Archdiocese of Cincinnati | Catholic Social Action Office


St. Francis Pledge Newsletter


Fall 2022


a newsletter from the Care for Creation Task Force

StFrancisPledgelogo

Fall is (nearly) here!


We hope this newsletter finds you well and enjoying the arrival of the harvest season. We thank God for the beauty and growth of the summer, and we pray for a fruitful harvest knowing that everything that comes from the earth is through the grace of God.


As we enter the Season of Creation, help us keep our minds and hearts focused on loving and protecting all that is around us, all of which comes from God and is intended to bless all people, now and in the future.


In honor of the Season of Creation and to celebrate our new Laudato Si' Communities, we'll be holding a hybrid event at EarthConnection and on Zoom on Tues. 10/4 - the Feast of St. Francis - at 6:30pm. See below for more information. 


And thank you for all things apple and pumpkin spiced.


Pace e bene,

Archdiocesan Care for Creation Task Force

Advocate

Environmental Justice Report – September 2022


Here is the legislation that is currently being watched at the Ohio state level. HB 351- Repeal Coal Subsidies and HB 450 - Community Solar were promoted by Faith Communities Go Green with Post Card Signings and mailings at local events – Earth Day, Midwest Sustainability Conference, and the Festival of Faith. The Ohio Legislature is recessed except for two weeks in September and then is recessed for election campaigning in October.  Not much action is expected prior to general election that is November 8. In the lame duck session that will last from after the election to the week before Christmas, bills that have committee hearings could be brought to the floor for votes. 

 

Here are bills with a brief discussion of their status.

·        SB 61 - Limit HOA Restrictions on Solar Panels. (Sponsored by Senators Blessing (R) – Antonio (D)). This bill limits homeowner associations restrictions on solar panels (and includes other updates to Homeowner association agreements.) It was signed into law by Gov DeWine on June 14, 2022 and becomes effective on September 11, 2022.

·        HB 389 - Energy Efficiency (Sponsored by Representatives Seitz (R)- Leland (D)) Three committee hearings and passed unanimously out of committee in Nov 2021. Waiting for a house leadership to call a floor vote. This bill will restore incentives offered by utilities for energy efficiency. It is a more modest version of the efficiency program canceled in 2019 by HB 6. It has widespread support although some are critical for level of compensation included for utilities to operate programs. 

·        HB 429 - Energy Jobs and Justice (Sponsored by Representatives Weinstein (D) – Howse (D) and 10 cosponsors.) Introduced to House, no committee meetings. This bill emphasizes jobs and justice on a path to 100% clean energy by 2050.  “The Energy Jobs & Justice Act is a comprehensive clean energy policy rooted in equity, economic development, and accountability. After decades of energy policy that largely favors utilities and fossil fuels, Ohio needs forward-looking solutions that are good for our economy, our communities, and our health. The Energy Jobs & Justice Act ensures that Ohio emerges with an energy policy designed for all Ohioans.” See https://www.energyjobsandjustice.org/ 

·        SB 307 Accelerating Ohio’s Auto Industry (Sponsored be Rulli (R) with 6 bi-partisan co-sponsors.) Has received three hearings with significant proponent testimony. The bill offers sales tax incentives for EV purchase, assist Ohio manufacturers to retool for EV production, provide worker training for Ohio EV production, incentives for EV charging stations, requiring for Ohio to increase state vehicle EV purchase.  

·        HB 351 - Repeal/Refund HB 6 Coal Plant Subsidies (Sponsored by Representatives Lanese (R) and Stoltzfus (R)). Three committee hearings completed and could now be voted out of committee and move to a floor vote. Eliminates electric rate payer subsides of two inefficient and 70-year-old coal plants. 

·        HB - 450 Community Solar. (Sponsored by Representatives Baldridge (R) and Lanese (R)). This bill allows for development of community solar projects. Third committee hearing held on February 9. Could move forward for House vote if approved by leadership. Faith Communities Go Green has initiated climate action through post card signings at Earth Day, the Green Umbrella Midwest Sustainability Summit, and its advocacy outreach.


We encourage you to reach out to your elected officials and ask that they consider the impact each of these bills could have on their constituents, the state, and our future.  

 

Learn

From the Catholic Climate Covenant


From founder, Dan Misleh

This fall, I am energized by the passage of the Inflation Reduction Act which is by far the most impressive federal effort tackling the climate crisis we have ever seen. We are turning a page in our work, as you can read in our latest blog following IRA’s passage, because there are huge incentives to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and large sums of money to tackle environmental justice. Yes, there were some compromises in the legislation, but on the whole, this is very good news for our common home and our common work.  

These new national commitments could not have come at a better time. Every day we are reminded just how much climate change is threatening our world. This summer was catastrophic with unprecedented floods in Jackson, MS, massive forest fires in the west, historic monsoons in Pakistan, and a terrible famine across eastern Africa. These disasters painfully demonstrate that we must take full advantage of all the opportunities--old and new--to reduce our carbon footprint and work for climate justice.


