St. Joseph Parish Environmental Council Respect for creation is of immense consequence, not least because “creation is the beginning and the foundation of all God’s works”,[1] and its preservation has now become essential for the pacific coexistence of mankind. Man’s inhumanity to man has given rise to numerous threats to peace and to authentic and integral human development – wars, international and regional conflicts, acts of terrorism, and violations of human rights. Yet no less troubling are the threats arising from the neglect – if not downright misuse – of the earth and the natural goods that God has given us. For this reason, it is imperative that mankind renew and strengthen “that covenant between human beings and the environment, which should mirror the creative love of God, from whom we come and towards whom we are journeying”.[2] From Pope Benedict’s World Day of Peace message, 2010 http://www.vatican.va/holy_father/benedict_xvi/messages/peace/documents/hf_ben-xvi_mes_20091208_xliii-world-day-peace_en.html We are pleased that St. Joseph’s Parish Council is committed to Catholic Social Teaching and includes an environmental component in parish life. As a faithful Catholic community, we believe that families and parishes are responsible for the changes necessary to reduce energy use, thereby saving resources (both natural and financial) and honoring God’s creation. Revised Action Plan (7/10) . Formation of a Parish Environmental Council . Membership through discernment – June, 2010 . Presentation to the Parish Council to solicit collaboration reflective of all stakeholders in the parish – financial, worship, grounds, administrative, school, etc – September, 2010 and ongoing . Half day retreat for PEC members and representatives from the various parish committees – late Fall, 2010 . Parish-wide mission that includes element of environmental justice and care for creation – Fall, 2011 . Committee work – early Spring, 2011 . Include process to hear parishioners’ concerns and be pro-active in fostering open communication. For example, this could be a survey or a listening session, with follow up one-on-one conversations. . Create a plan to implement each project, collaborating with the appropriate committee or group to be responsible for the project. . With the collaboration and agreement of each parish committee (Liturgy, Education, Finance, Stewardship, Building and Grounds, and Social Concerns). the PEC will present to the parish council a proposed plan to set goals for each parish committee – May, 2011 . Miscellaneous . Possible involvement of school, with a percentage of the proceeds realized from energy savings going to school programming – Ongoing after Winter, 2011 . Follow up with evaluation plan as proposed by PEC and accepted by Parish Council – Ongoing after Winter, 2011 Relevant links for more information http://www.catholicsandclimatechange.org/ http://www.paxchristiusa.org/pc_globalrestoration.asp http://www.catholicbishops.ie/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1560. http://www.nccecojustice.org/ http://www.webofcreation.org/ http://www.faithinplace.org/who-we-serve/Faith+Community+Members http://www.theregenerationproject.org/ And the best resource is to personally link yourself to deeper discernment through a trip to Jubilee Farm. The farm is an 111-acre center for ecology and spirituality. Programs and experiences are designed to help people understand our interdependent relationship to the whole of creation and learn how to live more sustainably with Earth. The labyrinth (an ancient symbol that can be traced back over 3,500 years; and the one replicated at Jubilee Farm is that which is embedded in the stone floor of the Cathedral of Notre Dame in Chartres, France) and walking paths help us make the connection to our faith in a unique way, and increase our appreciation of this planet we call home. FOR THE DRAFT OF INITIAL PARISH PLAN, SEE THE BOTTOM OF OUR HOME PAGE. | 
