In this season we reflect on what it means to be Easter People, and how we can work for justice and offer hope to others.  Here are some things that I hope inspire hope, and actions to get involved in.

Focus on becoming a welcoming parish and racial justice

Case study from St Agnes and St Aidan's

 “Racism is a virus that quickly mutates and, instead of disappearing, goes into hiding, and lurks in waiting. Instances of racism continue to shame us, for they show that our supposed social progress is not as real or definitive as we think.”

Pope Francis, Fratelli Tutti, 97

 On Sunday 11 February, a group of volunteers worked with Pablo to deliver a workshop on what it means to be a welcoming parish.  

 After Mass celebrated by Fr Anton, over 60 parishioners stayed behind to take part in conversation on how we welcome people of different skin colour to ours or other cultures.  

Short dramas were used to stimulate the conversation, prompting laughter, sadness and anger.  These conversations were all captured in debates over fantastic food laid on by parishioners as part of their international table events.

The next step is to form a working group to look at this issue across the archdiocese.  If you are interested in getting involved, please contact Pablo.

 Do You Know your Parish Carbon Footprint?  

Carbon Emissions Data made available for whole Archdiocese

Following the Archdiocesan Environment Conference in March 2024, parishes are being encouraged to sign up for the carbon emission Countdown Challenge. The aim is to monitor and reduce carbon emissions over a one-year period.  This could be done in a number of ways from conducting an audit, to initiating major changes in energy usage. To get these figures contact either Pablo.‍

Priest, Deacons and Religious getting to grips with Human Trafficking. Love the Stranger:  Asylum, Refugee and Trafficking workshop: 

Friday 10 May 2024,10.30-4.00.  Venue TBC.

Delivered by Santa Marta Group and Archdiocese of Liverpool‍

Following the Catholic Bishops’ Conference publication of “Love the Stranger”, please ask your Priest or Deacon to learn more about asylum seekers, refugees and trafficked people.  This training is aimed at Priests, Religious and Deacons, and will explore the reality behind the media myths, giving you the confidence of understanding, and action plans for your parish.

 BOOK NOW – Limited places

Archdiocese of Liverpool SOCIAL ACTION NETWORK CONFERENCE 4 July 2024, Liverpool.

This partnership event between Housing Justice, Together Liverpool and the Archdiocese of Liverpool will bring together parishioners in a space to reflection social action – through the lens of housing, homelessness and land.

 Speakers and workshop leaders include:

·      Beki Winter, Housing Justice:  The housing crisis and role of faith communities

·      Rev’d Shannon Ledbetter, Housing People Building Communities:  From derelict churches to affordable housing in the Archdiocese of Liverpool

·       Kevin Hyland, Santa Marta Group:  How we can tackle the devastating impact of human trafficking on victims and our local communities.

TO BOOK A PLACE GO TO

https://archdioceseofliverpool.churchsuite.com/events/1yerqfks