Holy Family Parish, Mt Druitt, has received two prestigious environmental awards for its climate and environmental action commitments. These awards make the parish the fourth Catholic church in Australia and the second in NSW to be recognised by the Five Leaf Eco-Awards.
The Five Leaf Eco-Awards Basic Certificate and Eco Worship Awards acknowledge the many actions the church has taken, including establishing an environmental action group, installing solar panels, a water tank, draft sealing, worms and a native garden, including ecotheology quotes in their parish bulletin, holding sustainability workshops and education, including a Lenten carbon fast, participating in the Season of Creation and the launch of their Earth Ministry, using a Creation Eucharistic prayer and creating an environmental walk around the parish.
Parish Priest Fr Greg Jacobs SJ said the parish was deeply encouraged by the awards, and keen to continue their commitment to care for God’s Creation.
Sue Martin, Ecology Project Officer with the Australian Province of the Society of Jesus (Jesuits), and chair of the Cattai Hills Environment Network, visited the church to present their award. She said, “It’s wonderful to see another Catholic parish earn one of these prestigious awards, and living out the spirit of Pope Francis’ environmental encyclical Laudato Si’.”
The Five Leaf Eco-Awards are an ecumenical environmental change initiative for Australian churches and religious organisations founded in 2008 to assist, inspire and reward churches for environmental action. The Five Leaf Eco-Awards are non-competitive, with churches completing tasks from a list of flexible criteria to earn each certificate. There are currently seven awards of varying difficulty available. The Five Leaf Eco-Awards operate nationally and across denominations. Find out more or apply for an award on behalf of your church here: www.fiveleafecoawards.org
With thanks to Five Leaf Eco Awards.
