Justin Kilcullen provided ECI with the following report on the award ceremonies:
On 19 November 2017 Sr Catherine Brennan, representing Eco-Congregation Ireland, presented to St James Church of Ireland Crinken and St Anne’s RC parishes in Shankill, County Dublin their plaques, having successfully been awarded Eco Parish status following their assessment in late October. This ecumenical endeavour began in October 2015 when the two parishes founded Shankill Action for a Green Earth – SAGE, to raise awareness, both in their congregations and in the wider Shankill community, of climate change and our responsibilities as Christians and citizens to counter its impact on the poorest peoples and on the planet. The presentation of the plaques took place in two separate ceremonies following the main Sunday service in each church.
Catherine Brennan SSL had this to say at the end of the award ceremony in St Anne’s:
‘Today it is appropriate to conclude with Pope Francis’ words of hope ‘Inner peace is closely related to care for ecology and for the common good, because lived out authentically, it is reflected in a balanced life style together with a capacity for wonder which takes us to a deeper understanding of life’. May we be inspired by these words to move towards a balanced life style in order to protect our common home and live in harmony with all God’s creation’.
SAGE is now part of the SEAI Sustainable Energy Communities programme and is embarking on a project to reduce the carbon footprint of Shankill by five per cent over the coming three years. This work will be supported by the parish based programme of talks, liturgical events and engagement with political representatives in continuing to raise awareness.
The pastor of Crinken, Rev Trevor Stevenson, and the parish priest of St Anne’s, Fr John O’Connor participated in the events. The photo above shows Sr Catherine with Fr O’Connor and Justin Kilcullen, Convenor of SAGE.