The Union of Catholic Mothers was founded in 1913 to unite Catholic married women in the UK. It is a national organisation which promotes the full ideal of marriage, Christian values in family life and Catholic religious education of children.
UCM members are made aware of current social, political and medical policies at the national level, and are encouraged to individually lobby MPs as well as join campaigns for the alleviation of hunger, poverty and war, both at home and overseas.
“Through unity with other members, many thousands strong, greater influence can be exerted on public affairs that affect marriage and family life,” says Cath Lydon, UCM’s national secretary. “United in prayer, members never face life’s difficulties alone but are strengthened by the support of fellow members.”
Catholic women join the UCM for a variety of reasons, Lydon notes, with meetings providing fellowship and friendship, and literature and contacts providing ongoing fresh interests. UCM Parish Foundation meetings offer a blend of spiritual and social activities, as well as practical help to families experiencing difficulties.
“There are opportunities for varied and valuable Catholic action but nothing should be undertaken at the expense of personal family life,” Lydon says.
Members serve their parishes in various ways, she says, though the ministries of reader, Eucharistic minister and Catechist, or “the giving of their talents either musically, by flower arranging or catering”.
Lydon notes that the UCM has a long history of working with and supporting other organisations within and outside of the Church through the organisation’s prayers and actions, both locally, nationally and internationally.
UCM Parish Foundations support local charities and organisations through volunteering and “innovative and fun fundraising”. UCM was “instrumental” in the setting up of the Catholic Agency for Overseas Development (CAFOD), and its members continue to actively support the international development charity.
Membership of the UCM is open to all Catholic women, married or single, and is extended to other Christian women “in sympathy with the objectives of our organisation”, providing “an opportunity for women to meet others with similar experiences, concerns and joys,” says Joan Hodge, UCM’s national president.
The general Communion Day for all members is on the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, 8 December, with the intention being the preservation of faith and morals in the Catholic home.
A daily Mass scheme is co-ordinated by UCM’s National Committee “so that all days of the year are covered”, with members “encouraged to attend Mass and Holy Communion on their given days”.
Prayers are offered for all UCM members, for those who suffer for their Faith, for a growth in the Faith, for an increase in vocations to the priesthood and religious Life, and for marriage and family life. Spiritual direction for the organisation is provided by Bishop Alan Williams of Brentwood.
The UCM publishes its own newspaper, the UCM News, three times a year. The organisation will be holding its 77th annual pilgrimage to Walsingham on 2July 2024.
UCM operates a National Holiday and Rest Home Service, which is open to all members and their families to offer, amongst other things, convalescence after illness, and respite breaks for carers.
“At this time of great unrest where hate seems to be uppermost in minds and actions, help us to focus on all things which link rather than divide us, give us the strength to be peacemakers,” Lydon says.
Those interested to learn more about UCM can contact the organisation via the following means: T – 07561839861, E –[email protected], W – www.theucm.co.uk.
(Photo credit: Aardvark Studios; iStock by Getty Images.)
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