Season of Creation

To celebrate this Season of Creation, we ask you to consider taking the St. Francis Pledge to care for creation and the poor:

“I pledge to pray, live and advocate Laudato Si’”

For the next five weeks, we will offer a reflection connecting care for the poor according to Catholic Social Teaching with care for Creation. We will also share a Table Grace to use with your family and a suggestion for action and advocacy.  You can find more information here:  https://catholicclimatecovenant.org/program/st-francis-pledge

Catholic Social Teaching:  Life and Dignity of the Human Person

“Human beings too are creatures of this world, enjoying a right to life and happiness, and endowed with unique dignity.  So we cannot fail to consider the effects on people’s lives of environmental deterioration, current models of development and the throwaway culture.”   Pope Francis, On Care for Our Common Home [Laudato Si'], no. 43

PRAY
Loving God, this meal is a  
demonstration of our love for You
and Your creation. In a world that
suffers from over consumption, we will not
take more than we need. In a globe where
producing enough food for all has been
frustrated, we will not nurture apathy. Instead,
in grateful celebration of this meal, help us
strive towards an earth that is healthy enough
to assure the well-being of everyone. Amen

From “Thanking God with Integrity, Volume II:  Table Grace in a World Struggling with Climate Change”, Willard Metzger, World Vision, 2010.

ACT

Have “Meatless Monday” for 5 weeks of dinner during the Season of Creation. Modern methods of raising livestock for human consumption produce more greenhouse gases than all the transportation in the world combined. And many studies show that a more plant-based diet is healthier than one that contains a larger percentage of meat. Meatless meal ideas include pastas, meatless pizza, salads, and vegetable stews and soups. Google “meatless meal recipes” for ideas to please all palates.

ADVOCATE

Volunteer at TASK (Trenton Area Soup Kitchen). TASK’s mission is to feed those who are hungry in the Trenton area and offer programs to encourage self-sufficiency and improve patrons' quality of life. 
For more information contact Lillian Rankel ([email protected])

Events in Our Parishes: 
Sep 1 – Oct 4:  Creation Art Exhibit at St. George

Sep 3 – 4:  Called to CARE information table after all Masses

Sep 16:  Sep 16:  Creation Walk in Washington Crossing Park, 1:00 pm.  Meet at St. George parking lot.  2-mile gentle hike.  For on-road option meet at the Visitor Center Museum parking lot (note this is in NJ).

Catholic Social Teaching:  Solidarity

"[Solidarity] is not a feeling of vague compassion or shallow distress at the misfortunes of so many people, both near and far. On the contrary, it is a firm and persevering determination to commit oneself to the common good; that is to say, to the good of all and of each individual, because we are all really responsible for all."
St. John Paul II, On Social Concern [Sollicitudo rei Socialis], no. 38

PRAY

We crave for You, oh God, as we
crave for food. As our bodies need
nourishment so our souls need to be
fed by You. You are our life and joy, as food is
life and joy to our bodies. Increase our craving
for environmental justice and our hunger for
the well-being of all creation. For when we
align ourselves to Your efforts of restoration
and seek the health of all You have created,
You are filled with joy and delight, and our
craving to bring You praise is satisfied.  Amen

From “Thanking God with Integrity, Volume II:  Table Grace in a World Struggling with Climate Change”, Willard Metzger, World Vision, 2010.

ACT

Eat your leftovers.  Americans throw away an astounding 30% of the food they buy. Not only is this a waste of money, but it is also harmful to the environment. Producing food takes land, water, and heavy machinery. By eating your leftovers, you are not only saving money but also preventing energy waste from food production. Google “creative ideas for leftover [fill in item]” for ideas on how to make leftovers into a completely different meal for later in the week.

ADVOCATE

Volunteer with HomeFront.  HomeFront’s mission is to end homelessness in Central New Jersey by harnessing the caring, resources and expertise of the community. We lessen the immediate pain of homelessness and help families become self-sufficient. We work to give our clients the skills and opportunities to ensure adequate incomes, and we work to increase the availability of adequate, affordable housing. We help homeless families advocate for themselves individually and collectively.  For more information contact Lillian Rankel ([email protected])

Events in Our Parishes: 
Sep 16:  Creation Walk in Washington Crossing Park, 1:00 pm.  Meet at St. George parking lot.  2-mile gentle hike.  For on-road option meet at the Visitor Center Museum parking lot (note this is in NJ).

Sep 16 – 17: Sustainable (zero-waste) refreshments at St. James
 

Catholic Social Teaching:  Care for God’s Creation

"A true ecological approach always becomes a social approach; it must integrate questions of justice in debates on the environment, so as to hear both the cry of the earth and the cry of the poor. . . . Everything is connected. Concern for the environment thus needs to be joined to a sincere love for our fellow human beings and an unwavering commitment to resolving the problems of society."
Pope Francis, On Care for Our Common Home [Laudato Si'], nos. 49, 91

PRAY

This food does not come to us without
cost. It comes to us through human
effort – and we are thankful. But
even more so, this food comes to us as a gift of
the earth. Creation has given itself so that our
lives can be sustained – and we are thankful.
In our gratitude, oh God, we acknowledge the
true cost of this food. And in our worship of
You, help us renew our commitment to care
for the earth.  Amen

From “Thanking God with Integrity, Volume II:  Table Grace in a World Struggling with Climate Change”, Willard Metzger, World Vision, 2010.

ACT

Plant one pollinator plant in your garden. These are plants that attract hummingbirds, bees and other beneficial insects that pollinate plants and crops. One out of every three bites of our food is created with the help of pollinators, and pollinators need food sources to maintain their population. Google “easy pollinator plants” for ideas.  Examples of local nurseries:  Friends of Hopewell Valley Open Space Spring and Fall plant sales; Gino’s Nursery in Newtons, PA; Bountiful Gardens in Ewing; Bowman’s Hill Wildflower Preserve near New Hope, PA; visit Native Plant Society of NJ website for more places.

ADVOCATE

Explore Catholic Climate Covenant. Catholic Climate Covenant inspires and equips people and institutions to care for creation and care for the poor. Through our 20 national partners, we guide the U.S. Church's response to climate change by educating, giving public witness, and offering resources.  https://catholicclimatecovenant.org/about/story

Events in Our Parishes: 
Sep 1 – Oct 4:  Creation Art Exhibit at St. George
Sep 30 – Oct 1:  Sustainable (zero-waste) refreshments at St. George
Oct 1:  Blessing of Animals 
Oct 4:  Feast of St. Francis; Join Season of Creation Closing Prayer Service, 9:00 am: https://seasonofcreation.org/event/soc-closing-prayer-service/