Last Sunday, Our Lady of Lourdes parish in Lee was visited by Bishop
Patrick Lynch, auxiliary in Southwark, and a representative from aid
agency CAFOD for a special service and shared lunch to celebrate
receiving the award, which recognises the parish's commitment to live
more more simply, in solidarity with people in poverty, and sustainably
with creation.
Bishop Lynch presented it to livesimply group
representatives Kathy Salmon and Mike Conway.
The parish has promoted Fairtrade and ethical shopping, reduced its
carbon footprint after auditing its energy use, saved resources by
recycling and installing a water butt and has continued in its
commitment to address local needs, through support for Lee Oasis and the
local foodbank.
Jillie Smithies, organiser of the parish's livesimply group said:m"We have been a long time on this journey. We are proud to have got
to this point and achieved the award. But this doesn't mark the end,
it's just one step along the road. There are so many other things we
want to do."
There are now over 20 parishes across England and Wales who have been
awarded livesimply status. To gain the award, the parish had to create a
plan based on current activities and new projects they would like to
undertake to demonstrate how they had made changes to live more
sustainably. They are now hoping that their example will inspire others
across the country to also take up a more simple way of living.
CAFOD representative Sarah Hagger-Holt said: "I am so pleased that Lee have put so many good practices in place so
that they can be awarded the livesimply award. By coming together as a
community and implementing changes in their everyday lives, they are
going to make a difference not just locally but also nationally by
inspiring others to follow their lead."
If you would like to know how you can become a livesimply parish or school, please visit: www.cafod.org.uk/livesimply