Compassionate and loving God,
you created the world for us all to share,
a world of beauty and plenty.
Create in us a desire to live simply,
so that our lives may reflect your generosity.
Creator God,
You gave us responsibility for the earth,
a world of riches and delight.
Create in us a desire to live sustainably,
so that those who follow after us
may enjoy the fruits of your creation.
God of peace and justice,
You give us the capacity to change,
to bring about a world that mirrors your wisdom.
Create in us a desire to act in solidarity,
so that the pillars of injustice crumble
and those now crushed are set free.
Amen.
Linda Jones / CAFOD
Launch weekend
The congregation at all Masses on the weekend of 29/30th September 2012 were introduced to the St James' LiveSimply project. We were delighted to welcome Jim Simmons of the CAFOD Southwark office who talked about how he had witnessed first hand the results of CAFOD's involvement in countries such as Zambia, South Sudan and China. He thanked the parishioners of St James' for their magnificent response to the Lent Fast Day appeal when they raised £3,600 (before the government £ for £ matching). It was encouraging to hear that CAFOD is making a real difference to HIV/AIDS victims in Africa and how vital it is to provide food for them in order that the antiretroviral drugs work effectively. The proceeds of the Harvest Fast Day appeal "Room for one more?" will therefore be used to fund programmes which help people with food and feeding themselves.
Jim finished his talk by thanking St James' for making a commitment to LiveSimply and wishing the parish well for the exciting journey ahead. The parish banner was paraded and displayed prominently by young people and special bidding prayers were read by other young people. At the end of Mass, Jim presented Fr Bryan with the LiveSimply registration certificate and Fr Bryan accepted the challenge on behalf of the parish. Just before the final blessing the congregation joined together in saying the LiveSimply prayer. Harvest Fast Day envelopes and flyers introducing the LiveSimply scheme were handed out after Mass.