Each year from September 1 to October 4, the Christian family unites for a worldwide celebration of prayer and action to protect our common home. It is a special season where we celebrate God as Creator and acknowledge Creation as the divine continuing act that summons us as collaborators to love and care for the gift of all that is created. As followers of Christ from around the globe, we share a common call to care for Creation. We are co-creatures and part of all that God has made. Our well-being is interwoven with the well-being of the Earth. We rejoice in this opportunity to safeguard our common home and all beings who share it. This year, the theme for the season is “To hope and act with Creation”.
Amid the triple planetary crisis climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution, many are beginning to despair, and suffer from eco-anxiety. As people of faith we are called to lift the hope inspired by our faith, the hope of the resurrection. This is not a hope without action but one embodied in concrete actions of prayer & preaching, service and solidarity.
ACTION
Support the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty
This year the Season of Creation encourages parishes and faith groups to engage with the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty (FFNPT). The Treaty brings together nations, civil society,
and faith groups to reduce fossil fuel use. According to their website, “The Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty Initiative is a global effort to foster international cooperation to accelerate a transition to renewable energy for everyone, end the expansion of coal, oil, and gas, and equitably phase out existing production in keeping with what science shows is needed to address the climate crisis.”
Faith leaders, church communities and individuals can endorse the FFNPT through the Faith Letter, available at the following website: fossilfueltreaty.org/faith-letter . All signatures will be used to influence decision-makers at the next UN conference on climate change, COP29, scheduled for November 2024 in Azerbaijan.
1 Sept: Season of Creation Opening Prayer Service (online) 2pm – 3pm, at seasonofcreation.org/event/prayer-service-for-creation-day/
13 Sept (7pm): Screening of The Letter, Holy Family Church, Limestone Road
As part of the parish’s focus on the Season of Creation, we will screen a film called The Letter. It’s an inspiring film, motivated by Pope Francis’ encyclical document Laudato Si’ on climate change and care for our common home. The film tells the story of a journey to Rome of frontline leaders, who have direct experience of the impact of climate change – representing youth, indigenous communities, the poor in the developing world and scientists – and their dialogue with the Pope about their own experiences, and how they are acting to care for our common home.
The film is approximately 70 minutes long. There will be a short discussion after the film. The film can also be watched free on YouTube at theletterfilm.org.
21 Sept: Down & Connor Laudato Sì Commission is working with the “Join the Dots Together” network and Corrymeela to organize several events around International Day of Peace. On 21st September from 10am – 1pm in the Agape Centre, Lisburn Road the Multi-Faith Conference, “Faiths Together for Climate Justice and Peace” joined by internationally renowned environmentalist and theologian, Martin Palmer of FaithInvest.
Download the flyers below for more information or visit www.jointhedotstogether.org
4 Oct Season of Creation – Prayer Service (online) for the Feast of St Francis
14:00 https://seasonofcreation.org/event/closing-prayer-service-of-the-season-of-creation/
5 Oct Blessing of Pets & Animals
11.00am in St Thérèse grounds.
12.00noon in Holy Family grounds.
