The Catholic Church in England and Wales has countless organisations and groups covering practically every aspect of work, caring, social and spiritual life. Unique among the Churches in Britain, Catholics form associations to share everything, from a common interest in climbing or needlework to their concern for the Third World and family life.
It would be impossible to list all such organisations, but full details of more than 120 groups are given in the Catholic Directory. Here is just a sample of the type of groups available;
PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATIONS
Catholic Teachers Federation. Secretary P. Carney, Edenvale, Stone Road, Stoke-on Trent. Telephone 0782 659104. Guild of Catholic Doctors. Secretary Ian Jessiman, 17 Grange Drive, Chis.lehurst, Kent. Telephone 01 467 1725. Catholic Nurses Guild. Secretary Miss A. A. Clear, St Winifred's Hospital, Romills Crescent, Canton, Cardiff.
Catholic Police Guild. P.O. Box. 42 Francis Street, London, SWI.
Guild of Catholic Professional Social Workers, Secretary Mrs G. J. Ross, 30 Victoria Court, Kingsbridge Avenue, London, W3.
FORMATION GROUPS The Grail. Offers a service through Family Circles and parish groups. Headquarters, Vs'axwell Farm House, 125, Waxwell Lane. Pinner. Middlesex. Telephone 01 866 2195.
Legion of Mary. For spiritual life and apostolic work. 1 Warwick Road, Earls Court, London, SW5. Telephone,01 373 4194. Catholic People's Weeks. Organises residential courses of adult education. Secretary B. Hynher, 7 Dashwood Close, West Byfleet. Weybridge, Surrey.
Newman Association. National Office, 30 Baker Street, London, WI. Telephone 01 4865353.
Christian Life Movement. For all ages to share thc Christian life through the Gospel and social action. National Promoter Fr Ralph Eastwell. 120 West Heath Road, London, NW3, Telephone 01 455 6667.
Opus Del. An international association of Catholic faithful. Mgr Philip Sherrington, 6 Orme Court, London, W2. Telephone 01 229 7574.
Family and tocial Action. To promote family, house and parish groups. Central Office, 106 Clapham Road, London, SW9. Telephone 01 735 7031,
YOUTH GROUPS Young Christian Workers. To train and serve young people. Headquarters, 106 Clapham Road, London. SW9. Telephone 01 735 7031.
Young Christian Students. An ecumenical student action organisation. Headquarters, 67-69 College Road, Birmingham, 13. Telephone 021 777 1296.