Join us for A Season of Creation Webinar: A Powerful Opportunity for the Faith Community


A Season of Creation Webinar

A Powerful Opportunity for the Faith Community: 

Putting Our Faith into Action Through Renewable Energy Investments and Funding

Tuesday, September 13th  |  1:00-2:00 p.m. Eastern 


Click here for a Season of Creation bulletin insert.


Click here to check out a great Season of Creation meditation.


From the Marianist Environmental Education Center


Check out the MEEC reflection guide for the Laudato Si Action Platform and this guide for praying in nature



From EarthConnection


Check out the many events - all free - being offered throughout the fall.



From Pope Francis


You can find the pope's message for the 2022 Season of Creation here.


"If we learn how to listen, we can hear in the voice of creation a kind of dissonance. On the one hand, we can hear a sweet song in praise of our beloved Creator; on the other, an anguished plea, lamenting our mistreatment of this our common home."


Rooted Together

2022 Green Team Summit


On September 11-14, Faith in Place is hosting the 2022 Green team Summit. You can learn more about the hybrid conference here and register here


Faith Communities Go Green is hosting a watch party at EarthConnection (370 Neeb Rd., 45233) for the opening speaker, Dr. Katharine Hayhoe, on Sunday, 9/11, at 6:00pm with discussion to follow. To attend in person, please register here. You can also view the presentation virtually by registering using the above link and then join the post-talk discussion virtually by clicking here


Act

LAUDATO SI ACTION PLATFORM


We are happy to announce that Archbishop Schnurr has given us his blessing to officially join the Archdiocese of Cincinnati as a partner with the Laudato Si' Action Platform. We are thrilled to be joining dioceses from around the globe in this important effort.


We are planning on holding information sessions on the Laudato Si' Action Platform (see a brief description below) and how our Archdiocese will be implementing the different goals across the different sectors. We don't have hard dates set yet, but please be on the look out for an invitation for events later in the fall, and please save the date for a full-archdiocesan LSAP conference at UD on Sat., 3/4/23.


The Laudato Si’ Action Platform focuses on seven sectors: families, parishes, schools, hospitals, businesses, organizations, and religious orders. It has seven goals: the response to the cry of the earth, the response to the cry of the poor, ecological economics, adoption of simple lifestyles, ecological education, ecological spirituality, and community involvement. More specific steps about how the various sectors can become active participants in working towards the action plan goals are available at www.catholicclimatecovenant.org.



Read an interview the new director of the LSAP, John Mundell, did with the Catholic Climate Covenant here


Click here to find a great guide to living the LSAP from the Sisters of Mercy. 


Helpful Hints


If you're looking for some practical ways to make an impact right now, check out these ideas!

ECO-TIPS


Every minute, the equivalent of one garbage truck of plastic is dumped into the ocean (UN Environment Program). Being thoughtful about the materials we use can make a huge impact. A few ideas about plastic –  When dining out, tell your waiter to hold the straw and take along a container for leftovers (leave a few in the glove compartment to have on hand);  remember to take that reusable/cloth bag in your back seat when setting out for the grocery, farmers’ market, drugstore, and department store;  consider using glass jars to store food, and to avoid food packaging, shop the bulk aisle at the market and bring those glass containers—take along a spare jar to be weighed so as not to be overcharged for the full one.


Our planet needs healing. Horrific stories of fires, floods, and drought warn of an unspeakable future. Action is needed by each of us. Pray. Advocate with state and federal lawmakers. Measure our carbon footprint https://www3.epa.gov/carbon-footprint-calculator/. Take countless practical steps – turn off lights; turn off computers; unplug electronics; change the thermostat (78 degrees or higher in summer, 68 degrees or lower in winter); wash in cold water; air dry clothing; wait for full loads; reset water heaters; use fans (install Energy Star ceiling fans); replace light bulbs. Be mindful.

 

Laudato Si' Communities


Join us on Tuesday, October 4, at 6:30pm to celebrate the Season of Creation and our new Laudato Si' Communities. 


We invite you to join us at EarthConnection - 370 Neeb Rd., 45233 - for the event. All are welcome and refreshments will be served. RSVPs are not required, but we'd appreciate it if you'd let us know you're coming so we can plan accordingly for food. Please email us if you plan to attend.


You can also join us via Zoom if you'd prefer to join virtually.


We'd especially love to have representatives from previous awardees join us, both to welcome our new members and to talk about how we can build on your work and connect to the LSAP. 


We look forward to celebrating with you!



You can do it too!


We want to recognize Catholic parishes and schools that live out Pope Francis' Laudato Si' message of caring for God's creation.


