New LiveSimply video celebrates parishes taking action
18 months after the start of the LiveSimply parish scheme, four parishes from three different dioceses can celebrate receiving an award: St John Bosco in Reading, St Stanislaus in Dulverton, Devon, St Bonaventure’s in Bristol and St Joseph’s in Lytham St Annes.
Maria Elena Arana from CAFOD’s campaigns team said “Becoming a LiveSimply parish is a long term venture. We are delighted that these four very different churches have shown that they are united by a determination to make a difference. We know that many more are following in their footsteps.
“This new film shows that any parish, however big or small, can benefit from living more simply – in ways they may never have expected. It’s an opportunity to inspire your congregation and neighbourhood with a message of hope and transformation, and to engage practically with big issues like global poverty. We hope this short film will encourage many other parishes to take up the challenge.”
St John Bosco in Reading, as the first parish to receive the LiveSimply award, is featured in the new video. As are the twin parishes St Joseph’s and St Bede’s in Newcastle, who have recently registered to join the scheme.
Organiser at St Joseph’s and St Bede’s, Audrey Marshall says: “LiveSimply has given us a shared goal. Everybody is full of ideas about things that we’ll do. It costs nothing, and it’s good fun. I can see the idea spreading throughout our Diocese and through the whole country. I know we are not the first, but we are among the early ones, and I think we have a long way to go.”
To apply for the award, parishes have to take on three major actions under the headings of living simply, living sustainably and living in solidarity with people in poverty, as well as at least six additional activities. These could be anything from installing solar panels or an energy-efficient boiler to supporting Fairtrade, from campaigning with CAFOD to organising a community clean-up or local litter-pick.
Paul Kelly from St Joseph’s explained the impact the scheme has had on him: “It’s reaffirmed parts of my faith. An important part of my faith is to care for creation, and celebrate that, and to develop respect for other peoples in the rest of the world. Becoming a LiveSimply parish helps you go deeper, and to take action.”
Take up the challenge. Find out your parish can become a LiveSimply parish >
