The Creation Care Ministry has been meeting regularly since the beginning of this summer. Along with you, we have begun the journey of living the message of Pope Francis in his encyclical, Laudato Si, here at OLPH. Here are just a few of our efforts so far. Last June, a special mass was offered commemorating the first anniversary of Laudato Si, and Father Nick gave a wonderful homily reminding us of the need to care for God’s creation. We then initiated efforts to encourage recycling in our Parish at the Block Party in September with the help of the Men’s Club—you may have noticed the recycling bins. This past month we continued the recycling theme at the Holly Fair with the help of the Women’s Club. While much more needs to be done we have started to incrementally make progress—stay tuned!
We all can do more in our homes as well and we suggest you see the many websites that discuss recycling. For instance, on the Village of Glenview website much can be learned on how to properly recycle at Go Green Glenview— http://glenview.il.us/Pages/GoGreenGlenview.aspx
Finally, in this holiday season, we ask that you remember the words of the Holy Father in Laudato Si in which he said:
“Christian spirituality proposes a growth marked by moderation and the capacity to be happy with little. It is a return to that simplicity which allows us to stop and appreciate the small things ...” — No. 222
And so let us pray:
We live in your world, O God, and for this, we praise and thank you. Among your treasures we creatures have fashioned many things to make our lives easier, healthier, and freer. But we have also created more things than we need, more than we can ever use. When these things distract us from our purpose in this life, we are misusing the world you have created. When these things prevent others from having their basic needs met, your creation is corrupted. Help us to keep our eyes open to this temptation of consumerism. Help us to be followers of Jesus who are focused on the important and simple things in life -- Christians who care for others and are willing to share our riches with those who have unmet needs. Give us the courage to go against our culture when it confuses wants and needs. Remind us that when the journey of life in this world is complete, we take with us only what we have built inside ourselves: treasures of the heart, love and generosity, friendship and concern, caring and sharing. We pray for these things in Jesus’ name. Amen.
-- Catholic Wisdom Leader’s Guide
We invite you to our meetings on the first Monday of each month usually in the Flavin Room (Rectory basement) at 7 PM. Come see how you can “Care for our Common Home.”
