LIVESIMPLY MESSAGE 25.5.25

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

 “The entire material universe speaks of God's love, God's boundless affection for us. Soil, water, mountains: everything is a caress of God.” (Laudato Si', 84).

National Garden Wildlife Week this year runs from          26 May to 1 June. This week coincides with half term so is an excellent opportunity for families and friends to enjoy the outdoors together and do ‘one simple thing for nature’.  Why not try building a bug hotel, planting more diverse species, making some homemade bird food or making a gap for hedgehogs? Don’t forget to also simply enjoy and thank God for our beautiful world by listening to birdsong, identifying wildflowers or collecting as many different leaves as you can. Did you know that domestic gardens occupy more space than all the nature reserves.  So, if we all do one thing, together we can really make a difference.

LIVE SIMPLY MESSAGE 18.5.25

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

Laudato Si was published ten years ago on 24 May 2015, profoundly altering the way we think ‘religiously’. We are still called to be active agents of change - praying, acting and transforming our way of living in communion with creation and the Creator. We pray for our new Pope Leo XIV that he will guide our Church well, extending and developing the work Pope Francis began.

‘‘in the deserts of poverty and loneliness, all those small gestures are helping to make a new humanity blossom in the garden that is God’s dream, always and everywhere for all of us.’ Pope Francis.

The full text of Laudato Si can be found at: https://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/encyclicals/documents/papa-francesco_20150524_enciclica-laudato-si.html

LIVESIMPLY  MESSAGE 4.5.25

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

10 years ago, in May 2015 Pope Francis gave the world ‘Laudato Si’, setting out a bold vision for our common home and 800 years ago, St Francis of Assisi wrote The Canticle of the Creatures. ‘Laudato Mi Signore’. As we give thanks for the life and example of Pope Francis who has passed ‘into the house of the Father’ may his words ring in our hearts this Eastertide.

‘Let us sing as we go. May our struggles and our concern for this planet never take away the joy of our hope ‘Laudato Si’ 244. To discover more about the Laudato Si movement and how you can respond to the call to live in communion with creation and the Creator go to laudatosiweek.org.

 LIVESIMPLY MESSAGE 20.4.25

live more simply, sustainably and in solidarity with each other.

During the Easter period, which is a time of celebration and renewal, take time to enjoy and appreciate our natural environment. As Pope Francis said “Give thanks to God for the gift of our common home”. We also mark World Earth Day on 22 April, which this year focusses on renewable energy.

Watch this space for more information about how our parishes can embrace using energy more sustainably.

 LIVESIMPLY MESSAGE 6.4.25

live more simply, sustainably and in solidarity with each other.

God of all, we pray for mothers around the world who find themselves in situations we can’t even imagine. Those who have given birth in war zones, those who are forced to leave their homes with a newborn. Mothers who are doing all they can to protect their children in the most dire of situations.

Protect them, bless them, guide them. And help us all to remember them, and to fight for them. So that no more mothers have to grieve a child lost in war, terror, poverty or famine. Amen.

 LIVESIMPLY MESSAGE 13.4.25

During Lent we are asked to pray, fast and share what we have with the poor. CAFOD are asking for donations to their Lenten appeal to help families threatened by climate change build a safety net. Take a look on their website for some examples  of how a small donation such as for a shade to protect crop plants can support people through times of crisis and begin to build a better future. https://cafod.org.uk/give/appeals/lent-appeal

 LIVESIMPLY MESSAGE 23.3.25

live more simply, sustainably and in solidarity with each other.

World water day - 2.2 billion people live without access to safe water. We take access to clean drinking water and easy access to flush toilets and showers for granted. Water Aid is an international charity determined to make clean water, decent toilets and good hygiene normal for everyone. During Lent why not think about donating, go to https://www.water aid.org.

 LIVESIMPLY MESSAGE 16.3.25

live more simply, sustainably and in solidarity with each other.

Global recycling day is celebrated around the world on 18 March each year.

A good day to check our daily routines to see if we can do more. Are we using reusable bags and water bottles to reduce plastic, are we planning our shopping to buy only what we will use and reduce food waste, are we disposing of hazardous materials, like batteries, safely?

We must protect the earth’s resources or they will run out! Recycling is on the front line to save the future of our planet.

LIVESIMPLY MESSAGE 9.3.25

Lent is a time when we remember the poor and hungry across the world. By giving up little luxuries and fasting for one day we can help by donating to CAFOD’s family fast day on 14 March.

CAFOD supports those suffering the impacts of war, global debt and climate change. Your donations help people find their hope for the future

LIVESIMPLY MESSAGE 2.3.25

We aim to live more simply, sustainably and in solidarity with each other.

In this jubilee year we are asked to be pilgrims of hope, to set off on a journey to find meaning in life. Traditionally we find things to ‘give up’ in Lent. Let’s think how we can prepare for Easter as part of our journey of hope.

Give up unhappiness: take up gratitude

Give up anger: take up gentleness and patience

Give up worrying: take up trust in God

Give up complaining: value what you have

Give up stress: take up prayer

Give up selfishness: take up compassion for others

Give up words: fill yourself with silence and listen to others.