Newsletter - 3 December 2023
PARISH NEWS
COP28 - UN CLIMATE CONFERENCE
30 November – 12 December - Dubai
What needs to happen?
“The land shall not be sold in perpetuity, for the land is mine; with me you are but aliens and tenants" (Lev 25:23)
Pope Francis is so determined to call for climate action at COP28 that he is attending the talks and delivering a speech on Saturday 2 December. We should listen to his heartfelt call. In the Apostolic Exhortation Laudate Deum (Praise God) the Pope appeals to climate change deniers everywhere and foot-dragging politicians to have a change of heart, saying they cannot gloss over human causes or deride science while the planet “may be nearing the breaking point". Failure in Dubai, Pope Francis says, “will be a great disappointment and jeopardise whatever good has been achieved so far." To make COP28 an historic event that honours and ennobles us as human beings, the Pope expects obligatory and readily monitored energy transition targets:
1. Phasing out fossil fuels
2. No new fossil fuel extraction or exploration projects
3. Funds to help countries adapt to the changing climate
4.Commitment to the Loss and Damage fund
Ecological problems are connected to other human and social problems and all of us ought to be involved in exerting a healthy pressure on governments and international bodies realising that the future of our children is at stake. Pope Francis acknowledges that “efforts by households to reduce pollution and waste, and to consume with prudence, are creating a new culture that is contributing to greater concern about the unfulfilled responsibilities of the political sectors and indignation at the lack of interest shown by the powerful." Maximum economic gain at minimum cost ignores the most vulnerable and technological developments can isolate us from the world around us but he reminds Catholics and those of other faiths that “authentic faith transforms life, transfigures our goals and sheds light on our relationship to others and with creation as a whole" and “When human beings claim to take God's place, they become their worst enemies".
How can I get involved?
Pray for our common home: Bring Pope Francis' COP28 message to the streets of London and march on Saturday, 9 December,11.45-14:00 (register at Cafod website)
Share Pope's Francis message with your MP (see Cafod website)
Join the Our Common Home Team - you can also ask the Parish Office
Helena Worley
Our Common Home Team
Focus of the Week
Rorate Mass for Advent
During the Fridays of Advent (Dec. 8, 15, and 22) we will be celebrating the “Rorate Mass,” at 7:00 am. This is a Mass in honour of the Blessed Virgin Mary and is traditionally celebrated in candlelight just before dawn. The name comes from the opening words of the Entrance Antiphon, “Rorate caeli desuper,” Latin for “Drop down dew, ye heavens.” (Isaiah 45:8).
The Mass is 30 minutes and will be followed by a simple breakfast in the large hall.
Advent Giving Calendar
In our parish we want to join a campaign run by Caritas Westminster during this special time, to support the food projects who are providing support for many in difficulty in our communities.
The Advent Giving Calendar suggests items to donate each day in December. It’s a tool to help to collect extra donations for the busy Christmas and winter period. Bring the collected items to the parish and a dedicated team from OCH will take them to the North Enfield Food Bank for you.