Care for Creation
Inspired by Pope Francis’ Encyclical, Laudato Si, we welcome people of all ages to help educate, act, and advocate on behalf of the environment. Learn more about the ministry and events happening around the Diocese and please join us for our upcoming meetings which are held every two weeks on Tuesday nights at 7pm in person and online.
“The urgent challenge to protect our common home includes a concern to bring the whole human family together to seek a sustainable and integral development, for we know that things can change. The Creator does not abandon us; He never forsakes His loving plan or repents of having created us. Humanity still has the ability to work together in building our common home.” -Pope Francis, Laudato Si
Plastic Free July
July 5
“Those who believe that our world was created by God and is inherently good are compelled to assume an even greater responsibility to care for creation, since this is the requirement of their faith.” -Pope Leo XIV
This month, we will be sharing different tips to help reduce our use of plastic in our everyday lives. This week we will focus on food prep and grocery shopping. Consider: using reusable bags when you grocery shop; avoiding plastic produce bags; using glass containers and reusable utensils for lunches; and swapping plastic wrap for beeswax wrap or bowl covers.
July 12
“The urgent challenge to protect our common home includes a concern to bring the whole human family together to seek a sustainable and integral development, for we know that things can change.” (Laudato Si, 13)
This week consider changes you can make within your household to reduce plastic waste. Could you swap your shampoo, conditioner, or body wash bottles for shampoo/conditioner and soap bars; buy toothpaste tabs or reuseable deodorant containers; use glass bottles and tablets of household cleaners (or make your own); or swap your paper towels for reuseable ones? Consider where you are buying your products and prioritize supporting companies that make an effort to reduce their own plastic use and waste.
July 19
“There is a nobility in the duty to care for creation through little daily actions…” (Laudato Si, 211)
This week, consider your plastic use when decorating for holidays and birthdays. Consider avoiding plastic decorations – or buy them once and reuse them for every birthday celebration. If you’re crafty, you could make a double-sided Christmas and Birthday banner! Think before you buy the new trendy holiday decoration – consider shopping second hand, swapping between friends, or choosing timeless items that won’t go out of style (for you!).
July 26
“Religious faith reinforces the overall desire to protect life and care for nature.” -Pope Leo XIV
Start thinking about where, with what, and how your clothing is made. Fabric like acrylic and polyester are plastic-based and are not biodegradable, which contributes heavily to the textile landfill crisis around the world. Think about who is making your clothing – many companies prioritize cheap fabrics and cheap labor, meaning they ignore the dignity of their workers through low wages, long hours, and unsafe working conditions. Consider natural fabric alternatives, buying clothes second hand, swapping clothes with friends, mending pieces when you can, and supporting companies who are transparent and ethical in their production.
Care for Creation Tips
Saint Kateri Conservation Center
Saint Kateri Conservation Center is “a national Catholic conservation group that promotes faith, integral ecology, and the diversity of life.”
“Saint Kateri Habitats program encourages individuals, families, parishes, schools, religious orders, and working landowners to restore and manage their land in ways that praise God and foster a greater connection between God, people, and nature.”
Learn more about Saint Kateri, how to register your land or garden as a Saint Kateri Habitat, or the many other programs of the Conservation Center below.
Contact Donna Stauffer by email or use the contact form below.
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