Week of

                            Celebrate Earth Week Virtually

Pope Francis exhorts us to hear the urgent cry of the earth.  The Coronavirus calls forth some creativity in celebrating our common home this month.  Earth Day is April 22nd and we are somewhat limited by social distancing in celebrating the 50th anniversary of Earth Day. Here are some ideas to join with others virtually to honor our common home and to become more ecologically literate. 
Catholic Climate Covenant’s 2020 Earth Day program, “ Earth Day at 50/ Laudato Si’ at 5: An Urgent Appeal for Action,” is a free educational program designed to complement the Earth Day Network’s 50th anniversary theme, “ Climate Action,” and to commemorate the 5th anniversary of Pope Francis’s encyclical, Laudato Si’. The program includes prayers, readings, a short video, and actions. Materials can be downloaded here: https://default.salsalabs.org/T40f019f5-9f0d-48f5-9502-008b476b413f/28b76ce2-105d-44e0-9a42-aa9141a3ce25
 
Pope Francis announced a Laudato Si’ Week calling on us to celebrate the 5th anniversary of the encyclical May 16-24. We are encouraged to take bold actions to protect “our common home”. The Global Catholic Climate Movement (GCCM) is suggesting prayer services, divestment from fossil fuels, commitments to carbon emission reductions, and other activities that demonstrate care for “Our Common Home.”  Even though some of these activities cannot be done during this time we can educate ourselves, read and discuss Laudato Si  and think creatively about what changes we can make to our lifestyle that will enable us to live Laudato Si and animate others to make real changes in our homes, parishes and local communities.  https://www.votervoice.net/BroadcastLinks/FrAmx5Su8pyIyn9GSiF5g
  
Recommended documentaries on YouTube: 
Unbelievable Nature Places That Really Exist   
Spring - The Return of Life - The Secrets of Nature
  As many health care and essential workers continue to risk their lives in this pandemic our sisters in the Motherhouse wanted to show their appreciation to those who come every day to care for our elderly sisters, to cook and serve meals, or to deliver mail and packages.  Sr. Marie Pauline came up with the idea of posting these signs on the front doors as others are doing similar gestures to thank essential workers.  In addition, we want to thank our teachers and those in education who are working tirelessly to keep their students up to date with grade level curriculum requirements through zoom, loom, google classroom and other online platforms. Living with 4 educators I know first hand how hard they are working on the front lines of education to service their students, not only academically, but emotionally and spiritually.  Cheers to all teachers, administrators and support staff who are also essential workers during this unprecedented time!

                    
 
 
 
 
 
 


 
 
                
 
 
 
 
 
 
















  The #Faith4Asylum team has put together an important letter to federal leaders, calling on them to include immigrants and asylum-seekers in all COVID-19 recovery plans; end detention and deportations; and take other measures to keep families and communities together in this crisis. If you are an individual, sign on here . Deadline is April 14.