 
March 14, 2012
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FROM A DIOCESE
San Jose Bishop Asks Catholics to Renew St. Francis Pledge
In 2009, the Diocese of San Jose formed the Catholic Green Initiative and asked all members of the Diocese to take the St. Francis Pledge to Care for Creation and the Poor. On March 9, 2012, Bishop Patrick J. McGrath observed that “[i]n the intervening years [since 2009] we have seen how environmental degradation and climate change are affecting God’s creation, including people here and all over the world. This is a particular tragedy because it is the poorest and most vulnerable who suffer the worst, even though they have contributed the least to these problems.”
With this in mind, Bishop McGrath has asked Catholics in the Diocese to renew their St. Francis Pledge commitments. In his letter, the Bishop said Our Catholic Social Justice Teaching impresses upon us that nature is not something to exploit; rather, is God's creation to preserve. We are called to celebrate the splendor of God's handiwork, to be good stewards of creation, and to safeguard the integrity of all that God has made.
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INTERNATIONAL NEWS
CLIMATE REFUGEES: Kiribati
In his 2010 World Day of Peace Message Pope Benedict XVI asked, Can we remain indifferent before the problems associated with such realities as climate change . . . Can we disregard the growing phenomenon of “environmental refugees”, people who are forced by the degradation of their natural habitat to forsake it – and often their possessions as well – in order to face the dangers and uncertainties of forced displacement? A recent article shows how prophetic these words have become.
Fearing that climate change could wipe out their entire Pacific archipelago, the leaders of Kiribati are considering an unusual backup plan: moving the populace to Fiji. Kiribati President Anote Tong told The Associated Press on Friday [March 9] that his Cabinet this week endorsed a plan to buy nearly 6,000 acres on Fiji's main island, Viti Levu. He said the fertile land, being sold by a church group for about $9.6 million, could provide an insurance policy for Kiribati's entire population of 103,000.
The article notes that some villages have already moved due to seawater contaminating underground fresh water used for crops and trees. Changing rainfall, tidal and storm patterns pose as much of a threat as rising ocean levels.
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INTERNATIONAL VOICES
The Catholic Church in England and Wales
The Catholic Bishops Conference of England and Wales has developed an extensive environment webpage with many resources to help Catholics understand and act upon the Church’s ecological teachings. The resources include materials for action in the home, school, work, and parish.
The website notes that: The Church calls on us to consider our role and to question what we are each doing to protect the earth. It may not seem that we can do much but ‘the might of the ocean is made up of single drops of water’. Whatever the degree of commitment to reducing our carbon footprint or considering the environment, there is always an interest in reducing energy and water bills and this can be achieved by learning new habits.
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FROM A PARTNER
Franciscan Action Network: Stations of the Cross
The Franciscan Action Network is pleased to offer Stations of the Cross with John Paul II: On the path of ecological conversion in both English and Spanish. You may download the Stations in PDF form and to access other Lenten resources.
Feel free to link to each version in your promotion of the resource: English OR Spanish
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Story: FROM A PARISH
Lenten Retreat on Ecology
Holy Family Parish in Pawtucket, Rhode Island held a three-night Lenten Mission on Catholic thought, faith, and evangelization – all framed through the lens of ecology. The presenter was William L. Patenaude, M.A., an engineer, environmental regulator, and Catholic writer.
The opening on Sunday evening (March 11), introduced the thought of Pope Benedict XVI, especially his sacramental focus on the Church in human history. The ecological perspective focused on the relation of sin and pollution, as often spoken of by the Holy Father. The evening concluded with the Sacrament of Reconciliation.
The next evening, Monday March 12, focused on the faith-reason link in Catholic thought and how ecology is a tool in the New Evangelization as it offers pathways for dialogue and common ground with the secular world. The concluding liturgy was a healing service.
The last night, Tuesday March 13, focused on how Benedict XVI uses ecology to teach about life and the dignity of the human person – born and unborn. The concluding liturgy was a time of Adoration and a Benediction Service.
On this last night, ecological and energy groups provided information on their work in the Church Hall at a concluding reception. This included a diocesan representative offering information on the Catholic Climate Covenant and the St. Francis Pledge.
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FROM A PARTNER
Earth Day Resources on Caring for Creation from CRS
April 22 marks Earth Day, a day for reflection on and appreciation of creation. To help your school or parish mark this day, Catholic Relief Services (CRS) has a wide array of resources for you to use to educate young people about our responsibility to care for creation, a gift from God. Learn more about how CRS is responding to climate change.
CRS is also promoting the St. Francis Pledge as an Earth Day action: If your school or parish hasn't done so already, consider signing the St. Francis Pledge to Care for Creation and the Poor.
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Springtime Tips for the Environment
Take a look at these ideas on saving energy and caring for earth at this resource page from the U.S. Dept. of Energy, which provides Springtime tips for the garden, home, lawncare, and water conservation.
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