October started with two receptions for newcomers after Mass. One great result was that over 30 people (ages 18-35) signed up for Theology on Tap. This is a new group for young people to discuss faith related topics relevant to their lives over a drink in the bar of our Pastoral Centre every second Friday of the month.
Another new initiative launched this month is the new film from the Vatican called “The Letter” which features Pope Francis. It is meant as a message for our earth and produced by the Oscar-winning production company ‘Off the Fence Productions’.
The documentary (watch it here) highlights the concept of dialogue to combat climate change. The voices from people in the peripheries get heard in a process where they are often ignored.
Seven years after the launch of the encyclical Laudato Si’ and the Parish Climate agreement on climate change, the time for speculation, skepticism, and irresponsible populism is over. Instead, the challenges humanity faces in caring for our planet as our common home must be resolved together. The beautiful film is “heartbreaking yet hopeful and a wake-up call for people to get serious, meet and act together — act now” (source: Vatican News).
To celebrate seven years of Laudato Si’, an anniversary monument was placed in our church on the Feast Day of St. Francis.
Our parish Laudato Si’ group will offer a presentation in church on All Saints Sunday 30th October at 11.15.
Besides all these exciting events, October is of course also the month of the Rosary and of World Mission. Both will be celebrated with the Blessing of Rosaries on 9th October and World Mission Sunday on 23rd October. Please follow our website for more news.
I wish you all a very rewarding month.