Advice for the Long Haul
Continue to reach out to the parish staff.
Explain to them what you have learned and the suggestions you have for future purchases, sustainable practices, and recycling.
Don’t get overwhelmed!
Select events and activities for which you have resources and that you can do well. Amid all the environmental challenges of our day, remind yourselves of things that are working and be grateful for stories of hope. Start strong and let your ministry grow and evolve over time.
Stay grounded in prayer.
Make prayer your touchstone personally and within your Care for Creation Team.
Here’s a suggested prayer to open your planning meetings:
God our Creator, bless the work of our group to protect the Earth. Be with us as we plan ways for our parish to be good stewards of creation. May our faith community be a light for those around us, modeling a deep commitment to the wellbeing of the Earth. Please shower your grace on all of our activities. Keep us committed, motivated, and hopeful as we carry on this important ministry. Thank you for being with us every step of the way. This we pray through Christ, our Lord. Amen. (Source: Carol Meyer, National Catholic Reporter.)
Enjoy the camaraderie and energy of the companions you will make on the way!
We have found this to be one of the unexpected bonuses of working with others who are committed to making our world a better place. Now we rely on this energy, which so clearly originates from the Holy Spirit.
Explain to them what you have learned and the suggestions you have for future purchases, sustainable practices, and recycling.
Don’t get overwhelmed!
Select events and activities for which you have resources and that you can do well. Amid all the environmental challenges of our day, remind yourselves of things that are working and be grateful for stories of hope. Start strong and let your ministry grow and evolve over time.
Stay grounded in prayer.
Make prayer your touchstone personally and within your Care for Creation Team.
Here’s a suggested prayer to open your planning meetings:
God our Creator, bless the work of our group to protect the Earth. Be with us as we plan ways for our parish to be good stewards of creation. May our faith community be a light for those around us, modeling a deep commitment to the wellbeing of the Earth. Please shower your grace on all of our activities. Keep us committed, motivated, and hopeful as we carry on this important ministry. Thank you for being with us every step of the way. This we pray through Christ, our Lord. Amen. (Source: Carol Meyer, National Catholic Reporter.)
Enjoy the camaraderie and energy of the companions you will make on the way!
We have found this to be one of the unexpected bonuses of working with others who are committed to making our world a better place. Now we rely on this energy, which so clearly originates from the Holy Spirit.