Latest OMI JPIC News
Introducing the Lavista Learning Garden June 17th, 2020
 |
 |
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
Since its inception in 2001, La Vista Ecological Learning Center has taught that how we eat determines, to a great extent, how we care for creation. That is why we were aligned with the Community Supported Garden at La Vista for 15 years. Since that project ended in 2019, we have established La Vista Learning Garden under the umbrella of the Oblate Ecological Initiative.
MISSION
The Learning Garden will be a model and gathering place for novices and area participants to learn and practice:
- sustainable gardening skills like creating a garden plan organic soil preparation and fertilization crop rotation choosing vegetables and their planting times methods for harvesting vegetables growing fruit trees native flower propagation a variety of composting methods
- raising and caring for chickens
- backyard beekeeping
- cooking and nutrition
- hand-carving kitchen utensils
- DIY recycled garden decorations
STAFF
Vernon DePauw is our head gardener and teacher. He is a nationally known wood carver as well as a backyard gardener, poultryman, and beekeeper. Vernon has been a presenter at the Learning Center for several years. Vernon is faithfully supported by his wife Kathy who is also a volunteer.
Sister Maxine collaborates with Vernon to plan, organize, advertise and execute programs.
Volunteers – A small group of volunteers contribute their skills.
This project has been made possible with the support, encouragement and help of Seamus Finn, OMI, and OMI Novitiate Leadership: Pat McGee, Frank Kuczera and Humphrey Milimo.
[Novices and Vernon with hives built by Vernon and painted by novices.]
WEBINAR: “Looking for new forms of dialogue in Laudato Si” (LS 14) October 19th, 2020
Following our meetings for Laudato Si, the OMI Central Government
invites you to the Webinar:
Link: bit.ly/2T28hW7
Meeting ID: 883 5984 5648
Passcode: omiwebinar
Our Global Biodiversity Crisis – What You Can Do October 16th, 2020
Submitted by Sr. Maxine Pohlman, SSND, director, La Vista Ecological Learning Center
The loss of biodiversity on our planet is even more urgent than the climate crisis but less well-known, putting people, wildlife, and future generations at risk. Scientists report that one million species are in danger of extinction in the coming decades. Urgent action needs to be taken now to reverse the massive loss of plants, insects, and other creatures we depend on for a stable climate, sustainable food supplies and essential pollination services.
All of us can help by participating in Citizen Science Projects right in our local areas. Projects include observing wildlife, measuring night sky brightness, monitoring water quality, counting birds, monitoring bird nests, and many more. Visit the National Geographic website to get ideas. You will be working with thousands of other volunteers and scientists to gather and share important data to a global database.
Visit the National Geographic website to participate.
Photos courtesy, Unsplash.
Upcoming Webinar: Faith Speaks to UN75 October 15th, 2020
In observance of the 75th anniversary of the United Nations, join Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate and members of the Committee of Religious NGOs in a webinar, Faith Speaks to UN75, scheduled to take place onWednesday October 21, 2020, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.(New York time) and facilitated via Zoom. Discussions will center on the need to continue working together through partnerships and strengthened collaboration among faith-based organizations and civil society in general, national governments, the international community, the private sector and other actors.
Please register by October 20th via this link: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZwpcu2uqD4uEtWStFEaMfMn1TeZJaAes3vZ.
2020 U.S. Election Briefs: Faithful Voting and Global Concerns October 9th, 2020
The Maryknoll Office for Global Concerns offers a series of two-page briefs and webinars on global issues to help people of faith consider key issues as they prepare for the 2020 U.S. elections. 
Helpful Resource for Upcoming U.S. Elections
- The Maryknoll Office for Global Concerns 2020 U.S. Election Briefs: Faithful Voting and Global Concerns
UN@75: A Prayer for the United Nations September 23rd, 2020
The United Nations rose out of the ashes of World War II. The 75th anniversary of the founding of the UN is an occasion for the celebration of its achievements – ‘save succeeding generations from the scourge of war, promote “fundamental human rights”, establish conditions for the respect of “justice and international law” and “promote social progress and better standards of life in larger freedom.”
The anniversary provides us an opportunity to envision a United Nations fit for our times, to better serve a world very different from that of 1945.
Religious working at the UN have prepared a prayer service to mark the 75th anniversary of the UN. We are encouraged to gather with our family and community to pray for a good future for our world.
Join in and download the prayer here.
NGO Declaration on the 75th Anniversary of the United Nations September 9th, 2020
COVID-19 Recovery: Building Back Better
Fr. Daniel LeBlanc, OMI Reports
The Conference of Non-governmental Organizations in Consultative Relationship with the United Nations (CoNGO) is an independent, international association facilitating the participation of NGOs at the United Nations. Fr. Daniel LeBlanc, OMI represents Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate at the United Nations.
Fearing attention is focused on the global health crisis, while efforts to address the ongoing climate crisis, achieve sustainable development and gender equality, protect human rights and promote peace are being neglected, CoNGO recently issued a statement on the occasion of the 75th Anniversary of the UN.
