With the launch of the diocesan faith-based environmental initiative Laudato Si’ – Listening and Responding to the Cry of the Earth and the Cry of the Poor – Brentwood Diocese (dioceseofbrentwood.net), Bishop Alan encouraged schools and parishes to work towards CAFOD’s Livesimply Award. Only three parishes had previously gained the award: the Cathedral Parish, St Joseph’s, Upminster and Our Lady of the Rosary and St. Patrick, Walthamstow. The Knights of Saint Columba Council 192, Southend-on-Sea also has the award.
CAFOD Community Participation Coordinator Chris Driscoll reports that in the weeks following the launch of ‘Laudato Si’ Invitations, Commitments and Actions’, eight new parishes and eight schools registered for the Award.
Several Livesimply information sessions have been organised for parishes and schools interested in working towards the Livesimply Award, he says.
“Members of 13 parishes across the Brentwood and East Anglia diocese, all of whom are at different stages of their Livesimply journey, attended the first session. Some parishes are currently actively working towards the Award, while others are yet to begin and exploring ways in which they can get started. Each parish will progress at its own pace, and CAFOD will support all parishes wishing to enrich their communities through engaging others to come together to live simply, and in solidarity and care for creation.”
The next session for parishes will be on Zoom on Wednesday 24 November at 7.30pm. All parishioners, parish staff and clergy are welcome to attend to find out more:
- Why Livesimply?
- What is the Livesimply Award?
- The Livesimply Award process
- Hearing from other parishes on achieving the Livesimply Award
Anyone interested in the joining the session should contact Chris Driscoll at [email protected] or call 07776 493162