September 2014 was a transformative time for climate action and we were part of it! Congrégation de Notre-Dame Sisters and staff were on the ground in New York City and more sisters and associates participated in sister marches across Canada. We succeeded in bringing what was then seen as a ‘special interest’ issue that only a few should be concerned with, to becoming a widespread movement that involves everyone and touches every part of our lives. In follow-up to this, the Encyclical Laudato Si has provided a road map for the world with the concept of Integral Ecology. It seems that since then our challenges have been increasing. The power and enthusiasm of mass mobilization is needed more than ever. Plans are underway for what is now being called the People’s Climate Movement. This time centre stage on April 29 will be Washington DC instead of New York. The focus is action on climate change that will create jobs, healthier communities, and a better future. A diverse coalition of groups has come together – faith, environmental, labour, student, environmental and racial justice, and more. Hundreds of sister marches are being planned across the United States. So far there are Canadian marches being planned in Tofino, Vancouver, Kelowna, Edmonton, Prince Albert, Regina, Sudbury, Thunder Bay, Bancroft Toronto, and Ottawa. Stay tuned to hear about an event near you, if you are not close to one of these locations. We invite you to be part of this important movement through participating in a local march, involving your local church and through prayer. For more information see https://peoplesclimate.org/
For two hours each week a group of women gather to prayerfully knit or crochet a shawl for someone in need of comfort from illness, grief or any other difficulty.
One of the many Prayer Shawl Ministry websites describes the activity in the following manner: “Compassion and the love of knitting/crocheting have been combined into a prayerful ministry and spiritual practice which reaches out to those in need of comfort and solace, as well as in celebration and joy. Blessings are prayed into every stitch. Whether they are called Prayer Shawls, Comfort Shawls, Peace Shawls, or Mantles, etc., the shawl maker begins with prayers and blessings for the recipient. The intentions are continued throughout the creation of the shawl. Upon completion, a final blessing is offered before the shawl is sent on its way.”
