THE Diocese of Kerry focuses on the theme of Climate Change for the ‘Season of Creation’ 2020 ‘Cultivating Hope – A Faith Response to the Climate Crisis’.

The season which runs from September 1st to October 4th is a time when Christian churches around the world focus on prayer and action in the hope of protecting the natural world or creation which is ‘Our Common Home’.

It closes on the 4th October, feast day of St Francis of Assisi and Patron Saint of Ecology. The words ‘Our Common Home’ are those used by Pope Francis in his letter ‘Laudato Si’ on Care for Our Common Home’.  This letter is addressed “to every person living on the planet”.

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All parishes across the diocese are being encouraged to mark the season in some way. This year, to adhere to Covid 19 guidelines, all 52 parishes in the diocese will receive electronic copies of the Cultivating Hope – A Faith Response to the Climate Crisis Leaflet which explains the theme and gives suggestions of practical actions which can be taken in the areas of biodiversity, energy,  avoiding food waste and reducing plastic pollution.

The leaflet will also be available on the diocesan website www.dioceseofkerry.ie  and diocesan facebook page.

The five-week season gives parishes the opportunity to include the theme in a Sunday Mass, and again various  liturgy resources for this are being sent to parishes including a short outdoor liturgy suitable to small groups.

The Radio Kerry programme ‘Horizons’, the daily ‘Just A Thought’ segment on the ’11 to 1 Club’ show and the diocesan facebook page will all highlight the theme across the season.

A free Webinar: ‘Cultivating Hope – A Faith Response to the Climate Crisis’ is planned for September 17th.

The diocesan Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation Committee (JPIC) will host this webinar in conjunction with the all-Ireland  Laudato Si’ Working Group of the Irish Bishops Council of Catechetics.

It will take place at 8pm on that Thursday. This will feature Lorna Gold, author of ‘Climate Generation’ as keynote speaker and she will be joined by a panel of local activists in what promises to be a wonderful hour of encouragement, practical suggestions and networking. Registration details can be found on www.dioceseofkerry.ie

“The climate crisis requires our decisive action, here and now and the Church is fully committed to playing her part.”  Pope Francis.

This is an initiative of the diocesan Justice, Peace and the Integrity of Creation Committee (JPIC). To register for this online webinar contact: desbailey@dioceseofkerry. Mobile 086 7364605.