Mission
The mission of the Friends of St. Francis ministry is to make available pertinent information and resources for actions we can undertake to better care for Earth in our parish and local community.
Monthly/Seasonal Focus
Creation is something we celebrate in the spirit of St. Francis. Each liturgical year we offer the people of St. Walter an opportunity to honor what the Lord has created through various events.
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Care of Creation Quotes from our Popes
Though Pope Francis is, by far, noted for bringing together the issues facing the world today (cry of the Earth and cry of the poor), what he has written and spoken about is not new in the social teaching of the Church. Read through some of the writings of the Church to be amazed at how forward-thinking past Popes have been, as well as recognizing the shoulders on which Pope Francis is standing. These quotes can also be found in the weekly church bulletin and on St. Walter’s social media.
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Laudato Si’ and Laudate Deum
Pope Francis wrote and published two letters, eight years apart, addressing the importance of caring for the environment and reducing the affects of climate change. The first, Laudato Si’ was inspired by the words of St. Francis of Assisi, “Praise be to you, my Lord.” In it the Pope looked at the problem that was crying out in the world: the strong rise of the climate crisis and his concern for an urgent ecological conversion. The words of other Popes, bishops, and saints made the Pope aware that the Church needed a text on integral ecology; to realize that the environmental crisis and the human crisis are interrelated in what he called integral ecology. His aim was to lead not only Catholics, but all people around the world to take action to reduce human impact on the environment and preserve our common home for present and future generations. Actually, the Pope anticipated the Paris Agreement, the first global pact to address climate change by reducing greenhouse gas emissions, which occurred at the United Nations climate summit in December 2015.
The second, Laudate Deum continued along the teaching of St. Francis by a witness of his life and actions best summed up by this quote "Praise for all His creatures" continues to address the whole world, urgently requesting a more radical change in thinking and action to avoid further damage to our world. Click to watcha short video to learn more.
The Diocese of Joliet has an active Laudato Si' plan and group in place. One of the members of the St. Walter Friends of St. Francis ministry is an active participant. Click here to see the plan of our diocese and how you might become involved.
If you are interested in becoming part of this ministry, please contact Donna Burke in the Guiney Office Ministry Center. She will be able to put you in touch with current members.
Avoid purchasing products containing palm oil
Palm oil is a popular vegetable oil used in candy bars, snack foods, cookies, baked goods, packaged foods, and personal care products. Too often the palm oil tree plantations destroy enormous tracts of virgin tropical forests, exploit child labor, grab land from local communities and devastate critical habitat for elephants, orangutans, and tigers. The burning of tropical forests for palm oil plantations also releases enormous amounts of CO2 into the atmosphere. Compare labels and try to avoid products with palm oil.
Join our Creation Care Team! 708-508-3111
Frequent lawn watering is expensive and often unnecessary
A typical lawn only needs about one inch of water per week to survive. So if there is no rain, water every 6-8 days to reduce your water bill. A best practice: water for 15 minutes then allow the water to soak in for a while and repeat 3-4 times, lessening waste of water run-off. This deeper soaking technique encourages the roots to grow deeper and be more drought resistant.
