Caring for our Earth is a requirement of our faith, as through this practice we become stewards of creation. In doing so, we are compelled to live and act in ways that protect the well-being of the planet and its inhabitants, whether human or non-human, in caring for creation we show respect and love to the Creator. Our bond to creation primordially calls us to be advocates and disciples in the current issues that environmentally threaten the integrity of our planet. The mitigation of human-induced climate change affects us all and the future of our younger generations.
“Concern for the environment thus needs to be joined to a sincere love for our fellow human beings and an unwavering commitment to resolving the problems of society.” — Pope Francis, Laudato Si', 91
March 20, 2022
We are all interconnected! That is the theme of the afternoon on Sunday, March 20 from 1-3pm, in the Koenig Center. There will be a presentation facilitated by a representative of the Archdiocese Office of Human Dignity & Solidarity and local team members, followed by a reception with light refreshments and time for Q&A. We will talk about the Laudato Si' goals and how they relate to our parish and each one of us. This is not about making a commitment, but to hear about the approach and possibilities for St. Joseph Parish.
Click Here to sign up for this engaging afternoon. Spouses or any other interested adults are also invited to join us.
Laudato Si’ is Pope Francis’ insightful encyclical on Caring for Our Common Home. It stresses how all life on earth is interconnected in an intricate web called “integral ecology”. Recognizing this integral ecology where everything is connected, we are urged to hear and respond to the ”cry of the earth and the cry of the poor.”
The Laudato Si Action Platform (LSAP) is an opportunity for parishes to embrace a new collaborative, faith-based approach in Caring for our Common Home. This approach begins with the development of a Creation Care Committee, which includes members from across all parish ministries, staff, and clergy working towards an integral ecology. All parish ministries/staff/clergy reflect on the Laudato Si’ Goals and work together to break down the silos, bridge communication, set collaborative goals, work more effectively together, and amplify the impact of those efforts and activities to respond to the ”cry of the earth and the cry of the poor.”
Why This Is Important
I thank you for your interest and support in bringing the Laudato Si’ movement to life here at our parish. My hope and prayer is that this universal topic of care for all of God’s creation can be a fruitful avenue for bringing new life to all ages in our faith community as we find a new sense of “normal” in 2022 and beyond.
I hope to see you on March 20.
Blessings,
Louise Przywara
"Creation is not a property, which we can rule over at will; or, even less, is the property of only a few: Creation is a gift, it is a wonderful gift that God has given us, so that we care for it and we use it for the benefit of all, always with great respect and gratitude." Pope Francis
September Green Tip
SUPPORT RENEWABLE ENERGY
Electricity generation contributes significantly to earth warming greenhouse gas emissions. Consider and shop green electricity sources for your home. Here’s one simple way to do it. There are 2nd party providers that guarantee to repurchase certified wind power equivalent to your household demand. You reduce your environmental footprint and support/expand renewable energy. Select a provider that has no sign-on or discontinuation fees, and that enables you to be billed and serviced through your current electric utility. The process should be seamless: no equipment or service interruption required. Compare rates and select a supplier where clean energy upcharge is negligible. Explore community solar as another easy way to support renewable energy. Compare to: www.aepenergy.com/residential/renewable-energy/
Upcoming Events:
Annual Green Team Summit September 12-14
Join Faith in Place for a 3-night immersive and interactive journey into healing to reconnect to our land, body, mind, spirit, and community. From walking through vividly green wetlands in Shawnee National Forest, to touring a farm, and gathering in a racial healing circle, this virtual Summit will inspire our environmental work through healing.
https://www.greenteamsummit.org/2021-registration
Season of Creation September 1- October 4
The Season of Creation runs annually from September 1 through October 4. It is the time of year when the world’s 2.2 billion Christians are united around one shared purpose -- to pray and engage in actions to care for creation. As followers of Christ from around the globe, we share a common role as caretakers of God’s creation. We see that our wellbeing is interwoven with its wellbeing. We rejoice in this opportunity to care for our common home and the sisters and brothers who share it. Celebrate the Season of Creation with the following prayer:
CLICK HERE FOR THE 26 KEY QUOTES FROM POPE FRANCIS
Advocacy through Citizens Climate Lobby: ·Write Congress On Climate: https://cclusa.org/write ·Call Congress On Climate: https://cclusa.org/call ·Tweet Congress On Climate: https://cclusa.org/tweet ·Monthly Calling Campaign: https://cclusa.org/mcc ·Follow us on Facebook: http://cclusa.org/facebook ·Twitter: https://twitter.com/ ·Hashtag: #BipartisanClimate #GrassrootsClimate |
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