Description
Book SynopsisThe Parish as Oasis is a practical and accessible introduction to how local churches can contribute to the healing the environmental crisis. A notable feature of this book is that it does not engage with that crisis. “Climate change” can be a contentious cultural issue. And “climate despair” can be a pressing pastoral issue. By focusing on practical and accessible “experiments” that any parish can explore according to their own context and capacities, this book seeks to equip people with a hands-on understanding of the ideas unpacked in Laudato Si’. It is a book that aspires to inspire congregations to get their hands dirty, but it also plants those initiatives within a coherent eco-theology and re-locates how we think about faith and the role of church to the margins, serving as an oasis in those parts of our society that are parched and denuded.
It consists of three parts: an introductory essay that situates the theological vision of the book, a practical array of experiments that congregations can undertake to care for our common home, and a conclusion pointing people to further resources. While being intellectually rigorous, it is written in an accessible, non-technical fashion. The practical experiments draw on real-world examples, including interviews, to give each of these sections an easy magazine-like feel.
Trade Review‘[this book] relocates how we think about faith and the role of the church – not at the margins but serving instead as an oasis in those parts of our society that are parched and denuded.’
* The Catholic Post *
Every parish in Ireland should become aware of the ideas and suggestions in these pages. It is a book that will prove well worth the investment
* The Irish Catholic *
‘Bracing and engaging...full of ideas and initiatives’.
* Intercom *
‘suggestions rooted in good theology and good science...a good book for everyone to read.’
* The Furrow *
‘easy to read, immensely useful and hope-filled...I recommend it to any who wish to lead their community to do something to mitigate the effects of climate and biodiversity challenges.’
* Search Journal *
Table of ContentsHow This Book Works ................................................................. 7
Part I .......................................................................................... 11
The Church as an Oasis .............................................................. 11
Part II ......................................................................................... 21
Experiment 1: Get Connected .................................................... 21
Experiment 2: Get on Yer Bikes .................................................. 26
Experiment 3: Love the Sun ....................................................... 32
Experiment 4: Put the Lawnmower Away ................................... 38
Experiment 5: Waste Not ........................................................... 43
Experiment 6: Retrofit for the Future ......................................... 49
Experiment 7: Onward to the March ......................................... 55
Experiment 8: A Pilgrimaging People ......................................... 60
Experiment 9: Graduate to Citizen Science ................................ 65
Experiment 10: Give Up Yer Auld Poisons ................................. 71
Experiment 11: Open Up to the Community ............................ 77
Experiment 12: Sharing Is Caring .............................................. 82
Experiment 13: Books Are My (Reusable) Bag ........................... 87
Experiment 14: Tiny Forests ....................................................... 92
Experiment 15: Digital Footprints .............................................. 97
Experiment 16: Unpave Paradise .............................................. 102
Experiment 17: Seasonal Veg(etarianism) ................................. 108
Experiment 18: Advent Conspiracy .......................................... 113
Experiment 19: Money Makes the World Go Round ............... 118
Experiment 20: Worship through an Environmental Lens ........ 124
Next Steps ................................................................................ 129
