Catherine Devitt, Environmental Justice Officer at the Jesuit Centre for Faith and Justice sent ECI this report:
Gardiner Street Parish in north-inner city Dublin was delighted to receive an Awareness Certificate from Eco-Congregation Ireland this summer. The Certificate marks the formal beginning of Gardiner Street’s eco-journey in response to Pope Francis’ invitation to communities to value our common home.
Over recent years, the parish has implemented a number of changes to improve its eco-footprint. These include installing energy saving light-bulbs in the church to boost energy efficiency, introducing Fair-Trade products, minimising waste and improving recycling in the church building, and, with the support of Dublin City Council and Sunflower Recycling, planting pollinator-friendly plants at the front of the church building. The parish has hosted street clean-ups and presentations on caring for our common home, regularly provides eco-tips, and has handed out sunflower seeds to parishioners.
Gardiner St. Parish now looks forward to progressing its eco-journey, hopefully towards an Eco Congregation Ireland Award. If you would like to get involved, especially with our gardening ministry, please contact the parish office (01) 8363411.
