Pilgrimage Against Poverty Sheffield

You are invited to join this pilgrimage, which has been devised by the Sheffield branch of Church Action on Poverty to include places notable in the struggle against poverty and to provide some spectacular views. It is one of several pilgrimages being organised to mark the 10th anniversary of the Poverty Pilgrimage from Iona to London that took place in 1999, and to express solidarity with those in the UK who are poor and vulnerable.

It is about five miles in length and includes a long but gradual ascent to Arbourthorne. It is expected to take about four hours altogether, including pauses for prayer and reflection at significant points along the way. There will be a longer stop for refreshments at Holy Family Church, Arbourthorne. There are options of finishing the walk at this point (three miles), or going on to finish at St Mary’s Bramall Lane (five miles), arriving by 1.30 to 2pm.  

The Pilgrimage will start at 9.30am on Saturday 17 October at the Anglican cathedral where there will be a short service. We shall walk through the City Centre, past various churches, and on to the Cholera Monument. The route then goes through Norfolk Park to the Centre in the Park and on up the hill to Holy Family Church, Arbourthorne, a church notable for its work with asylum-seekers. Here, there will be a break for refreshments. We shall then descend via Eastern Avenue, East Bank Road and various minor roads to St Wilfrid’s Centre in Queen’s Road and on to  St Mary’s Church, Bramall Lane. 

Care has been taken to research a safe route and stewards will be present to assist at some crossings, but pilgrims are responsible for their own safety.  Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult and, if in a school or youth group, should have written parental consent.

Pilgrims are invited to seek sponsorship for the walk, with half the proceeds going to Church Action on Poverty nationally and the other half going to the Sunday Centre which provides meals and companionship on a Sunday for homeless people at Victoria Hall Methodist Church.

If you wish to participate, please complete and sign the registration form, and return it to Sarah Baker, 75 Hillcote Close SHEFFIELD S10 3PT. On receipt of this you will be sent fuller details and a sponsorship form.