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LiveSimply
LiveSimply
LIVESIMPLY
This section of the website reflects Bishop Eton's Live Simply journey For St Mary's journey visit https://www.stmaryswoolton.org.uk/en/living-simply
In March 2024 both parishes were awarded the Live Simply Award.
In September 2025 the parishes of Our Lady of the Annunciation Bishop Eton, St Mary's Woolton and St John Vianney joined forces to form LiveSimplyTogether
Purpose:
We care about Creation and we care about people who are living in poverty.
We celebrate the wonders of the natural world and the diversity of our brothers and sisters, both here and right across the planet.
We are really worried about the impact that the climate crisis and other environmental threats are having on our world, particularly the impact on the poor.
We are committed to promote a variety of actions and initiatives across our two Parishes, which will help us to live out our faith by caring for our common home.
Aim
We aim to be a catalyst for change, inspiring the parishioners of Bishop Eton and St Mary's to live more simply, more sustainably and in greater solidarity with the poor.
Patron
Prior to his death in April 20206 Fr Jim Casey C.Ss.R was our patron, there are no plans to replace him.
Contact details
For further information and to help with the project contact Pauline Volk at
LIVESIMPLY MESSAGE 15.2.25
We aim to live more simply, sustainably and in solidarity with others
In the UK 1.4 million people unemployed. 729,000 young people are unemployed. The number of vacancies has dropped by 85,000. Pope Francis viewed unemployment as a major, dignity-stripping ‘wound’, caused by an unjust, profit-driven ‘throwaway’ culture. Work is crucial for personal identity and human dignity. Unemployment causes hardship and despair and can lead to the breakdown of family life.
Let us open our hearts to those who struggle in the modern world of work, and seek to do all we can to promote the message the Holy Fathers message of ‘People before profits’
LIVESIMPLY MESSAGE 8.2.26
We aim to live more simply, sustainably and in solidarity with others
Feast Day of Saint Bakhita – A Day of prayer for Victims of Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking – 8th February 2026. “Human trafficking is a crime against humanity. We must unite our efforts to free victims and stop this crime.” Pope Francis.
With over 136,000 people in Britain trapped in modern slavery, the crime of human trafficking has become one of the most pervasive of our time. Victims are coerced into working for little or no pay, forced into exploitative sex work, subjected to forced marriages or made to engage in criminal activities. Essentially, they are stripped of their individual freedom. If you suspect human trafficking but are unsure whether to act, remember that reporting your concerns can make a critical difference. Look for signs of exploitation, such as individuals appearing fearful, isolated, or controlled by others. Call the police at 999, or Crimestoppers at 0800 555 111 to report the crime anonymously. https://www.cbcew.org.uk/bakhita-day/
LIVESIMPLY MESSAGE 1.2.26
We aim to live more simply, sustainably and in solidarity with others
St John: “Whoever loves God must also love his brother”. Today is Racial Justice Sunday and, in the current climate, the words of St John resonate strongly – We are called to love everyone. It is easy to be drawn into the relentless debate fuelled by hate, about the threat differences in race and culture have on our society or the idea everyone should conform to one culture. Today we should reflect on how we can love all of our sisters and brothers, regardless of a difference in race and culture? Our parish community must be a place where we can all truly grow in ever-deeper knowledge, respect and love for our neighbour. https://www.cbcew.org.uk/racial-justice-sunday/
LIVESIMPLY MESSAGE 25.1.26
We aim to live more simply, sustainably and in solidarity with others
The Week of Prayer for Christian Unity ends today, 25 January. This gives us an opportunity to focus our prayers, knowing that we are joining with international siblings in Christ. This year’s theme: “There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to the one hope of your calling.”
What are we doing to live in simple unity with fellow Christians? Could we perhaps share our Catholic traditions with others; take part in another Christian church service in our community; or choose a campaign to support this year from Christian Aid, CAFOD or Fair Trade?
LIVESIMPLY MESSAGE 18.1.26
We aim to live more simply, sustainably and in solidarity with others
Today is Peace Sunday.
During his first Christmas address to crowds in St Peter’s Square, Pope Leo called for an end to conflicts around the world. Using his Urbi et Orbi address, he spoke of conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East, Thailand and Cambodia. "From God, let us ask for justice, peace and stability for Lebanon, Palestine, Israel, Syria," he said.
His message speaks of how we must listen to the ‘pleas of an endangered humanity’. The year of Jubilee inspired us to seek the liberating justice of God in our world and how by opening our hearts to our brothers and sisters, we will restore God’s justice on earth and move forward to achieve the goal of peace.
The 2026 Papal Message for Peace can be found at Message of the Holy Father for the 59th World Day of Peace 2026: “Peace be with you all: Towards an “unarmed and disarming” peace"
LIVESIMPLY MESSAGE 4.1.25
We aim to live more simply, sustainably and in solidarity with others
As our New Year begins there are plenty of options for recycling/upcycling Christmas cards, unwanted gifts and wrapping paper such as using your kerbside blue bin, as long as you remove any glitter, bows, plastic, bells etc. Alternatively, cards can be upcycled to produce cards or tags for next year. Real Christmas trees can be recycled locally. Charity shops will always take unwanted gifts.
Remember, recycling helps save our Common Home.
LIVESIMPLY MESSAGE 11.1.26
We aim to live more simply, sustainably and in solidarity with others
Energy Saving Week takes place in January. Reducing energy use helps the planet by reducing our carbon footprints. Let’s try to – turn off lights; keep radiators working effectively; heat ourselves rather than the room; use draught excluders; use an air fryer or microwave to cook meals rather than the oven; insulate our homes properly.
Living more simply helps save our Common Home.
LIVESIMPLY MESSAGE 28.12.25
We aim to live more simply, sustainably and in solidarity with others
This week the Jubilee Year of Hope reaches its conclusion. We mark its closure on 1st January 2026 with a Day of Prayer for Peace. Our world is urgently in need of our prayers. Let us live throughout this New Year’s Day as people of peace in our homes, our parish, our communities and our workplaces. Together we can build a peaceful Common Home.
LIVESIMPLY MESSAGE 21.12.25
We aim to live more simply,
sustainably and in solidarity with others
We wait in excitement and expectation for the birth of the infant, Jesus, and all the blessings and delights this week will bring. Inspired by Popes Francis and Leo, putting our faith into action, how will we live simply through this period of excess? What will we do to live in solidarity with the poor and those in need?
LIVESIMPLY MESSAGE 14.12.25
We aim to live more simply,
sustainably and in solidarity with others
On 18 December we mark United Nations International Migrants Day. This past year saw record levels of international displacement, crises, war and rising humanitarian need. In our communities, families and workplaces let us champion and support those who, like Mary and Joseph, must flee their homeland to find refuge and safety for their children. Together we can build a compassionate Common Home.
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