LIVESIMPLY MESSAGE 16.11.25

We aim to live more simply,

sustainably and in solidarity with others

JUBILEE CREATION PILGRIMAGE

📅 Date:  Saturday 22 November 

Please come to our Jubilee Creation Pilgrimage, moving from church to church, Living Simply Together as a family of parishes. Join us in prayer and enjoy the walk. If you can’t walk, take the bus or car share. If you are short of time, simply join in our reflective prayers at any of the churches on the way. We will pause at each church to say part of the Romero Rosary. The aim is to join together as parish communities to celebrate our world and to stand in solidarity with the poorest and most oppressed of humanity. Hope to see you on the day. Everyone is very welcome.

Timings:

• Bishop Eton 9.00am
• St Marys 10.00am
• Holy Family 11.00am
• St Mark’s 12 noon (bring your lunch, tea provided)

 LIVESIMPLY MESSAGE 9.11.25

We aim to live more simply,

sustainably and in solidarity with others

The United Nations conference on climate change, CoP 30, begins this week in Brazil as we are learning the full devastation of Hurricane Melissa. Here in the UK, the government has just published its current position on responding to climate change to increase our resilience. But over 93% of climate-vulnerable countries are trapped in a debt crisis, undermining their ability to respond to climate related disasters and protect their communities. Please pray for the success of the conference, for the generosity of richer countries and for all the communities who are suffering the worst effects of our changing climate.

God of blessings, the universe sings of your glory. Deepen our gratitude for all you have made and awaken in us a renewed commitment to care for the earth and each other. Inspire world leaders at COP30, with openness to listen to those most affected by climate change and with courage to act urgently and wisely, so that our common home may be healed and restored and all people, and generations to come, may delight in it.

Amen.

 LIVESIMPLY MESSAGE 2.11.25

We aim to live more simply,

sustainably and in solidarity with others

Remember the slogan ‘Put Christ back into Christmas’?

• Can we challenge ourselves to make the Christmas of this Jubilee Year a time to make this happen by living more simply, sustainably and in solidarity with the poor?
• When choosing Christmas gifts can we opt for ethical/pre-loved or buy from charities?
• Can we include Fairtrade food and drink on our festive menus?
• Can we avoid plastic decorations, perhaps in favour of making our own using natural materials? Choose charity or recycled cards and buy them from charity shops?
• Move towards sending more electronic greetings and donating the money saved to help people who cannot even afford food?

For lots of ideas take a look at:

https://www.ethicalconsumer.org/ethical-christmas/your-alternative-christmas-shopping-list

 LIVESIMPLY MESSAGE 26.10.25

‘We aim to live more simply, sustainably and solidarity with creation.  

The 16 October was ‘World Food Day’.

In 2024 673 million people (8.2% of the global population) faced chronic hunger. Here in the UK, we buy food we don’t eat and just throw it away. Food waste contributes to the world food crisis. There is enough food to feed everyone; but one fifth of food produced for human consumption is lost or wasted globally. You can help by planning meals ahead and only buying what you need.

Let us pray for all those suffering from hunger that food aid is able to reach them.

Lord Jesus, you understand what it is like to be hungry. Teach us to have grateful and generous hearts. Forgive us when we make selfish choices or remain silent in the face of injustice.

LIVESIMPLY MESSAGE 19.10.25

‘We aim to live more simply, sustainably and solidarity with creation.  

Live Simply is all about caring for our common home, reducing our impact by reusing and recycling and reducing our consumption of goods.

During the month of the Holy Rosary perhaps we should offer Rosary Prayers for our planet. Especially for guidance for world leaders, that they will listen seriously to the science of climate change and adopt approaches to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and invest in renewable energy.

LIVESIMPLY MESSAGE 12.10.25

‘We aim to live more simply, sustainably and solidarity with creation.  

International walk to school day was on the 1st October. But there is still time to join in during the rest of October.

Walking to school rather than driving helps by:-

• Reducing fuel consumption.
• Helping to reduce air pollution and impact on climate change.
• And helps you and your children add to your healthy exercise.

Even 1 day a week can help.

LIVESIMPLY TOGETHER

The Live Simply teams at St John Vianney, St Mary's and Bishop Eton have come together as Live Simply Together.

HOME ENERGY EVENT 10.7.25

 LIVESIMPLY MESSAGE 5.10.25

‘We aim to live more simply, sustainably and solidarity with creation.  

Family Fast day 3 October. We take having enough to eat for granted. CAFOD uses your Family Fast day donations to help those not so fortunate in countries around the world.

This Family Fast day, donations will also be helping some of the 1 in 10 people around the world who do not have access to clean water close to their homes. Reliance on unclean water causes diseases that we fortunately never hear of in the UK such as Cholera.

 LIVESIMPLY MESSAGE 28.9.25

‘We aim to live more simply, sustainably and solidarity with creation.  

“Praised be You, my Lord, through Brother Fire, through whom You light the night.”

Energy fuels our lives, but it is costly for those who can’t afford safe cooking or lighting. Some Fairtrade premiums help families switch from harmful open fires to cleaner, safer stoves.

This week, reduce your own energy use—turn off lights, unplug devices—and support a Fairtrade product that helps others do the same.  

https://www.fairtrade.org.uk/fairtrade-fortnight-2025/