fundraising effort supports St Catherine’s ongoing refurbishment and heating project, which includes installing an upgraded heating system.
Rev’d Charlotte Rushton, Ministry Area Leader, celebrated the event’s joyful community spirit: “St Catherine’s is at the heart of our community. When they were told of our refurbishment and heating project they knew that they could help. Trish, our amazing children’s minister, asked them how they wanted to help and they suggested a sponsored walk. Many generations from babies in prams to the over 80’s followed Trish around the park. We knew that the group were back at church because all we could hear was singing and we could see a haze of bubbles!
The joy of this walk was not only the funds raised for our new heating system, but this was a truly community‑led activity. Many of the families that joined us on the walk don’t worship with us. Nonetheless, they have found a home at our Mini Church Toddlers group and see themselves as part of Teulu St Cath’s. Some of our Mini Church families couldn’t join us on Sunday morning, so they completed the sponsored walk where they were and sent us photos. The great joy of this is that so many people have found a home at St Catherine’s and want to be part of this event.”
The sponsored walk raised vital funds while strengthening the bonds between the church and the wider community. With laughter, singing, and clouds of bubbles marking the walkers’ return, the event embodied the heart of St Catherine’s: a place where everyone belongs, and everyone can take part.