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LiveSimply

BEgreenjpgLIVE SIMPLY

 

This section of the website reflects St Mary's Woolton's  'LiveSimply' journey.  To follow Bishop Eton's journey visit https://www.bishopeton.org.uk/live-simply.html

In March 2024 both parishes were awarded the Live Simply Award.
In September 2025 the parishes of Our Lady of the Annunciation Bishop Eton, St Mary's Woolton and St John Vianney joined forces to form LiveSimplyTogether

Purpose:

Purpose:

We care about Creation and we care about people who are living in poverty. 

We celebrate the wonders of the natural world and the diversity of our brothers and sisters, both here and right across the planet.

We are really worried about the impact that the climate crisis and other environmental threats are having on our world, particularly the impact on the poor.

We are committed to promote a variety of actions and initiatives across our two Parishes, which will help us to live out our faith by caring for our common home. 

Aim

We aim to be a catalyst for change, inspiring the parishioners of Bishop Eton and St Mary's to live more simply, more sustainably and in greater solidarity with the poor.  

Patron

Prior to his death in April 20206 Fr Jim Casey C.Ss.R was our patron, there are no plans to replace him.

Contact details

For further information and to help with the project contact Pauline Volk  at

 

LIVESIMPLY

 We aim to live more simply, sustainably and in solidarity with others. 

The first United Nations Sustainable Transport Day will be marked this week, on Wednesday, 26 November.

Whether it’s for work or for pleasure, the choices we make on how we get from one place to another — driving, flying, ferrying, biking, scooting, and public transportation, can have a significant impact on carbon emissions. Making informed lifestyle choices when it comes to transport can help us protect the environment and the many communities threatened by a changing climate, while also improving air quality — a win-win!

Some questions for us to ponder about travelling:

  • Is our destination within walking or biking distance? If so, why not enjoy being outside when circumstances allow?
  • What public transport options are available to get to our destinations?
  • Could we use a bus or train sometimes instead of the car?
  • Is car sharing an option to get to work or do the school run a few times a week or month?
  • Are you planning a holiday next year?
  • Can you reduce the number of flights you take annually by combining trips or using alternative transportation like train or bus?
  • If you are thinking of changing your car is an electric or hybrid car a possibility (preferably second hand)?
  • Could you manage with a smaller car?
  • Can we decide to make a difference on 26th and beyond, even in what seems a small way. Great oaks grow from tiny acorns!

LIVESIMPLY MESSAGE 9.11.25

 We aim to live more simply, sustainably and in solidarity with others. 

The United Nations Conference on Climate Change’, COP 30, begins this week in Brazil as we are learning the full devastation of Hurricane Melissa.

Here in the UK, the government has just published its current position on responding to climate change to increase our resilience. But over 93% of climate-vulnerable countries are trapped in a debt crisis, undermining their ability to respond to climate related disasters and protect their communities.

Please pray for the success of the Conference, for the generosity of richer countries and for all the communities who are suffering the worst effects of our changing climate.

‘God of blessings, the universe sings of your glory. Deepen our gratitude for all you have made and awaken in us a renewed commitment to care for the earth and each other. Inspire World Leaders at COP30, with openness to listen to those most affected by climate change and with courage to act urgently and wisely, so that our common home may be healed and restored and all people, and generations to come, may delight in it’.  Amen.

LIVESIMPLY MESSAGE 2.11.25

 We aim to live more simply, sustainably and in solidarity with others. 

Remember the slogan ‘Put Christ back into Christmas’?

  • Can we challenge ourselves to make the Christmas of this Jubilee Year a time to make this happen by living more simply, sustainably and in solidarity with the poor?
  • When choosing Christmas gifts can we opt for ethical/pre-loved or buy from charities?
  • Can we include Fairtrade food and drink on our festive menus?
  • Can we avoid plastic decorations, perhaps in favour of making our own using natural materials?
  • Choose charity or recycled cards and buy them from charity shops?
  • Move towards sending more electronic greetings and donating the money saved to help people who cannot even afford food?

