On September 14, the streets around Holy Apostles and Martyrs Parish, Wallasey, Wirral, England, came alive with laughter and purpose. Fresh from 11 a.m. Mass, parish families—children, grandparents, and even a baby in a pram—grabbed gloves and litter-picking tools for a spirited mission: to protect and care for God’s creation. Seventeen volunteers, members of the Children’s Liturgy group and their families, turned a simple walk into a hands-on lesson in stewardship, curiosity, and community.
Armed with equipment borrowed from the parish school, they spent 45 minutes walking the nearby streets, picking up litter and discovering the impact of small acts of care. Some litter had been scattered by the wind, but the children’s curiosity and the guidance of grandparents and parents turned the task into a joyful, intergenerational adventure. One child even spotted litter near the Scout hut and plans to bring it to the attention of his leaders—a seed for ongoing community action.
For the parish, the Season of Creation is more than a date on the calendar—it is a call to action. Since 2020, the parish has celebrated with garden projects, green jobs, pet blessings, and ecumenical prayer services. This year, newly confirmed young people will help lead a Taizé service, emphasizing care for creation and prayers for peace.
The parish group Our Common Home will continue nurturing these initiatives: sustainable gardening, sharing produce and ideas, and supporting CAFOD and the local Foodbank.