Qualifying parishes or schools will:

  • Earn the title "Laudato Si' Community" at an annual recognition event; Receive an eco-friendly banner to display in or outside their building
  • Be featured on the Archdiocesan website, Facebook page, and in other Archdiocesan media outlets and communications.


To earn this designation, parishes/schools should:

1. Complete a facilities assessment and meet a target score for environmental stewardship practices

2. Have 10 percent of its member-households complete their own household assessment

3. Host or provide a Care for Creation formation program to parishioners/students


We are accepting applications for our 2022 communities. Qualifying communities will be recognized around the feast of St. Francis (10/4). For more information, check out the website. If you have any questions, let us know.



Pray
The Laudato Si Movement has launched a Prayer Book in English and in Spanish, with 62 prayers from 25 countries around the world to help you and your loved ones experience the ecological conversion that St. Pope John Paul II first mentioned, and Pope Francis echoed in Laudato Si’. Later this year, LSM will be launching an app featuring prayers from the Prayer Book and many other prayers. Here are the links for you to download it at no cost and share it among your friends and community. 


Harvest Prayer 2022


The 2022 global growing season has presented challenges and losses to many farmers, farmworkers and others who derive a living from the land. Floods, droughts, fires, and wars have left the land and its people in dire situations for years to come. Close to home we have experienced excessive rain. We know that the costs of production have increased affecting the prices and the outcomes farmers depend on for their families and those who work with them. All who work on the land to provide food for all are in need of our prayers, support and participation in assuring that they and the land may be cared for and continue that all may eat.


Prayer for the Harvest

 God of all creation with unending love you brought forth the earth and shared your breath with all creatures. You sustain us and nurture us with your own hand. Bless the men and women (farmers, shepherds, ranchers, fishers, vintners) who work with you to feed and nourish your people. May all of us, growers and consumers, be faithful stewards of your creation. Keep harvesters safe and healthy as they perform their tasks. May they receive a just recompense for their work and know the respect of the human community. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.


Suggested Intercessions

For all who work the land, that they may be safe in their harvesting and may derive a just livelihood for themselves and their families, we pray…



God has made humans stewards of creation. That all may work to protect what God has made-land, water, forests, -for generations to come. We pray…



The following items are provided by the Archdiocesan Care for Creation Task Force Prayer and Learning Teams for use where appropriate in parish liturgies and bulletins during the coming months. 

September


Bulletin Prayer

We pray that we all will make courageous choices for a simple and environmentally sustainable lifestyle, rejoicing in our young people, who are resolutely committed to this.


Intercession

For all God’s children, for abundant harvest, and sharing of resources, we pray….


Papal Quote

“The gradual depletion of the ozone layer and the related 'greenhouse effect' has now reached crisis proportions as a consequence of industrial growth, massive urban concentrations and vastly increased energy needs … When the ecological crisis is set within the broader context of the search for peace within society, we can understand better the importance of giving attention to what the earth and its atmosphere are telling us: namely, that there is an order in the universe which must be respected, and that the human person, endowed with the capability of choosing freely, has a grave responsibility to preserve this order for the well-being of future generations. I wish to repeat that the ecological crisis is a moral issue.” Saint John Paul II, Peace with God the Creator, Peace with All Creation - 1990 World Day of Peace Message, nos. 6, 9.


October


Bulletin Prayer

In honor of St. Francis, the patron saint of the environment, let us recommit to Care for ALL of God’s Creation. May we live by his example and treasure all our sisters and brothers in creation; all creatures, trees and plants.


Intercession

For all of God’s creation from the teeniest, tiny quark to the most vast galactic filament, we pray..


Papal Quote

“Can we remain indifferent before the problems associated with such realities as climate change … ? Humanity needs a profound cultural renewal; it needs to rediscover those values which can serve as the solid basis for building a brighter future for all. Our present crises – be they economic, food-related, environmental or social – are ultimately also moral crises, and all of them are interrelated. They require us to rethink the path which we are traveling together.” Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI, If You Want to Cultivate Peace, Protect Creation - 2010 World Day of Peace Message, nos. 4, 5.

November


Bulletin Prayer

Generous God, give us the grace to live in full compassion with our brothers and sisters of other religions, open to all, grateful for our blessed diversity.


Intercession

For all God’s people in this season of gratitude and thanksgiving, we pray….


Papal Quote

"It must be said that some committed and prayerful Christians, with the excuse of realism and pragmatism, tend to ridicule expressions of concern for the environment. Others are passive; they choose not to change their habits and thus become inconsistent. So what they all need is an ‘ecological conversion,’ whereby the effects of their encounter with Jesus Christ becomes evident in their relationship with the world around them. Living our vocation to be protectors of God’s handiwork is essential to a life of virtue; it is not an optional or a secondary aspect of our Christian experience.” Pope Francis’ encyclical Laudato Si’, 217

Facebook  Twitter  Instagram