LiveSimply Group
The LiveSimply Group (formerly the Climate Change Action Group) was formed in order to foster the idea of caring for the Earth within the community of St John Bosco church. This is done by promoting the aims of the Cafod “Live Simply” campaign, and spreading the environmental message. It shows how each individual can make a difference through energy saving and conservation measures - and gives them tips and help along the way
For more information, please contact Rita Belletty
CAFOD "Dont Drop the Ball Campaign"
At the end of October, St John Bosco parishoners backed CAFOD's "Don’t Drop the Ball" campaign in force! Volunteer Rita Belletty organised a card signing after all Masses and encouraged everybody to sign a card, to send a strong message to the Government to act on climate finance and maintain aid to countries affected by climate change at the Durban conference – which is now only a few weeks away!
79 cards were collected on the day and some more taken home, which is great!
Creation Mass
St John Bosco celebrated the gift of the earth with a Creation Mass and a Harvest Offering. Parishioners were encouraged to reconnect with the earth by growing something and offer a token item in gratitude. The offering consisted of flowers, herbs and lots of fruit and vegetables which were taken to the Reading Drop-in Centre for the homeless. The floral arrangements and music complemented the theme of the Mass.
Fr Chris also announced that the parish was taking up the CAFOD Live Simply Award challenge and all church groups and parishioners were invited to help earn the Award. If the parish is judged to have achieved the required standard of living Simply, Sustainably and in Solidarity with the poor, it will receive a plaque declaring it to be a Live Simply parish.
Fr Chris also announced that the parish was taking up the CAFOD Live Simply Award challenge and all church groups and parishioners were invited to help earn the Award. If the parish is judged to have achieved the required standard of living Simply, Sustainably and in Solidarity with the poor, it will receive a plaque declaring it to be a Live Simply parish.
Litter pick Weekend 2011
For the third year running, members of our church formed a team to take part in the Woodley Litter pick weekend. We picked up the rubbish from the paths surrounding the church and school, including about 50 wet copies of the Chronicle - a car was needed to carry this "find" from Radstock Close to the assembly point at the church!
 The globe being given to Fr Chris during the offertory procession. |
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Act on Poverty Letters to the Prime Minister
Fr Chris and parishioner Mary Dodd, posting their cards urging the Prime Minister to Act on Poverty, through the ‘letterbox of No.10’. Theirs and other parishioners’ cards will be sent to CAFOD to forward to the real No.10. The postcard urges the PM to push for a fair climate change deal at the UN and honour his commitment to spend 0.7 percent of national income on aid for the poorest by 2013 and ensure that businesses are accountable to people in poor countries affected by their operations. CAFOD is hoping that at least 10,000 cards will be submitted.
Creation Walk
Sixteen parishioners of St John Bosco and Christchurch braved the rain to take part in a Creation Walk in Highwood. The prayers, readings and reflections focused on God's gift of creation and man's responsibility to care for and develop this gift as co-creator and not as exploiter. The walk and prayers, etc. were enjoyed by everyone and we hope to repeat the event next year. Grateful thanks to CAFOD for providing the resource for the Creation Walk. Copies are available for anyone interested; please contact Rita Belletty through the Church Office.
One of our parishoners wrote a poem especially for the Creation Walk. Click Here to read the poem.
One of our parishoners wrote a poem especially for the Creation Walk. Click Here to read the poem.
Big Tidy Up - Litterpick 2010
After Mass one Sunday a team of about 20 volunteers from St John Bosco helped tidy up Woodley. They collected 11 bags of litter and 13 bags of recyclable materials from the paths and pavements surrounding the church and school. The team ranged in age from a boy aged 3 to a lady who is uncertain of her age!
"Big Tidy Up" Children Presented with Certificates
The four children who took part in the "Big Tidy Up" litterpick in March were presented with a special certificate at Mass . The certificate was to thank them for their participation and for all their help in tidying up the area surrounding the church and school.
The Wave - London
Parishioners supported the CAFOD section at the Rally before the Copenhagen Conference on Climate Change. The Rally was attended by more than 50,000 people from all parts of England, demanding that the needs of the poorest people be put at the heart of the negotiations.
