News Archives » oblate ecological initiative
Exploring the Sacred Universe Earth Literacy Program April 15th, 2013
There is still time to register for the week long transformative learning experience at the Oblate Ecological Initiative! The program runs from Sunday, August 4 to Sunday, August 11, 2013.
Join OEI staff and participants for a week of storytelling as the group explores the Universe Story, the Story of the Stars, Planets and Galaxies, Earth’s Story, the Human Story, and the story of our special region of life. Learn how these stories can provide a transformative context for the story of your evolving life. Together participants will enjoy delicious vegetarian meals, camaraderie with other learners, and the stunning view from the bluffs.
Register now and receive a short reading list to help you prepare. For details visit the OEI web site or call 618-466-5004 and request a registration form.
Oblate Ecological Initiative Director Given Spiritual Leadership Award April 5th, 2013
On March 23rd, 2013, Sr. Maxine Pohlman, SSND, director of the Oblate Ecology Initiative was awarded the “Spiritual Leadership Award” by the Center for Spirituality and Sustainability (CSS), interfaith campus ministries at Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville. Congratulations, Sr. Maxine!!
See more photos on the OMI JPIC Facebook page…
See the Oblate Community Supported Garden in Action! August 30th, 2012
There is a new video on the OMI JPIC You Tube Channel exploring the La Vista Community Supported Garden, narrated by Sr. Maxine Pohlman, SSND.
In this video, Sister Maxine walks through the garden to show what shareholders expect to get on a seasonal basis. She also talks about some of the programs offered by the Oblate Ecological Learning Center.
This video was produced by Will Shaw, Oblate Media and Communications.
Celebrating the Summer Solstice on the Bluffs! June 28th, 2012
Each year, the Oblate Ecological Initiative celebrates the Summer Solstice – the longest day of the year, when the sun is at its farthest point north of the equator.
This event is an opportunity to welcome the summer season and to heal our separation from the Earth by immersing ourselves in the heavens and the natural world. The OEI celebration connected the participants in many ways:
Viewing the prominences on the sun through solar scopes provided by two local astronomers
Photographs of the Sun!
Participating in a scavenger hunt that taught ecological principles. For example, they were to find something that eats the sun, something that is not connected to anything else (trick question), and evidence of the presence of animal life
Marking the change of season with a ritual "turning of the sun staff" by our youngest participant who has had this honor for many years!
Sharing food - watermelon and herbal drinks made from fennel and mint growing near the OEI office.
OEI Earth Literacy Group Views a Wonder of the Universe June 8th, 2012
The June 2012 Earth Literacy group at the Oblate Ecological Initiative was able to see the rare Venus transit with the help of local astronomers. After June 2012, the next pair of transits occurs on December 11, 2117 and December 8, 2125.
The OEI Earth Literacy Group, June 2012, Godfrey, Illinois
