1. Defining Sustainability: Sustainability focuses on meeting present needs without sacrificing the ability of others (including future generations) to meet their needs. Three interwoven issues act as the basis for sustainability: Economic Development, Social Development and Environmental Protection, which will be our focus today.
2. Catholic Call to Environmental Stewardship: As Catholics, we are called to be good stewards or caretakers of the environment by a variety of sources. First, there is the Bible. In the book of Genesis, we are told the beautiful story of how God created the Earth, giving humans responsibility for the land and the animals, and reminded “how good it was.” Later, we are given accounts of great misuse of the environment, such as Ezekiel 34:2-4, 17-18. Finally, we are informed of the beauty that comes from good stewardship in verses such as Leviticus 26:3-4, 6. Various Popes and Saints have also urged greater commitment to environmental stewardship, including John Paul II in his Joint Declaration on the Environment in 2002, Pope Benedict XVI in “If You Want to Cultivate Peace, Protect Creation” in 2010, Saint Francis of Assisi and Blessed Kateri Tekakwitha.
3. Moving Forward: Sunday, April 22 is annual Earth Day, but it’s important to treat every day as an ‘Earth Day.’ Decide on a pledge for the environment to follow. Take the St. Francis Pledge or WashU’s Sustainability Pledge. Educate yourself, your friends and family on sustainability and ways to help the environment. At the CSC, join us on Sunday, April 22 as we celebrate Earth Day at our 11am and 9pm Masses. Make a conscious effort to use the recycling bins located around the CSC, and sign up for the weekly e-mail rather than relying on the paper bulletin each week. There are so many ways to get involved and make a difference, and we are here to help! Contact Theresa Schmidt at schmidt@washucsc.org for suggestions or additional ideas.
Written by Theresa Schmidt, Intern-in-Service (2011-2012)
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