The Parish as Oasis
The Parish as Oasis is a new book by Dr Kevin Hargaden and Dr Ciara Murphy of the Jesuit Centre for Faith and Justice which offers accessible, challenging and practical ways to care for the environment. It reimagines the church as an oasis and includes 20 simple yet effective examples of how we can work together to make a difference and protect our natural environment and biodiversity. By linking environmentalism with a theology of cultivation and care, Hargaden and Murphy demonstrate how our response to the climate crisis and to cultural changes can be interwoven.
Reviews
“This is one of the few books I’ve read on our social and environmental crisis which left me more hopeful than before. It is a heartening collection of stories from the personal experience of the authors, and very much recommended for parish and personal use.” Dr Edward de Quay, Campion Hall, Oxford University
“I found this practical and inspiring in equal measure.” Marc Ó Cathasaigh TD
“Bracing and engaging… Full of ideas and initiatives, this book seems ideal fodder for groups and individuals.” Paul Clayton-Lea, Intercom Magazine
“Ecumenical in direction, this book seeks to draw readers from across the Christian spectrum. As well as being of interest to church leaders, it will be a valuable aid to pastoral workers and parishioners in avoiding the existential environmental angst by literally digging in and getting their hands dirty. It 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.” Peter Costello, The Irish Catholic
The Parish as Oasis is available from Messenger Publications and from all good bookstores. To order a copy directly from the Jesuit Centre for Faith and Justice email [email protected]
