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The Season of Creation
Greetings all. I hope this newsletter finds you well. The temperatures are lowering, the leaves are falling, and it's harvest time. We pray for all of our farmers and those who work in the local, national, and global food system as they work diligently to feed us.
In addition to it (almost) being fall, we are in the midst of the Season of Creation, an ecumenically-supported global effort that runs from Sept. 1 (Day of Prayer for Creation) to the Oct. 4 (the Feast of St. Francis). You can find a wealth of resources here.
We're also happy to share the news that Pope Francis will be releasing a second part of Laudato Si' on October 4th, titled Laudato Deum. You can read more about it here, and we look forward to exploring it with you in the coming months.
Upcoming event!!
On Wednesday, Oct. 25, we will be having a celebration to honor the Feast of St. Francis, our new Laudato Si' Communities, and the new exhortation. It will happen at 7:00pm over Zoom, and all are encouraged to attend. More details are below!
Enjoy the beauty of all of God's creation (and the pumpkin spice).
Pace e bene,
Archdiocesan Care for Creation Task Force
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Laudato Si' Action Plan
Sector Sessions
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Since our successful LSAP conference in the spring, we've been working on ways to build on the energy gathered and further our efforts to care for God's creation in our archdiocese. In it's structure, the LSAP names seven sectors where unique opportunities for partnership might exist, and we'd like to support the formation of networking groups in a few
of these areas: individuals & families, religious orders, and parishes. To that end, we're going to hold a few informal, online gatherings where folks from these sectors can come together to meet each other, share information, and consider next steps.
Please be on the lookout for a follow-up email with the dates and times for these sessions, as well how to register. If you have any questions in the meantime, please contact Liliana Sierra. All are welcome!
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MESSAGE OF HIS HOLINESS POPE FRANCIS
FOR THE WORLD DAY OF PRAYER FOR THE CARE OF CREATION
1st September 2023
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Farm BillEvery five years, the Farm Bill - massive legislation that supports farms, foreign aid, and food assistance - is reauthorized. It's up for reauthorization again this year, and we're encouraging everyone to reach out to our elected officials in D.C. to advocate for stronger support for these three critical areas.
We've created a web page with a lot of resources. You can watch a recording of a presentation we did this spring, download advocacy letters for representatives and senators, and connect with a plethora of resources.
Click here to advocate through Catholic Relief Services.
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ADVOCATE TO HELP COMMUNITIES IMPACTED BY CLIMATE CHANGE
Urge Congress to support the Green Climate Fund and Development Assistance.
Click here to submit your message
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CELEBRATE CARE FOR CREATION
Feast of St. Francis, Laudato Si Communities,
& Laudate Deum
We know it's a little late, but on Wed. 10/25 at 7:00pm we will be gathering virtually to celebrate. We will honor the patron saint of creation, St. Francis, recognize our two new Laudato Si' Communities, and learn about Pope Francis' new exhortation on caring for creation, Laudato Deum. Everyone is welcome to join us for prayer, joy, and education.
Date: Wednesday, October 25
Time: 7:00-8:30pm
Location: Zoom - https://zoom.us/j/94764055624
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HELPFUL
HINTS
Eco-Tips
Eco Tips...As we say farewell to Summer and look to welcome Fall, a few eco reminders.
CheckYour Tires -- Cooler temperatures can lower tire pressure and under-inflated tires reduce your car’s fuel efficiency. It takes just a few minutes to inflate your tires to the proper pressure and it’s well worth the grimy fingers. And while you’re at it, check your car service records; is it time to rotate your tires yet? By regularly rotating your tires, you make sure your tires wear evenly. Regular rotation can extend your tire life and improve your gas mileage.
Clean and Test Your Furnace -- Did you know that your furnace needs regular cleaning? Throughout the year, it collects lots of dust and debris, both of which can affect the furnace’s performance and could even cause a fire. Clean out or replace your furnace filter regularly and get your furnace serviced by a professional before the cold weather calls.
More Eco-Tips
October 2: FOOD
EASY: Support farmers and reduce food-miles by buying local produce.
