Mission
The Environmental Justice Committee works to advance, educate and participate with individuals and groups to improve the condition of the environment for all of the earth’s inhabitants through direct action, education and advocacy in harmony with the environment.
To improve the environmental footprint of our parish, it’s members, and the community.
To conduct direct action by implementing such programs as, composting, tree plantings and maintenance, stormwater reduction, neighborhood clean ups, energy reduction strategies, and other environmental efforts to improve our footprint through collaboration within the parish and with partners.
To educate each other through information sharing and with speakers to explore and expose the adverse effects humans have on the environment and its inhabitants and to propose solutions to improve these effects.
Environmental Projects
Refuse, Reduce, Reuse, Repurpose, Recycle
St. Ignatius Litter Pilgrimage
Environmental Justice Committee Report, 2023-24
Home activities to help our environment
St. Ambrose Housing Project
Jesuit Refugee Service/USA
Laudato Si’ and Laudate Deum
Passages from the Pope
Pope Francis published the encyclical Laudato Si’ on the global climate crisis and on our responsibility to be stewards of the earth.
The Pope followed up Laudato Si’ with Laudate Deum, an apostolic Exhortation criticizing world leaders and pointing out the urgent necessity for action as global warming threatens our planet, especially the poor.
In both pieces Pope Francis seeks to educate readers and inspire nations and individuals to care for our common home. He clearly demonstrates that our actions have dramatically damaged the environment and all God’s good creations. He repeatedly argues that swift and unified global action is necessary. Despite the scientific evidence and dire warnings, ignorance, apathy, and denial are bringing about imminent disaster.
Pope Francis reminds us that creation is God’s gift to us and that inhabitants all over the world are connected. Specifically, the Pope states: “What happens in one part of the world has repercussions on the entire planet. This allows me to reiterate two convictions that I repeat over and over again: “Everything is connected” and “No one is saved alone”.
The Environmental Justice Committee incorporates the Pope’s message in all of its work. We provide these passages from the two encyclicals to allow parishioners to reflect on the Pope’s message and evaluate their own actions.
