On 12 April next, the Northern Ireland Catholic Council on Social Affairs, in collaboration with both the Bishops’ Council for Justice and Peace and the Laudato Si’ Working Group of the Council for Catechetics, are hosting a day on transforming our understanding of our faith with Laudato Si’.
In his 2015 encyclical letter Laudato Si (On care for our common home) Pope Francis explains, “Many things have to change course, but it is we human beings above all who need to change. We lack an awareness of our common origin, of our mutual belonging, and of a future to be shared with everyone. This basic awareness would enable the development of new conviction, attitudes and forms of life. A great cultural, spiritual and educational challenge stands before us, and it will demand that we set out on the long path of renewal.”
A researcher with the Council for Justice & Peace said, “The Laudato Si working day on 12 April in the Dromantine Centre, Newry, is intended to assist parishioners and diocesan representatives from across the North who wish to explore how each individual’s potential to care for creation can be fully realised in the context of our Catholic faith. There will also be practical advice and examples given on the day as to how best to incorporate the message of Laudato Si’ into the life of a parish. Our objective is that participants will ‘take back’ this message to share it with others and champion its importance in parish life. Whilst numbers are limited for our event, all who wish to attend are welcome to apply.
“Pope Francis reminds us in Laudato Si’ that ‘All it takes is one good person to restore hope!’ and that, “this renewal entails recovering and respecting the rhythms inscribed in nature by the hand of the Creator.’ Our Laudato Si working day will help participants to rediscover this wisdom and beauty and I am looking forward to this important step on our journey of renewal in April!”
The day will run from 9.00am – 4.00pm and a light lunch will be provided. There is no fee for attending but attendees must register in advance with their local diocesan offices and the Council for Justice and Peace by emailing [email protected].
For more see www.justiceandpeace.ie
ENDS
Pic caption: Members of the Bishops’ Council for Justice & Peace (Bishop Alan McGuckian SJ is the chair) promoting the upcoming ‘Our Parish, Our Common Home’ day.
