PEACE & JUSTICE COUNCIL

Diocesan Wide Catholic Green Initiative to Begin on the Feast of St. Francis

Sign the St. Francis Pledge October 3 and 4 at all the Masses

A Message from Bishop Patrick McGrath:
The Diocese of San Jose in partnership with Catholic Charities, Santa Clara University and the Presentation Retreat Center has formed the Catholic Green Initiative of Santa Clara County.  In this effort, we will identify and encourage "green initiatives" here in our own valley of St. Clare and we will ask all Catholics of Santa Clara County to make a difference in an organized sustainable way.  We will initiate the campaign in all of our parishes on October 4, the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi.  We will be asking all parishioners to sign the St. Francis Pledge, as follows:

I agree to:
PRAY to reflect on our responsibility to care for God's creation and protect the poor and vulnerable;
LEARN about and educate others about climate change;
ASSESS how we contribute to climate change (in our parishes and schools, and our families);
ACT to reduce our climate change impact;
ADVOCATE Catholic principles in climate change discussions and policy work.

Green Initiatives at St. Mary’s Parish

• Parish Film Feature – “Blue Gold: World Water Wars” will be shown in Hofmann Center on Wednesday, October 14 from 7:00 – 9:00 pm. Throughout the world,  our limited fresh water supply is being polluted, diverted, pumped, and wasted. Blue Gold follows numerous examples of people fighting for their basic right to water, from court cases to violent revolutions to local protests at grade schools. Watch the film and join the discussion afterwards on how we can take action as well as change our own water use. Invite a friend to view this important film. Preview the film:

• Catholic Green Initiative Bags will be distributed outside the front of the church at all the masses on Saturday, October 3 and Sunday, October 4 by members of WAV, our high school youth ministry group. These reusable grocery bags will also be available at the Parish Country Fair, October 10 and 11.
• Blessing of Animals will take place on the St. Mary’s School Playground/Blacktop area on Monday, October 5 at 8:00 am. You are invited to bring your animals to be blessed by our priests. This blessing is in connection with the Feast of St. Francis, the patron saint of animals and the environment.  Catholic social teaching focuses on care for God’s creation, which includes the animals in our care. Begins promptly at 8:00 am, please gather at 7:50 am.
• Klean Kanteens, stainless steel water bottles, which encourage better health, hydration and environmental responsibility are the rage at our parish school! Students, parents, and teachers alike can be seen sipping cool drinks from these “green” containers. Stop by the school office to purchase one for yourself. These water bottles will also be available for sale at the Country Fair at a cost of $20.00 each.

Parishioner Rita Fisher Offers Practical Tips for “Going Green”

They say that if you are not part of the solution, you are part of the problem.  I was reminded of that this summer while participating on the Diocese Green Initiative Water committee and how we unconsciously waste water. Here was something I felt St Mary's could take on as a parish community and be  part of the solution.  

So many things are not within our control to fix, but using less water in our homes is not one of them.  It became exciting to work with others in the diocese who felt the same way.  Why do we unconsciously waste water? Why is there such a demand for bottled water?    If we, like so many in the world had to carry the water we use, how differently  we would feel about letting the tap run while brushing our teeth, washing the dishes, taking a shower.  Our 13-year old grandson in Seattle carried a gallon of water for 5 kilometers through Carry5 to raise awareness about the distance the average person has to carry water in underdeveloped countries.  How long would it take to carry the water we use each day?  

There are so many things you can do that will not cost you a cent.  The San Jose Water Company will come to your home and make a free audit of your water use.  Would you consider asking for one for your home?  You could put a timer in the shower to shorten your shower. You can turn down the flow of your faucets by turning the valve under the sinks in your home.  You will be given an opportunity to participate in the effort to Save Our Planet in a few weeks by viewing the documentary “Blue Gold” at St. Mary's on Wed. Oct 14th. I challenge you to view this film and not want to be part of the solution.  See you at the movie. --Rita Fisher

Catholic Social Teaching:

Care For God’s Creation

The goods of the earth are gifts from God, and they are intended by God for the benefit of everyone. There is a "social mortgage" that guides our use of the world's goods, and we have a responsibility to care for these goods as stewards and trustees, not as mere consumers and users. How we treat the environment is a measure of our stewardship, a sign of our respect for the Creator.

Read more about Catholic Social Teaching:

• U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops: Catholic Social Teachings
• Catholic Social Teaching - Diocese of St. Paul