For lots of ideas take a look at:

https://www.ethicalconsumer.org/ethical-christmas/your-alternative-christmas-shopping-list

LIVESIMPLY MESSAGE 26.10.25

 We aim to live more simply, sustainably and in solidarity with others. 

The Live Simply teams at St Mary's, St John Vianney and Bishop Eton have come together as Live Simply Together.

The 16 October was World Food Day.

In 2024 673 million people (8.2% of the global population) faced chronic hunger. Here in the UK, we buy food we don’t eat and just throw it away. Food waste contributes to the world food crisis. There is enough food to feed everyone; but one fifth of food produced for human consumption is lost or wasted globally. You can help by planning meals ahead and only buying what you need. Let us pray for all those suffering from hunger that food aid is able to reach them. Lord Jesus, you understand what it is like to be hungry. Teach us to have grateful and generous hearts. Forgive us when we make selfish choices or remain silent in the face of injustice.

LIVESIMPLY MESSAGE 19.10.25

 We aim to live more simply, sustainably and in solidarity with others. 

‘Live Simply is all about caring for our common home, reducing our impact by reusing and recycling and reducing our consumption of goods.

During the Month of the Holy Rosary perhaps we should offer Rosary Prayers for our planet. Especially for guidance for world leaders, that they will listen seriously to the science of climate change and adopt approaches to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and invest in renewable energy.

LIVE SIMPLY TOGETHER

"The Live Simply teams at St John Vianney, St Mary's and Bishop Eton have come together as Live Simply Together.

LIVESIMPLY MESSAGE 12.10.25

 We aim to live more simply, sustainably and in solidarity with others. 

International Walk to School Day’ was on the 1 October. But there is still time to join in during the rest of October.

Walking to school rather than driving helps by:

  • Reducing fuel consumption.
  • Helping to reduce air pollution and impact on climate change.
  • And helps you and your children add to your healthy exercise.

Even 1 day a week can help.

HOME ENERGY EVENT 10.7.25

On 10 July, the LiveSimply team presented an informal Home Energy evening, providing attendees with practical information about making our houses more energy efficient; a key part of living sustainably.
 
 HomeEnergy 1  HomeEnergy 2

Dan Colby, the specialist environmental consultant who lead the event, explained the practicalities and benefits associated with ground source heat pumps, solar panels and various forms of insulation. The subsequent discussion expanded to include how we could make the Church buildings more energy efficient, net zero and global warming.
 HomeEnergy 3  HomeEnergy 4

The audience of 25 parishioners from across Bishop Eton and St Mary’s were all impressed by Dan’s knowledge and experience - not to mention his affable and humorous presentation style - and left with renewed determination to live sustainably with Creation.

LIVESIMPLY MESSAGE 28.9.25

 We aim to live more simply, sustainably and in solidarity with others. 

“Praised be You, my Lord, through Brother Fire, through whom You light the night.”

Energy fuels our lives, but it is costly for those who can’t afford safe cooking or lighting. Some Fairtrade premiums help families switch from harmful open fires to cleaner, safer stoves. This week, reduce your own energy use—turn off lights, unplug devices—and support a Fairtrade product that helps others do the same.

https://www.fairtrade.org.uk/fairtrade-fortnight-2025/

 

LIVESIMPLY MESSAGE 21.9.25

 We aim to live more simply, sustainably and in solidarity with others. 

“Praised be You, my Lord, through Sister Water, which is very useful and humble and precious and pure.”

Clean water is a blessing, yet many farmers in developing countries struggle to access it for their crops. As we begin Fairtrade fortnight, conserve water at home and choose Fairtrade produce that supports communities in building wells and irrigation systems. Each purchase can help provide this most basic necessity.

https://www.fairtrade.org.uk/fairtrade-fortnight-2025/