Westminster: Justice and Peace annual Open Evening

J&P speakers

Justice and Peace representatives from parishes across the Archdiocese of Westminster gathered at St John Vianney's in West Green on Wednesday evening to report what they have been doing in the past year, share ideas and plan for the future.

After a delicious supper (soup made by Fr Joe Ryan, parish priest and chair of Westminster diocese's Justice and Peace commission) and an opening prayer Jon Stricklin-Coutinho began with a report on CAFOD's climate change campaign - an issue which has been picked up J&P groups across the diocese. Fr Joe Ryan outlined his parish's plans for a cycle ride to Paris in December to join the faith gathering there for the world climate summit. His parish is also campaigning for the release of the Kurdish leader Abdullah Öcalan who has been in prison since 1999.

Bruce Kent described a number of projects St Mellitus parish in Finsbury Park is involved in - including supporting the Catholic Worker House which offers hospitality and support to destitute homeless people and asylum seekers, fundraising for the Comboni Sisters working with Bedouin women trapped in Israel. The parish is running a campaign to urge Arsenal Football Ground to pay the minimum wage to its staff. They also are campaigning against the arms trade and will be attending the demonstration against Trident this Saturday. "War and poverty go hand in hand" Bruce said. "The world is spending two trillion dollars a year on weapons."

Barbara Kentish described the first Pray and Fast for Peace which took place at St John Vianney's in November. The idea was initially proposed Yeb Sano, leader of the Filipino climate delegation in Warsaw last year. The second Pray and Fast was held at St Thomas More's parish in Manor House. The J&P group there later saw the New Year in with a Mass, and prayers for climate followed by film screenings of The Age of Stupid, and Conflict and Climate.

Many parish communities are working towards the Live Simply Award and encouraging Fair Trade produce locally. Parishes in Hanwell, Hounslow and Ealing reported their work with food banks, night shelters, organising talks, supporting overseas projects and peace prayers in collaboration with other denominations.

Our Lady of Fatima in White City participates in several CAFOD projects. The parish has strong links with a parish in Nigeria and a school in Tanzania. Several parishes said they have set up a 'Cenacle' - evenings combining prayer, reflections and plans for practical actions. At Chiswick they have a Cenacle. The Comboni Sisters there are very involved with trafficked women.

Collette Joyce from Boreham Wood said her parish J&P work includes running a food bank, supporting Fair Trade, Caritas and projects in South Africa. She recommended the Greenbelt festival which takes place in the summer.

Many Hertfordshire parishes are committed to Fair Trade, Live Simply, peace vigils, food banks and other projects. St Albans J&P often work collaboratively with their Anglican neighbours and are planning a series of Lenten talks.

The evening concluded with a short prayer. Fr Joe said it was encouraging and inspiring to hear about the dedication and hard work of so many people taking part in such a wide range of initiatives.

FORTHCOMING EVENTS

On Saturday, 24 January, peace groups will be heading for the centre of London to join the mass demonstration at 1pm against the renewal of Trident - wrapping the Houses of Parliament and Ministry of Defence with a 'peace scarf - followed by a rally in Trafalgar Square. For more information see: www.cnduk.org/get-involved/events/item/2034-wrap-up-trident-mass-demo-in-london

Many parishes are now joining the Prayer and Fast for Climate on the first day of every month.CAFOD and Justice and Peace with be holding a Pray and Fast for the Climate at Romero House, 55 Westminster Bridge Road, London SE1 7JB on Sunday, 1 February from 7-9pm.

On 4 May 2015, the 10th St Joseph the Worker (Migrants) Mass will be celebrated at St George’s Cathedral, Southwark, Every year the three London dioceses gather together to celebrate their diverse London workforce and their families with an international liturgy bringing together parishioners from across Greater London and surrounding counties, as well as members of London Citizens and many dignitaries.

Preparatory singing workshops will take place -

In Southwark, at St Teresa’s Morden, 250 Bishopsford Road, Morden, SM4 6BZ on  Saturday 28 February 2015 1-5pm, contact Terry Brown, office@southwarkjandp.co.uk

In Brentwood, at St George’s Walthamstow, 132 Shernhall Road, E17 9HU on Saturday 21 March 1-5pm, contact Davina Bolt Davina@dioceseofbrentwood.org

For more information contact Barbara Kentish on: barbarakentish@rcdow.org.uk