Ecological Justice: from seed to flower |
It was an apt reflection by our Simcoe County zone rep as we kicked off a new five-year campaign on ecological justice in a three and a half hour formation session. I am so grateful for Becky Johnson and her team at St. Mary's parish in Barrie (Jack, Darlene, Joanne). They do such a great job hosting these annual gatherings for the northern part of the Toronto Archdiocese. Thank-you!
Fifteen people spent the morning of October 15th exploring the meaning of ecological justice and looking at how supporting small-scale agriculture can help reduce climate change. This was the first of 6 similar workshops offered across the whole archdiocese. For information to attend other dates click here
What a 'silent discussion' looks like. |
Participants delved into this year's D&P campaign materials by rotating through 5 different stations each named for one of the five theological principles guiding our work for the next five years: Integral Human Development, Sacredness of the Earth, Option for the Poor, The Common Good, and Solidarity. Activities ranged from negotiating climate deals to 'silent group discussion'.
We ended our time together by watching the campaign DVD for this year and praying the litany for the earth: "Encourage us Lord, that we might have the courage to press for changes by the principalities and powers of our society."