In the first of our series of features on the FOUR Seasons of Creation, Joe Burns from the Diocesan Justice and Peace Commission writes about the Celebrating Creation Fair which took place last month at St Benedict’s in Garforth…
The parish of St Benedict’s in Garforth was one of the first 20 parishes in the country to receive a LiveSimply award in 2016. However, the award does not mark the end of working to live simply, live sustainably and live in solidarity with the world’s poor.
The Allotment at St Benedict’s, Garforth
One of the parish’s major actions was the creation of a flower and vegetable garden on part of parish land and its cultivation and sharing of the fruits, has continued to this day. During and since the pandemic, there had been fewer new initiatives around LiveSimply, so the the parish’s Faith, Justice & Action Group decided to hold a ‘Celebration of Creation’ event on 15 September during the Season of Creation to renew and refresh peoples’ interest in both the LiveSimply principles and in Laudato Si more generally.
The event took place immediately following the 10.30am Sunday Mass and continued through to 2.30pm. It seemed like nearly everyone at Mass continued on into the parish hall afterwards to take part in the event – it was certainly very crowded in there!
There were all sorts of activities aimed especially at younger parishioners. The person providing animal face painting was so popular that she wasn’t able to look up until nearly the end of the event! Other activities included colouring in outline shapes of butterflies, hanging a climate action pledge on to a tree, guessing the number of worms in some composting soil and making and painting things out of clay. The group had also arranged for a company to come in with various animals that people could see up close – and even handle. St Benedict’s Primary School was also very involved, with all classes producing fantastic work about God’s wonderful creation.
It was encouraging to see so many people come along and join in the celebration and enjoy the children’s activities, a shared lunch and free refreshments. It was also helped by encouragement from the parish priest, Fr Henry Longbottom, in the weeks leading up to it and a strong sermon about the imperatives of Laudato Si’ on the Sunday of the event itself. This was supplemented by having a colourful display in the porch area so that everyone attending church was aware of the upcoming celebration.
Thanks to Joe for sending this story! If YOU have any events or initiatives reflecting Care for Creation throughout ALL the Seasons of the Year, please email some details – and a photograph – to our dedicated email address: environment@dioceseofleeds.org.uk
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