Kerry Earth Week ~ 26th September to 4th October

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Many events are scheduled to take place during Kerry Earth Week – 26th September to 4th October – including talks, walks and a concert.
Every parish in the diocese is invited to join in the week-long Diocesan Celebration of Creation and Care of Creation by hosting an event or activity during the week.

A resource booklet for parishes is free to download from http://www.dioceseofkerry.ie/page/pastoral-groups/the-diocesan-committee/. This includes Themes, Ideas for Projects, Possible Speakers/Contacts, Liturgies/Prayers/Scripture, Useful Websites, Books/Articles and Local & National Organisations.

Fr Séan McDonagh SSC will speak in Killarney on Thursday September 30th on The Challenge of Climate Change.

Kerry Earth Day is an initiative of the Kerry Diocesan Justice, Peace & Creation Committee and has been held annually since 1999 in different venues: Tralee, Béal, Gortbrack, Miltown, Killarney and Lyreacrompane. This year, its 11th anniversary, it has become a week- long celebration.

At a preparatory meeting in March members of parishes throughout the diocese came together to explore and share ideas, resources and consider what was possible and appropriate for their parish/pastoral area.

At that meeting participants were urged to read & use “The Cry of the Earth” – the Pastoral Reflection on Climate Change by the Irish Catholic Bishops. Particular attention was drawn to the section: What Your Parish Can Do. In this Cardinal Brady writes, “I encourage all people of good will to reflect urgently on how we can work together to take more responsible care of our planet now and for the sake of generations yet unborn”.

The pastoral reflection also urges all parishes to enrol in an environmental programme, like Eco Congregation Ireland!

‘Every action taken in favour of a just and more sustainable environment, no matter how small, has an intrinsic value’. The Cry of the Earth.

For further information re Kerry Earth Week see http://www.dioceseofkerry.ie/page/pastoral-groups/the-diocesan-committee/.