We would like to share some of the stories from the US Area Associates of what we are doing to show our love for this beautiful world and our connections with future generations as it relates to Call I of our Congregational Pastoral Plan.

When God entrusted His wonderful creation to women and men, we are sure that He had envisioned a much better result.  Have we been good stewards of the resources that Mother Earth provides? How can we do better for future generations?

Anne Cabanas, Sfp-Associate, Cincinnati, OH USA speaks of her visit to her family in Australia:  

I could not have anticipated the impact of climate change on my life as we prepared for a Christmas visit with our son and family in Australia!

We arrived with the airline announcing before landing, “Sydney is covered in smoke.” Fortunately for us, our son lives on the ocean which afforded some relief.

After a joyous celebration with family, the reality of the situation settled. Everywhere we ventured, there we request for help for those people and animals affected directly! We saw vans filled with supplies, ordinary people taking supplies to those in need. Scorched earth and blackened trees were seen miles along the highways. Every retail and grocery store collected aid. The Australian people are generous, kind and connected to each other - very heartwarming. There is great pride in their environment - it is beautiful and very clean, lush vegetation! Sadly, much is burned. There are plans already to plant.

There was a call for donation of clean linens to treat the burns of the animals in the sanctuaries. We gathered all we could spare. As we approached the sanctuary, our sadness soon turned to hopefulness as we witnessed the huge effort of the volunteers!

We will return home with renewed vigor to do our part to preserve this beautiful world!

Diane Borchers, Sfp-Associate, Dayton, OH USA relays to us, her work with the youth:
    
I participated in a parish community event that highlighted the actions and goodness of the youth.  It was a blessed opportunity to encourage and thank the youth of our parish as well encourage and provide hope to those of my generation.  Not only did we share a meal served by and shared with the youth but also a time to have conversation with them about their hopes to do something meaningful for the environment and our common home and to make a difference in our world.

Molly Johantgen, Sfp-Associate, Cincinnati, OH USA tells about her efforts to recycle:

I have to admit that I am just now looking at what I can do to begin to implement the first Call of the Pastoral Plan.  I have watched the webinar about actions to begin to reverse global warming and care for the poor I have started to read Laudato Si.

I have stopped purchasing as many products that are plastic such as water bottles.  Our recycling bin is larger than our trash every week.  I have been making regular trips to the Peddler with clothing and products from my own home as well as from others.  

Barb SchwabKlaco, Sfp-Associate, London, OH USA explains to her granddaughters the value of recycling.

I am working with my 3–year old granddaughters to learn about recycling.  I have chosen a small action-recycling paper they have used.  This a very precise action so the girls do not throw their parents in a frenzy trying to recycle all the paper in the house.  I am also hoping to teach them how to make paper from scraps and then make cards for their mom and dad.

Judie Mohr, Sfp-Associate, Cincinnati, OH USA plants trees for clean air.

I belong to the Arbor Day Society and purchase trees every year. I may plant one or two but I give the rest away to friends to be planted in a place of their choice.

I have four composers and six rain barrels and do not use any pesticides.

Published: 17 April, 2020