LIVESIMPLY MESSAGE 3.5.26

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

No meat may, no mow may, screen free week

Pope Leo has made the fight against global hunger a central pillar of his pontificate, emphasizing that access to food is a fundamental human right rather than a privilege. He has framed the eradication of hunger as a "profoundly human and moral duty" and a necessary path to achieving world peace. As we begin the month of May, let us commit to ending food waste in our own homes, and keep those living in hunger, throughout our Common Home, in our prayers.

 LIVESIMPLY MESSAGE 26.4.26

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

Jesus the Good Shepherd calls us by name and entrusts creation to our care. In the spirit of Saint Francis, we are invited to walk gently upon the earth and protect our common home. Spend time outdoors — planting seeds, tending a garden, clearing litter safely, or choosing to walk instead of driving to Childwall Woods or Clarke’s Gardens. Small actions, repeated faithfully, help protect those most affected by climate change. Simple action for everyone: Plant something — in a garden, a pot, or a shared space — and return to it regularly. Let its growth remind you that hope often begins quietly.

CAFOD Prayer: Creator God, guide us to care for our common home with love, humility and joy.

LIVESIMPLY MESSAGE 19.4.26

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

 The disciples recognise Jesus in the breaking of bread. God is present in ordinary, everyday moments. As we live simply, we remember the hands that grow, harvest and prepare our food. Take a walk through your neighbourhood and reflect on where your food comes from. This week, try eating more simply — reducing food waste, planning meals carefully, or choosing seasonal produce. Simple action for everyone: Prepare one simple meal using what you already have at home. Offer a short prayer of thanks before eating, remembering farmers and communities across the world.

CAFOD Prayer: God of abundance, help us to treasure food as a gift and share it justly.

 LIVESIMPLY MESSAGE 12.4.26

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

The Risen Jesus brings peace to his frightened friends: “Peace be with you.” In a world marked by uncertainty and conflict, we are called — like Saint Francis — to be instruments of peace. Spend a few quiet minutes outdoors, perhaps in Calderstones Park, praying for peace in our world and in our own community. Laudato Si’ reminds us that “everything is connected.” Peace with one another and care for creation go hand in hand.

Simple action for everyone:

Pause on a bench or doorstep and name one place in the world that needs peace. Then take one small step this week — a kind message, reconciliation, or reaching out to someone who may feel alone.

CAFOD Prayer:

God of peace, help us to be instruments of your healing.

 LIVESIMPLY MESSAGE 5.4.26

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

Easter celebrates new life and the renewal of all creation in the Resurrection of Jesus. In this Year of Saint Francis, we remember that the Risen Lord renews not only hearts but the whole of creation. This week, spend time in a local green space, noticing signs of spring and offering a quiet prayer of gratitude. Choose to celebrate Easter simply by reducing waste, sharing food thoughtfully, and choosing Fairtrade or locally sourced treats where possible.

Simple action for everyone: Take a “new life walk” — alone or with others — and intentionally notice flowers, buds, birds or changing light. Give thanks for signs of hope you see.

CAFOD Prayer: Risen Lord, renew our world and fill all creation with hope.

 LIVESIMPLY MESSAGE 29.3.26

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

30 March is International Zero Waste Day, to raise awareness about the importance of reducing waste and adopting sustainable practices.

Praised be You, my Lord, through our Sister Mother Earth,

who sustains and governs us, and who produces varied fruit with coloured flowers and herbs. from The Canticle of the Creatures by St. Francis of Assisi.

For further ideas on how to live more sustainably check out this list:

https://saintfrancisseattle.org/55-ways-to-care-for-creation/

 LIVESIMPLY MESSAGE 15.3.26

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

22 March is World Water Day, this advocates for the importance of freshwater and the sustainable management of water resources worldwide. Water is essential for life on earth, not just human life but all life. Water is needed for drinking, cleaning, washing, and making crops grow. There is no substitute for this precious resource, and yet we waste it, we pollute it, and we even commodify it! Let's start anew, and begin by thanking the Lord for the gift of water

Praised be You, my Lord, through Sister Water, who is so useful, humble, precious, and pure. 

from The Canticle of the Creatures by St. Francis of Assisi

To learn more read the fact sheet click here

 LIVESIMPLY MESSAGE 8.3.26

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

9-13 March is Food Waste Action, organised by Love Food Hate Waste, is the UK’s biggest annual food waste reduction campaign. The week highlights the environmental impact of food waste and encourages households to rethink how they store, cook, and use food to prevent waste. During this Lent can we all aim to waste less. 

For more information see: https://www.lovefoodhatewaste.com/take-action-save-food/food-waste-action-week 

 LIVESIMPLY MESSAGE 1.3.26

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

 Pope Leo XIV’s prayer for March: “Let us pray that nations move toward effective disarmament, particularly nuclear disarmament, and that world leaders choose the path of dialogue and diplomacy instead of violence.”

Friday 6 March is World Day of Prayer with the theme “I will give you rest, come.” The prayers are prepared this year by Christian women in Nigeria.  There will be a prayer service in Holy Family church. 

For more information: https://www.wwdp.org.uk/

 LIVESIMPLY MESSAGE 22.2.26

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

During Lent we reflect and renew in prayer, fasting and by sharing what we have with the poor. We remember our sisters and brothers who face hunger due to lack of resources, climate change and war. 

This Lent, we can help families in the global South grow enough food to eat. When crops fail, families go hungry because the land they depend on can no longer sustain them. Too much rain, too little rain. Nothing can grow.

This Lent your gift to CAFOD can help communities grow food again and rebuild their lives with dignity. An act of love that helps food grow.