As stewards of God’s creation, we are called to care for the earth. Inspired by Pope Francis’ encyclical Laudato Si’, the Columban Missionaries work to promote ecological justice, restore biodiversity, and foster a deep love for God’s creation. Catholic schools in Britain play a vital role in forming young hearts and minds in this mission, fostering an ethos of care and responsibility for the environment. One such school, St. Ambrose Barlow Catholic Primary School in Birmingham, is embedding environmental action into its daily life, encouraging students to become ‘pilgrims of hope’ for creation.
The partnership
St. Ambrose Barlow has developed a close relationship with the Columban Missionaries in Britain over the last few years, a collaboration that has flourished naturally due to their proximity to the Columban Headquarters in Solihull. The school has worked previously with James Trewby, Columban JPE Co-ordinator on a number of social justice initiatives and has eagerly embraced the opportunity to engage in Columban environmental programmes more recently.
One key initiative has been building a partnership with the Higaonon community on the island of Mindanao in the Philippines, where students have learnt about the impacts of climate change on people’s lives. James Trewby is the Columban JPE Co-ordinator in Britain and organises and leads many of the Columbans’ educational programmes in the region. He explains, “St. Ambrose Barlow have been extremely generous and have pledged annual donations to support the tree-planting efforts of the Higaonon indigenous people. This ensures students take real action in response to their learning.” James adds, “Additionally, year five students from the school have participated in an eco-retreat here at the Columbans house in Solihull. This aimed to deepen their connection to creation and experience the joy of outdoor learning – mud and all!” This initiative has now expanded to involve other local Catholic primary schools, which strengthens the local community’s commitment to creation care.
A curriculum rooted in Catholic Social Teaching
At St. Ambrose Barlow, Catholic Social Teaching is central to all learning. “Our school’s mission is clear!” explains Headteacher, Jon Clinton, “Students follow the National Curriculum, but always through a Catholic lens. Our collaboration with the Columbans aligns perfectly with this mission, ensuring students develop the skills, experiences, and confidence to make a real difference in the world.”
The school embraces the simplicity and action-driven focus of the Columbans’ approach. Inspired by their house saint, St. Teresa of Calcutta, students understand that small actions done with great love can transform the world.
“Our relationship with the Columbans and our ongoing participation in Columban eco-retreats, INSET days and workshops is about more than just education, I believe it’s about formation.” explains Jon. The school aims to instil a lifelong passion for stewardship in its students, preparing them to take their faith and environmental responsibility forward into secondary education and beyond. Inspired by Catherine of Siena’s words, “Be who God intended and set the world on fire,” students leave with a fire for justice and creation care.
Integrating Laudato Si’ teachings
“Our school actively integrates Laudato Si’ into its ethos, ensuring students understand that care for creation is a call to action.” Jon says, “Our school prayer garden is a hub of activity, where students plant, compost, and care for the land in a setting of reflection and connection with God’s creation.”
The school is also involved in CAFOD’s Live Simply programme, embedding sustainability into daily life. A recent initiative saw the entire school community experience a day without electricity, reflecting on the privilege of easy access to power and the responsibility it brings.
Exploring the Pope’s Jubilee 2025
To celebrate the Pope’s Jubilee 2025, St. Ambrose Barlow students are exploring what ‘hope’ means for their future and the planet. The school has already launched the Jubilee year with a year four assembly and a diocese-wide live stream, focusing on re-establishing a relationship with creation. “Our collaboration with St. Ambrose Barlow supports this Jubilee focus by providing opportunities for students growing up in Birmingham to experience, learn about and care for, the natural world.” explains James.
The school community is also using the Jubilee to reflect on deeper questions, for example, ‘What does the Gospel’s Good News look like in a world facing rising sea levels?’ and ‘How do we respond to deforestation and environmental injustice?’ as well as ‘How can we be part of the solution?’ all of which ties in with the objectives of the Columbans’ educational programmes.
An invitation to educators
Jon’s message for schools considering involvement with the Columbans in Britain is simple: get involved! “Visit the Columban grounds, explore their different programmes, and give your students the chance to stand up for creation. Through faith-driven action, schools can empower students to be the pilgrims of hope that Pope Francis calls for, bringing the Good News to a world in urgent need of care and renewal.” he explains.
Those interested in finding out more about Columban programmes designed to inspire young people to explore the relationship between faith and action are encouraged to make contact with James Trewby via email: education@columbans.co.uk.