Peace & Justice Committee - Care of God’s Creation for Earth Day
Throughout the beginning of 2022, we’ve been focusing on living our Catholic Social Teachings through Care of God’s Creation. We’ve focused on reducing waste and recycling within our homes. This month, to honor Earth Day, we’re focusing on caring for the outdoors.
The Peace and Justice Committee will lead two activities:
ACTIVITY #1
A clean up of the church grounds Saturday, April 23rd from 10 AM to 2 PM
Hand out white pine saplings after all masses on the 23rd and 24th, or until supplies run out.
Cleanup day details:
Work will be divided into two shifts – 10 AM to 12 noon, and 12 noon to 2 PM
Families with children age seven and up are encouraged to attend. This would be a great opportunity for community service hours for your tweens and teens! Work will include:
Picking up trash
Cleaning up the stream
Remove debris
Remove tree branches
Planting trees
Volunteers should dress to get dirty and plan on bringing:
This will be a great opportunity to enjoy the outdoors and get a little messy. We hope you’ll consider signing up for a shift. Many hands make light work!
ACTIVITY #2 Tree Planting: Please join us in planting a tree in a suitable place in your yard for years of benefits to our beautiful Earth. We hope this tree will also serve as a visual reminder of the necessity of caring for God’s Creation to keep the planet healthy for future generations. Instructions on planting and care of the tree will be included, as well as a prayer card. According to the Keystone 10 Million Trees Partnership, planting a single tree can have many impacts across its lifespan:
A mature tree absorbs 48 pounds of carbon dioxide each year.
Trees help reduce the effect of urban heat islands by providing shade.
They improve water quality by reducing run off and erosion.
Airborne pollutants are filtered through trees and help reduce certain conditions which cause asthma.
If you are wondering how you can keep focusing on Care for God’s Creation, we have a new committee need. Our upcoming Prayer Garden will be completed this summer, and we need volunteers to help preserve the space when complete. Examples of assistance needed would be planting flowers, doing spring/fall clean up, and coordinating events in the garden. If you are interested in learning more, please contact Lisa Bittner at lisa.bittner@abecket.org