The Environmental Ministry: Renewing the Face of the Earth
“Faced with the widespread destruction of the environment, people everywhere are coming to understand that we cannot continue to use the goods of the earth as we have in the past. . . . [A] new ecological awareness is beginning to emerge. . . . The ecological crisis is a moral issue.”
Pope John Paul II, The Ecological Crisis: A Common Responsibility, nos. 1, 15, December 8, 1989
Environmentalism is not a new focus within the Catholic Church. The Bible and Catholic tradition has long encouraged Christians to live in ways that are sustainable to the environment. It has become increasingly obvious that the whole human race is feeling the effects of careless environmental degradation. The Catholic community is beginning to more clearly understand the urgency of our moral obligations as we become aware of our environmental situation. Although the individual person may think they are not living in ways that directly affect the overall environment, it is often the indirect consequences of those actions that negatively impact the world situation.
- Support government policies that promote energy efficiency and renewable energy.
- Avoid use of chemical lawn and garden products. Think Organic!
- Use reusable shopping bags.
- Bike or walk for short trips.
- Try to eat a vegetarian diet one or two days per week.
- Plant a tree.
- Air dry laundry whenever possible.
- Collect rainwater and gray water (i.e., tub, sink, wash water) for use in gardening.
Mission Statement
The mission of the Environmental Ministry is to increase awareness of environmental stewardship as a moral obligation for Catholic Christians; promote conservation of resources, energy efficiency, waste reduction and recycling, pollution prevention, increased reliance on renewable resources; and coordinate outreach projects that encourage parish participation in environmental conservation activities.
Join us at our meetings and get involved!
Meeting Times: We are currently in the process of determining meeting times that would accommodate interested persons schedules. Meetings are usually held every second Monday of the month at 7 p.m. For more information, please contact Elaine Bernabe at 630.369.2768 at ebernabe@comcast.net.
More details: click link for more resources and information.
Resources for Catholic involvement in Environmental Stewardship
Resources for Messages from the Vatican regarding the Environment
Resources that promote environmental sustainability
