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Earth Day 2018: End Plastic Pollution April 16th, 2018
“Bring the whole human family together . . . for we know that things can change.”
(Laudato Si’, 13)
International Mother Earth Day or Earth Day, first observed in 1970 is the largest secular observance in the world. According to the United Nations, this observance ‘recognizes a collective responsibility, as called for in the 1992 Rio Declaration, to promote harmony with nature and the Earth to achieve a just balance among the economic, social and environmental needs of present and future generations of humanity.’
This year’s theme, End Plastic Pollution, is to raise awareness about the exponential growth of plastics now threatening the survival of our planet and to get people involved in this effort.
All week you can find Climate Action activities by visiting the Faith Climate Action Week website.
Want to learn more about plastic waste? Read this article: Where does your plastic waste go?
Watch a video by the Catholic Climate Covenant Reducing Plastic Waste and Moving Beyond a Throwaway Culture
TAKE ACTION
Take personal responsibility to end Plastic Pollution
Read more about the issue and find more resources at these links:
Catholic Climate Covenant
UN International Mother Earth Day 22 April
Earth Day Network
Catholic Health Association
Earth Day Reflection
Ours is a planet filled with wonder. It was only a few decades ago that for the first time in history, thanks to groundbreaking advances in technology, humans were able to view planet earth from space. In the eighties a spacecraft called Voyager captured an image of our solar system from 11,100,000,000 miles away, depicting it as a tiny grain of sand so tiny it was barely detectable. Yet there it was, that planet we call home, not only beautiful but filled with wonder, a home that provides all we need to live: oxygen, water, food, etc.
Looking at these images it is hard not to be moved with admiration, respect and amazement. It should make us feel privileged to inhabit this earthly place given to us by God. We now know there are not only trillions of planets in the universe but trillions of galaxies out there. Yet, as far as we know, not even one other is brimming with life like ours. This makes our home Mother Earth and us very unique and special.
What should our response be to such a gift from God, such a blessing? How are we to treat and care for our common home, for one another, and all living things that share this space? What comes to mind when we reflect on these questions? This: have we been mindful and grateful enough for the blessing of this beautiful home? On Earth Day 2018 let us experience, enjoy and thank God for Creation.
Upcoming Event: “Our Sacred Earth, Our Common Home” April 11th, 2018
Reflection & Action on Laudato Si ‘
Saturday, April 21
9 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Visitors Center
Keynote Speaker: Mary Evelyn Tucker, Ph.D.
Senior Lecturer and Research Scholar
School of Forestry and Environmental Studies
Yale Divinity School
Cost: $25 for adults, $15 for students
To register call 618-394-6270 or go online: www.snows.org/events-2/our-sacred-earth-our-common-home
Dr. Mary Evelyn Tucker
This event is the second in a series devoted to the study and implementation of Pope Francis’ landmark encyclical on ecology, Laudato Si’. Dr. Mary Evelyn Tucker, who collaborated for many years with eco-theologian and Earth scholar Fr. Thomas Berry, will deliver the keynote address. The participants will then take part in a series of “hands-on” break-out sessions. The morning will conclude with a feedback and takeaway session. This event is intended for individuals and parish groups looking for practical ways to care for our common home, our sacred Earth.
“Our Sacred Earth, Our Common Home: Reflection and Action on Laudato Si” is sponsored by the National Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows, La Vista Ecological Learning Center, the Franciscan Sisters of Our Lady of Perpetual Help, and the School Sisters of Notre Dame.
Oblate JPIC is Hiring! Apply Today. April 6th, 2018
Job Opening
Office Coordinator – Part Time
Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate – Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation Office is seeking a part-time Office Coordinator. The Office Coordinator will provide administrative and coordination tasks for a small office; Assist with faith consistent investment and engagement ministry, office communications, and other projects. Effective written communication skills and a strong understanding of financial and bookkeeping transactions are a must.
Job Time: Part-Time (20 hours per week) Location: Washington, DC
Essential Job Function
- Assist in preparing and filing of corporate resolutions.
- Maintain records of corporate engagement actions
- Process checks, invoices and manage office bill payments
- Prepare financial reports as requested by the director
- Participate in staff meetings and record meeting minutes.
- Provide assistance with newsletter production
- Other administrative and clerical duties as assigned
Qualifications
- Associates degree required
- Strong understanding of financial and bookkeeping transactions
- Excellent written communications and administrative skills
- Research skills preferred
- Ability to work well in a team and independently
- Proficient in Microsoft Office 365, Excel, and PowerPoint
- Ability to prioritize multiple tasks and manage workload efficiently
- Administrative office experience preferred
Download the announcement here. Please send your resume to: jpic@omiusa.org
Provincial Update Fr. Louis Studer, OMI: Zambia April 6th, 2018
Fr. Louis Studer, OMI describes his recent trip to the U.S. Delegation in Zambia along with U.S. Vicar-Provincial for Personnel, Fr. Art Flores, OMI, and U.S. Treasurer, Fr. Jim Chambers, OMI. (Video runs approximately 6 Minutes)
Missionary Oblates Join Investors Calling for Corporate Action to Address Gun Violence April 3rd, 2018
Missionary Oblates JPIC has joined the Interfaith Center on Corporate Responsibility (ICCR) and over 140 institutional investors in a statement calling on gun manufacturers, retailers and distributors, as well as companies with ‘financial ties to these industries, to review their operations, supply chains, and policies and take meaningful action on this public safety concern.’
The recent Parkland, Florida school shooting has ignited robust calls for action on the issue of gun violence. As an organization committed to justice and peace, we pray for victims and their families and join this rallying cry for immediate action on gun violence.
The investor statement was issued on March 29th and contributors to the statement include members of ICCR who have led engagements with gun manufacturers and retailers for several years. The letter outlines specific measures companies can immediately put in place, to reduce the risk of gun violence. Some of these recommendations were adapted from the Sandy Hook Principles, a set of guidelines aimed at curbing gun violence and coming out of the Sandy Hook Elementary School tragedy,
You can read the full statement here.
Have a blessed Easter! March 29th, 2018
“May the light of Christ rising in glory dispel the darkness of our hearts and minds,” and enable all of us to relive the experience of the disciples on the way to Emmaus. By listening to God’s word and drawing nourishment from the table of the Eucharist, may our hearts be ever more ardent in faith, hope and love. (Pope Francis, 2018 Lenten Message)
