Newsletter - 8 September
The Season of Creation
The Season of Creation is the annual Christian celebration (1 September to 4 October, Feast of St. Francis of Assisi) during which time Christians reflect on their relationships between God, people and all creation and come together for prayer and action to demonstrate their love and commitment for our common home.
This year, the theme “Hope and act with Creation" and the symbol “The first-fruits of hope" are inspired by St. Paul in his letter to the Romans. (8:19-25):
“For we know that up to the present time all of creation groans with pain, like the pain of childbirth. But it is not just creation alone which groans; we who have the Spirit as the first of God's gifts also groan within ourselves, as we wait for God to set our whole being free. For it was by hope that we were saved."
During the Season of Creation, we are invited to consider how hope doesn't mean passively to wait or stand still but rather being actively engaged. Noticing what moves us, we can discern how to put our gifts and talents to use, because our earthly home is in great need. Christian hope is not superficial but rather has deep roots in the Creator's plans. We see ourselves as part of the bigger picture and rejoice in boundless creative possibilities for the common good.
In his message Pope Francis encourages us “to live an incarnational faith, one that can enter into the suffering and hope-filled flesh of others; to join forces to help to rethink the question of human power, its meaning and its limits." This 'incarnational faith' creates harmony among women and men and should be extended to creation as a path to salvation for our common home. The Pope goes on saying that with the assistance of the Holy Spirit we must seek to live “a life that becomes a song of love of God, for humanity, with and for creation, and that finds its fullness in holiness."
Let's come together as a parish community to worship, to celebrate and give thanks for the goodness of creation and recognise our responsibility to care for this wonderful gift.
A variety of events have been and are being advertised to mark this season of creation in our parish. Come along and be part of the celebration!
Our Common Home Team
Focus of the Week
SEASON OF CREATION 2024
To hope and act with Creation A time to renew our relationship with our Creator and all creation
WHAT'S ON
Saturday 7 and Sunday 8 September
Novena to St Francis Exhibition in the large hall.
Season of Creation Lunch Tickets will be available from 7 September after mass or from the parish office.
Suggested donation adult £10, child £5 after masses on 7, 14, 21, 28 September
Produce Table There will be a table outside the entrance doors each weekend where you can leave any surplus food produce from your garden or allotment, to share with other parishioners. All are welcome to take any of this produce home.
Thursday 19 September
Creation Celebration at the BT Club
Saturday 28 September
Creation Mass at 5.30pm
Sunday 29 September
Creation Mass at 9.00 am and 11.00 am
Creation Celebration – Vegetarian Lunch (provided by the restaurant Lizzie's Cucina) and bar with Fairtrade wine
Friday 4 October
St Francis’ Feast Day – Care for Creation Rosary