World Earth Day 22 April 2024

Do small things and do them well – make a difference this World Earth Day 22 April 2024

A prayer for our earth was published in Pope Francis’ encyclical, Laudato Si’:-

“All powerful God, you are present in the universe and in the smallest of your creatures.
You embrace with your tenderness all that exists.
Pour out upon us the power of your love, that we may protect life and beauty.
Fill us with your peace, that we may live as brothers and sisters, harming no one.
O God of the poor, help us to rescue the abandoned and forgotten of this earth, so precious in your eyes.
Bring healing to our lives, that we may protect the world and not prey on it, that we may sow beauty, not pollution and destruction.
Touch the hearts of those who look only for gain at the expense of the poor and the earth.
Teach us to discover the worth of each thing, to be filled with awe and contemplation, to recognise that we are profoundly united with every creature as we journey towards your infinite light.
We thank you for being with us each day.
Encourage us, we pray, in our struggle, for justice, love and peace.”

On Monday 22 April 2024, inspired by Pope Francis in his encyclical “Laudato Si”, we are marking “World Earth Day: Planet vs Plastics” in school through assemblies, prayer, school displays and a competition for each form to demonstrate the “small things” they have done to make a difference today e.g. bringing in a re-usable water bottle, collecting plastic bottle tops for our sustainability artwork, turning off lights at lunchtime, buying pre-loved items, picking up litter and pledging to change one small thing.

Earth Day is a worldwide event celebrated on April 22nd each year. It is a day dedicated to raising awareness about environmental issues and promoting actions to protect our planet.

Earth Day serves as a reminder that we all have a responsibility to take care of the Earth and make sustainable choices in our daily lives. It is a time to reflect on the beauty of our planet and the importance of preserving it for future generations.