LISTENING AND JOURNEYING TOGETHER Laudato Si’ Week, held from May 22-29, marks the seventh anniversary of Pope Francis’ landmark encyclical on caring for creation. This global celebration unites Catholics to listen and respond to the cry of creation, and intensify our efforts in doing our part through the Laudato Si’ Action Platform, launched in November 2021, walking the ‘Synodal’ path. Global events are held to invite reflection and celebration of the seven Laudato Si’ Goals - responding to the cry of the earth, to the cry of the poor, ecological spirituality, ecological education, adoption of sustainable lifestyles and ecological economics.
OUR PARISH LAUDATO SI’ JOURNEY
Since our parish journey began in September 2018, we have sought to become a more ecological parish by looking at how we could be more sustainable as a parish and also focusing on loving creation and being mindful of our own relationship with God, the creator and our loving Father. At the recent RCIA Mystagogy session, Fr. David Garcia shared that “ we are not apart from nature, but a part of nature.”
How are we being more Sustainable?
Air-conditioners at our church, halls and classrooms are set at 25 degrees Celsius when in use.
By adjusting our air-conditioning and lighting schedules, we reduced our electricity consumption by 17-21% and monthly bills between 27 - 32% over a 2 1/2 year period.
Ministries and parish members are reminded to turn off air-conditioners, fans, lights and audio-visual equipment after Mass, meetings and communal gatherings.
For parish and Ministry gatherings, we use cutlery and crockery from the canteen, and everyone is encouraged to bring their own water bottles or drinks.
Wedding parties are encouraged to engage caterers that use biodegradable cutlery and crockery At the parish office, printing on paper is minimised and waste paper is recycled.
Celebrating the Season of Creation in September As we continue on our path towards becoming more ecological as a parish, we invite you and your families, Ministries and volunteers, at home, schools, at work and at our parish to reflect on our role as stewards of this earth and of all creation, to discern and make a firm commitment to doing our part in loving God, our neighbours and in caring for creation.
