"Living the Dream for the Beauty of the Earth"
The Cork Cathedral Family of Parishes was delighted to officially launch its Climate Justice Education Project, bringing together members of our parishes, community organisations and invited guests for a morning of reflection, discussion and shared commitment to caring for our common home.
Under the theme “Living the Dream for the Beauty of the Earth,” the event explored how faith, community and practical action can come together in response to the environmental challenges facing our world.
We were delighted to welcome Dr Lorna Gold, Executive Director of the Laudato Si’ Movement, as our keynote speaker. Drawing on her extensive experience in climate action, faith and ecological justice, Dr Gold spoke about responding to the call of Laudato Si’ and the role individuals and communities can play in creating meaningful change.
We were also honoured to welcome Bishop Fintan Gavin, Bishop of Cork and Ross, who officially launched the Cork Cathedral Family of Parishes Climate Justice Education Project.
The morning included presentations and discussion exploring climate justice in practice. Northside Community Enterprises (NCE) shared examples of its work through FoodCloud, Relove Paint and NCE Insulation, demonstrating how reducing waste, reusing valuable resources and improving energy efficiency can deliver both environmental and social benefits.
Our Climate Justice Journey
The Cathedral Family of Parishes Climate Justice Group is a working group representing The Cathedral, Blackpool, Ballyvolane, The Glen, St Finbarr’s South, St Patrick’s, St Peter and Paul’s and Sunday’s Well.
The group's Climate Justice journey began in 2018, prior to the formation of the Family of Parishes, when The Cathedral, Blackpool, Ballyvolane and The Glen participated in the Blue Planet Course, conducted by the SMA Wilton Climate Justice Group and facilitated by Frank Dorr and the late Eileen Lynch RIP of SHEP Earth Aware.
The Climate Justice Group subsequently received the Eco Congregation Ireland Award for integrating care of creation across the four core pillars of Spiritual, Practical, Community and Global.
Building on this work, the group is seeking to answer Pope Francis' call in Laudato Si’ towards an Ecological Conversion through the establishment of the Climate Justice Education Project.
Looking to the Future
The project will operate from the Paul Street Hub at St Peter and Paul’s Parish Centre, providing a base where Families of Parishes from across the Diocese can access climate justice resources and take part in presentations, workshops, book and film clubs, as well as opportunities to network and exchange ideas.
The project will also work to support biodiversity in the faith grounds of the Cathedral Family of Parishes and develop partnerships with organisations including Cork City Council, SHEP, Trócaire, Eco Congregation Ireland and Laudato Si’ groups, alongside other community and voluntary organisations.
Through parish newsletters, websites, social media and ongoing activities, the project hopes to raise greater awareness of Laudato Si’ and, in time, encourage Families of Parishes across the Diocese of Cork and Ross to answer its call within their own local communities.
We sincerely thank Dr Lorna Gold, Bishop Fintan Gavin, Cllr Tony Fitzgerald, all of our speakers and contributors, partner organisations, and everyone who attended and helped make the launch such a positive occasion.
Together, we can continue to care for our common home and live the dream for the beauty of the earth.
