Last Saturday, St Teresa of Lisieux hosted Caritas Brentwood, Green Christian and the Cantus Firmus choir to celebrate the end of the ecumenical initiative Season of Creation.

Taking place in the evening of the Feast of St Francis of Assisi (patron saint of ecology and care for creation), began with an introspective and reflective presentation by Siân Thomas-Cullinan, Director of Caritas Brentwood, followed by a light buffet and a Taizé service facilitated by the Cantus Firmus choir.

 

Peter Johnson, Laudato Si’ Animator and parishioner of St Teresa’s said:

“The Our Common Home group at St Teresa’s in Lexden were delighted to welcome Siân to our event marking the end of this year’s Season of Creation. We were pleased to see so many people at this event, from our own parish, other local churches, and beyond, many of whom commented on how inspiring and uplifting they found Siân’s presentation to be. A superb buffet provided by the church’s social committee was then followed by an ecumenical Taizé service in the church, which was led by the Cantus Firmus group and local Green Christians. It was wonderful to worship together with Christians of different denominations, particularly on this year’s theme of ‘Peace with Creation’, and we have already been asked when the next event will be.”

Taking the theme of this year’s season, Siân’s presentation invited us to take note of the things that we are grateful for – given to us through God and his creation – but also to recognise those things that take that joy from us. What distracts us from what is true, good, and beautiful? The reflections called us, as a people of faith, to not despair but to hope actively. Hope leads us to repentance, to change our hearts and to dwell in peace with creation.

 

Michael, Development Officer for Caritas Brentwood, added:

“It was a fantastic evening, and a great opportunity to reflect with a community on how we can move forward after the Season of Creation; how our promises and reflections should extend far beyond 4th October.”

 

We wish to thank the Our Common Home group from St Teresa’s, as well as Green Christian and the Cantus Firmus choir for collaborating to bring together a wonderful evening.

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