CHALLENGING: Commit to a "hunger meal" once a week. This might mean skipping the meal or eating only 1 item (like an apple or simple vegetable.
October 9: BUYING CLOTHES
EASY: When considering buying a new piece of clothing, evaluate whether you really need another "x". Count how many you already have?
CHALLENGING: If you decide the clothing item really is necessary, evaluate the material it is made out of. Prioritize natural fibers rather than synthetics or acrylics.
October 16: NATURE
EASY: Take a hike in the woods. Listen to the subtle sounds of nature. How many can you identify?
CHALLENGING: In addition to a hike in the woods, "hike" through the poorest neighborhood of your city/town. Listen to the sounds. Are they any different?
October 23: EDUCATE YOURSELF more on Laudato Si'
EASY: Read 2 of the 9 sub-chapters of Laudato Si' Chapter 6, (bit.ly/3pCSCjE) on Ecological Education & Spirituality. (Sections 202-245) Why were these 2 of special interest to you?
CHALLENGING: Read the other 7 sub-chapters. It's a lot to digest. Which of them calls you to action?
October 30: Generic ECO-TIP
EASY: Find a newspaper article to read about what your city/town is doing (or not doing) to protect the environment.
CHALLENGING: Figure out a way to join those who are working to protect the environment.
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SEPTEMBER
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Bulletin Prayer
We pray that we all will make courageous choices for a simple and environmentally sustainable lifestyle, rejoicing in our young people, who are resolutely committed to this.
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Intercession
For all God’s children, for abundant harvest, and sharing of resources, we pray….
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Papal Quote
“The gradual depletion of the ozone layer and the related 'greenhouse effect' has now reached crisis proportions as a consequence of industrial growth, massive urban concentrations and vastly increased energy needs … When the ecological crisis is set within the broader context of the search for peace within society, we can understand better the importance of giving attention to what the earth and its atmosphere are telling us: namely, that there is an order in the universe which must be respected, and that the human person, endowed with the capability of choosing freely, has a grave responsibility to preserve this order for the well-being of future generations. I wish to repeat that the ecological crisis is a moral issue.” Saint John Paul II, Peace with God the Creator, Peace with All Creation - 1990 World Day of Peace Message, nos. 6, 9.
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OCTOBER
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Bulletin Prayer
In honor of St. Francis, the patron saint of the environment, let us recommit to Care for ALL of God’s Creation. May we live by his example and treasure all our sisters and brothers in creation; all creatures, trees and plants.
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Intercession
For all of God’s creation from the teeniest, tiny quark to the most vast galactic filament, we pray..
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Papal Quote
“Can we remain indifferent before the problems associated with such realities as climate change … ? Humanity needs a profound cultural renewal; it needs to rediscover those values which can serve as the solid basis for building a brighter future for all. Our present crises – be they economic, food-related, environmental or social – are ultimately also moral crises, and all of them are interrelated. They require us to rethink the path which we are traveling together.” Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI, If You Want to Cultivate Peace, Protect Creation - 2010 World Day
of Peace Message, nos. 4, 5.
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NOVEMBER
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Bulletin Prayer
Generous God, give us the grace to live in full compassion with our brothers and sisters of other religions, open to all, grateful for our blessed diversity
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Intercession
For all God’s people in this season of gratitude and thanksgiving, we pray….
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Papal Quote
“It must be said that some committed and prayerful Christians, with the excuse of realism and pragmatism, tend to ridicule expressions of concern for the environment. Others are passive; they choose not to change their habits and thus become inconsistent. So what they all need is an ‘ecological conversion,’ whereby the effects of their encounter with Jesus Christ becomes evident in their relationship with the world around them. Living our vocation to be protectors of God’s handiwork is essential to a life of virtue; it is not an optional or a secondary aspect of our Christian experience.” Pope Francis’ encyclical Laudato Si’, 217
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USCCB on Care for Creation
CRS on Care for Creation
Caritas et Veritate (Pope Benedict XIII, #48-52)
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Catholic Social Action Office | 100 East Eighth Street, Cincinnati, Ohio 45202
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