AS Rosanne Fischer, JPIC Coordinator
"We human beings have not created the web of life. We are but one thread within it. Whatever we do to the web, we do to ourselves. All things are bound together. All things connect" --Chief Seattle
These wise words of our predecessor on this continent ring true in clarion call to us, the current residents of this land. Our planet cries out as never before, beseeching us to pay attention, to change our ways, to walk more gently upon Mother Earth. Francis of Assisi heard the call over 800 years ago and lived a life that witnessed to the brother and sisterhood of all creation. We are created by the same Source, all connected and all related.
Pope Francis has emphasized the “...moral imperative of assessing the impact of our every action and personal decision on the world around us” (Laudato Si, #208). “Climate restoration is of utmost importance. We need to do everything in our capacity to limit global average temperature rise to under the threshold of 1.5 Celsius.” (World Day of Prayer for Care of Creation)
Considering this wonderful planet that sustains and nurtures us, surely there is more each of us can do in the spirit of gratitude and reciprocity. It begins with small things done with great love and thanksgiving, many within our own households, such as: composting; gardening; planting a pollinator garden; eliminating the use of harsh chemicals in our cleaning products and lawn care; reducing our use of plastics; recycling; wearing things until they are worn out; reducing consumption. Christi Hartwell has given us very good ideas through this newsletter.
Now our FSLF community has initiated the One Planet Fund, which we hope will extend our reach. We are offering seed money for small groups in parishes, schools and neighborhoods, to take actions that are life giving for the Earth. Grants will be dispersed three times annually; the maximum amount is $1,000. Applications are due November 1, February 1 and July 1. The project was conceived of as a way to encourage climate action within Central Minnesota, but projects linked with our FSLF Associates in Latin America may also be considered. Associates in other parts of the United States are encouraged to apply for a similar grant through the Catholic Climate Covenant (see: godsplanet.us/grants).
We all carry the weight of rising temperatures and sea levels, destruction of the Earth’s lungs (our forests and the desertification of once-arable land), increased wildfires and drought. Let us alleviate the stress by doing something positive and life giving for ourselves, the poorest among us (who are often the first affected by climate change) and our Earth. Let us support one another as we act together within our communities to create Earth-centered art, plant native landscapes, create educational programs, hold Green Fairs and festivals, develop liturgies and retreats centered on care of the Earth and our relatedness to all of creation, plan for community-wide composting and clean-up of waste sites, etc.
“Let us sing as we go. May our struggles
and our concern for this planet
never take away the joy of our hope.”
(Pope Francis, LS #244)
Guidelines and application:
For more information, contact Elizabeth Rydeen at erydeen@fslf.org or Rosanne Fischer at rfischer@fslf.org.
World Cleanup Day is Saturday, September 18!
EARTHDAY.ORG has partnered with World Cleanup Day to encourage individuals around the world to get outside and clean up their communities from now through the end of September. This is a global effort in conjunction with Let's Do It World, National CleanUp Day and Keep America Beautiful.
You can make a difference by cleaning up your favorite park, trail or space in your community. Gather your family or friends and register a clean-up at earthday.org to show that you're participating. Each one of us can make a difference.
We would love to hear how you served!
