News - Caring for God's Creation

With extreme weather events and severe forest fires, we are witnessing the effects of climate change. What can you do to help care for creation? One step is to calculate your “Carbon Footprint”. Click above to take a 5-minute test to calculate your impact on the environment. Depending on your answers, you will learn what you are doing to help care for creation and ways you can improve even more.

Water is the foundation of human and ecological health and covers 70% of our world.  It is essential for agriculture, sanitation, industry, recreation, energy, and maintaining natural ecosystems.  Currently, the lack of sustainable use planning, combined with population changes and climate change, has led to a lack of sufficient water supply to meet the water usage demands for different areas in the U.S. and across the globe.  Click above to visit the Environmental Protection Agency’s website and learn how to start saving more water in your home.

For over 25 years, Earth Ministry has been a national leader in engaging the faith community in environmental stewardship and advocacy. They provide numerous opportunities to put your faith into action about issues you care about. Click above to see their current action alerts, including campaigns to limit fossil fuels, support rivers, salmon, and orcas, ban toxic chemicals, and work for climate justice.

Pope Francis calls us to respond with justice "today, not tomorrow" in response to the coronavirus and climate crises. The Pope can't heal the world alone! Sign the Global Catholic Climate Movement's petition to support "the original harmony of creation and to heal strained human relationships." Click above for more information.

The Columbia-Snake River Basin was once one of the most productive salmon habitats in the world, feeding Southern Resident Orcas. Now, all four salmon and steelhead species in the Snake River are at risk of extinction. Join Earth Ministry in asking our US Senators to help bring people together and guide a comprehensive river and salmon investment package through Congress. Click above to learn more and sign onto the faith community letter.

The Columbia-Snake River Basin was once one of the most productive salmon habitats in the world, feeding Southern Resident Orcas.  Now, all four salmon and steelhead species in the Snake River are at risk of extinction.  Native nations, the People of the Salmon and sovereign co-manages of the fishery, have likewise suffered significant loss of livelihoods and culture.  Join Earth Ministry in asking our US Senators to help bring people together and guide a comprehensive river and salmon investment package through Congress. Click above for more information.

Trinh’s family are farmers in Vietnam who have been affected by climate change. What would you do if your source of nutrition was threatened? How can we support those whose livelihoods are vulnerable to weather? Visit crsricebowl.org to read more about Trinh and her family. There’s even a video! You can also try a meatless recipe from Vietnam on a Friday during Lent.

The Nature Conservancy has developed a Carbon Calculator that helps you calculate your personal “carbon footprint”.  Use this interactive tool to discover your impact on the environment and find ways to reduce it.  Click above to learn more. 

October is Fair Trade Month and Equal Exchange is celebrating by discounting their chocolate mini bars just in time for Halloween.  Americans purchase nearly 600 million pounds of candy a year for Halloween and about 90 million pounds of chocolate candy the week of Halloween.  Imagine how much good could be done with that purchasing power!  Help support fair wages, promote environmentally sustainable policies, and empower communities around the world.  Visit https://equalexchange.coop/ today to order your chocolates!  #FairTradeHalloween

What does global climate change mean? What is the big deal with carbon? What is the greenhouse effect? How do we know the climate is changing? What is happening to the oceans? What can we do to help? What else do we need to find out? Check out this website for interesting topics, answers to questions, games, and other information designed specifically for youth. And who know, adults might also learn a few things!

Food, shelter and clothing—three basic needs.  We rely on these necessities for our everyday life, but what happens when our abundant use of these items begins to harm the very environment in which we live?  As consumers we have the power to change our habits, choose sustainable options and care for creation! Click above to learn more.

NOAA, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration says its concern about pollution from released balloons is growing and harming marine life. It is trying to use social media to discourage or end the practice of helium balloon releases at weddings, parties, sporting and other events. "Marine animals can ingest balloons or become entangled by their attachments, causing great injury and even death," they said. In addition, helium is a limited resource. There are many other ways to celebrate special events-without harming other innocent creatures!

Have you heard the terms “Fair Trade” or “Ethical Trade” and wondered what that’s all about?  Are you interested in making more conscious and earth-friendly purchases but aren’t sure where to start?  In the world of ethical trade there’s a lot to learn!  Just as we grow in faith, it takes time, energy and intentionality to live a sustainable life.  Click above to learn more.

Join our faith community – and more than 14,000 Catholic communities across the United States – in a life-changing Lenten journey of encounter with Catholic Relief Services Rice Bowl. Get your Rice Bowl at any of the Ash Wednesday services, in the school, or in the parish office. During the 40 days of Lent, we will encounter the needs of the world. Remember to download the CRS Rice Bowl app!