LIVESIMPLY MESSAGE 5.7.26

We aim to live more simply, sustainably and in solidarity with others

This is Plastic Free July when we are encouraged to reflect on our use of plastic, particularly single-use plastics.  When two plastic particles we found in pristine Antarctic waters, the scale of world-wide plastic pollution was sadly evident.  We don’t have to travel far to witness pollution ourselves: plastic waste in soil, on grass verges, roads, in rivers and seas.  Plastic degrades very slowly and often takes hundreds of years.

For more details visit https://www.plasticfreejuly.org/

This month can we try to free ourselves from plastics?  Perhaps start using a reusable water bottle or coffee cup.  Re-use, or avoid using, cling film and plastic bags.

 LIVESIMPLY MESSAGE 26.6.26

We aim to live more simply, sustainably and in solidarity with others

Pope Leo’s prayer intention for July is respect for human life. This theme is at the heart of Live Simply; aiming to live in solidarity as a global family, caring particularly for those living in poverty. Pope Francis introduced the concept of ‘integral ecology’ in Laudato Si’; inviting us to see damage to the environment and social and economic systems as interrelated. As Pope Benedict wrote: ‘every violation of solidarity and civic friendship harms the environment’. 

We are called to contribute to a future where both the well-being of humanity and the environment are prioritised, with human dignity at the core.

 LIVESIMPLY MESSAGE 21.6.26

We aim to live more simply, sustainably and in solidarity with others

This week marks 75 years since the Refugee Convention – a landmark agreement affirming that those forced to flee deserve protection, dignity, and hope, providing a legal foundation that has saved millions of lives. This year’s Refugee Week theme is `Courage’. Often courage to face unknown journeys, learn new languages, navigate unfamiliar systems, or simply to wake up each morning and step into an uncertain world.

We are called to have the courage to welcome our sisters and brothers in distress, opening our doors to a neighbour, trying new food, changing our view of the world.  Speaking out against hate.  Living our faith. 

 LIVESIMPLY MESSAGE 14.6.26

We aim to live more simply, sustainably and in solidarity with others

Plastic Free Beauty Day, 17 JUNE 2026, is celebrated annually to raise awareness of the environmental impact of plastic packaging in the beauty industry, encouraging people and brands to choose eco-friendly, plastic-free alternatives. 

• What happens to empty plastic shampoo, shower gel or soap bottles, or make-up jars?
• Where do they end up?
• How can I reduce my plastic waste? 

Let’s try to go plastic-free for one day this week! https://britishbeautycouncil.com/event-details/plastic-free-beauty-day/

May my daily routine honour the Earth. Let me seek products that nourish my skin without harming the oceans or filling the land with waste. May I buy less, consume mindfully, and cherish the natural beauty of the world around me.

 LIVESIMPLY MESSAGE 5.6.26

We aim to live more simply, sustainably and in solidarity with others

“Remember that bodily exercise, is also prayer by means of which you can please God our Lord. "St. Ignatius Loyola.

This is Bike Week, the UK’s biggest celebration of cycling, which can make life better for people and communities, creating happier, healthier and greener lives. Merseyside has a vast network of cycle routes – cycling facts -

• Commuting by bike is up to nine times cheaper than driving.
• Cycling can help reduce the risk of Type2 Diabetes and serious mental illness.
• Cycling to school helps children’s concentration at school.

Whether you cycle every day, ride occasionally or have not been on a bike in years, Bike Week is good for you!  https://www.cyclinguk.org/bikeweek

https://www.merseytravel.gov.uk/active-travel/cycling/

 LIVESIMPLY MESSAGE 31.5.26

We aim to live more simply, sustainably and in solidarity with others

This week we enter into National Volunteer Week.  Volunteering is not only a vital component of UK society, it is central to Catholic Social Teaching.  Millions of people make incredible contributions, giving their time and skill across the UK, enabling charities and organisations to function effectively. Volunteering takes you on a journey of growth, connection, fulfilment and well-being.

Do you hear the `cry of the earth’ or the `cry of the poor’?  How can you share your skills and expertise in your local community, your parish and your city to make this world a better place for all?

 LIVESIMPLY MESSAGE 24.5.25

We aim to live more simply, sustainably and in solidarity with others

Last week Laudato Si called us to move from hope to action. Filled with the joy of the Spirit, this week we join in National Children’s Gardening Week.  We give thanks for the greenery which surrounds us in this part of our wonderful city.

Children, it’s your week, to contribute your outdoor skills, to build our Common Home; sow some seeds, plant some plants, help in the garden.  National Children’s Gardening Week celebrates the fun that gardens hold. Children, parents, carers and grandparents can all join in, providing greater access to gardening and outdoor education.  Visit http://www.childrensgardeningweek.co.uk

 LIVESIMPLY MESSAGE 17.5.26

We aim to live more simply, sustainably and in solidarity with others

This is Laudato Si Week: we are invited to move from hope to action. Our journey of faith calls us to care deeply for our Common Home, for one another and for future generations. Pope Francis, and Pope Leo, ask us to stay awake to the cry of the earth and the cry of the poor.

How can I take action this week regardless of age or ability? 

Perhaps I could join in Walk to School Week; pray during this Dementia Awareness Week; buy products that respect ecosystems, or reduce my waste on 22 May, International Day of Biological Diversity.  

 LIVESIMPLY MESSAGE 10.5.26

We aim to live more simply, sustainably and in solidarity with others

No meat may, no mow may, screen free week

Water Saving Week runs from 12^th – 16^th May. It is more important than ever to use water wisely, to reduce energy, protect ecosystems and to promote stewardship of this precious resource. 

For five days this week we could try to take shorter showers, remember to turn taps off and pray for those who have no fresh water. Many of our brothers and sisters live in water poverty. Perhaps, in thanks for our daily water supply, we could give them the gift of fresh water by donating to Water Aid on www.wateraid.org/uk/donate.

 FR JIM CASEY RIP

Fr Jim Casey was the patron of the LiveSimply initiative, and the LiveSimply group would like to record our thanksgiving for the life, and sadness at the death, of Fr James Casey CSsR. Who was the patron of the Bishop Eton & St Mary's LiveSimply initiative. Rest in Peace Father Jim