Laudato Si’ Action Team

The Season of Creation, taking place from September 1 to October 4, 2023, was centered around the theme "Let Justice and Peace Flow." The celebration involves incorporating the theme into Masses during the weekend of September 9/10, with preaching and intercessory prayers emphasizing the SoC theme.  A three-part series in the bulletin and social media featured the message of Pope Francis for the World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation. Additionally, a Blessing of Animals event was held on October 3rd, 2023, held on the front lawn, accompanied by a collection of pet food for the Franklin County Shelter.

A Styrofoam ban continues on a campus, with the pastor mandating the exclusion of Styrofoam dinnerware.  External groups using the facilities will be informed of the ban prior to booking and will be offered compostable alternatives if desired, or they will be encouraged to manage their Styrofoam and waste responsibly.  To accommodate compostable requests, the parish staff will ensure an ample supply is available, and the parish facilities department will prepare events with compost, recycle, and waste collection stations, complete with lids and bags.  Additionally, a "how-to Zero Waste" guide will be distributed to all groups, both internal and external, involved in food/meals. These measures aim to promote environmentally friendly practices and reduce the use of Styrofoam on campus.

The Zero Waste Team (ZWT) at the campus is expanding its presence by involving volunteers in various food-related events. Initially present at Festival, Fish Fry, Feast Day, and Funeral bereavements, the team will now extend its participation to include the Bless the Badge dinner and other events.  The ZWT coordinator will play a crucial role in recruiting and communicating with volunteers to ensure sufficient staffing for these occasions. Volunteers will focus on providing direction to educate users about proper waste disposal rather than solely focusing on collection.  To enhance awareness, the team plans to develop a guide on "how-to Zero Waste," detailing compost, recycling, and waste collection procedures, and post it in rooms frequently used for meals.  A parish staffer will oversee the availability of necessary supplies, while the Parish facilities department will prepare events by delivering compost, recycle, and waste collection stations, along with lids and bags.  This initiative aims to promote sustainable practices and minimize waste at campus events.

Compost IT! Weekend, organized by LSAT, is designed to enhance awareness of Grove City's drop-off food composting program.  LSAT plans to investigate the costs associated with acquiring buckets, lids, and compostable liners to be distributed free and/or donations at Masses.  In addition, the initiative includes the development of effective labeling for these composting materials.  To further engage the community, LSAT aims to create a user-friendly "how-to" guide on home composting, which will be published in both the bulletin and the website.  The overall objective is to encourage community participation in the drop-off food composting program and provide valuable resources for effective composting practices at home.

Read more at Compost IT! 

LSAT is committed to educating the parish on the seven Laudato Si’ Action Platform (LSAP) goals and encouraging engagement in actions that contribute to the care of our common home.  One key aspect is drawing inspiration from reputable sources such as https://LaudatoSiMovement.org and https://CatholicClimateCovenant.org.  Regular communication through the bulletin is emphasized, with upcoming topics highlighting discussions on disposable bag usage and understanding the recycling process.   Several important announcements have been made in past bulletins, addressing topics like SWACO Recycling Convenience Center, Holiday Light Collection, and the World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation.  Additionally, the LSAP Assessment 2022-23 and LSAP Initiatives 2023-24 are set to be published on the website and https://LaudatoSiActionPlatform.org.   This comprehensive communication plan aims to keep the parish well-informed and engaged in activities aligned with the LSAP goals for the care of our common home.

Intercessory prayers, deeply rooted in the spirituality of the 7 Laudato Si Action Platform goals, play a pivotal role in fostering a sense of interconnectedness and shared responsibility during weekend Mass.  As congregants gather to worship, these prayers serve as a powerful expression of solidarity with the environment and all living beings.  Grounded in the principles of ecological conversion and integral ecology, the intercessory prayers echo the urgent call to care for our common home.  Congregants lift their collective voices to seek divine guidance and grace for the pursuit of sustainable practices and the protection of the Earth.  This spiritual commitment reflects a harmonious integration of faith and environmental stewardship, reinforcing the transformative potential of intercessory prayers as a catalyst for positive change in the world.

The parish will host a Laudato Si’ Retreat, a spiritual and educational event that aims to bring the community together for prayer, thanksgiving, engagement, education, and strategic planning of its Laudato Si' Action Plan (LSAP).  Scheduled to take place during Laudato Si’ Week in May 2024, the retreat will be a half-day event following the Sunday Mass.  Drawing inspiration from the successful June 2022 Laudato Si' Network retreat, this retreat will focus on contemplation of both the cry of the earth and the cry of the poor.  Participants will have the opportunity to engage in breakout groups where they will delve into the seven Laudato Si’ Action Plan (LSAP) goals, reflecting on their significance and exploring ways to contribute to their achievement.  The agenda also includes an assessment of the current LSAP, allowing for recommendations and enhancements to be proposed.  The retreat will culminate in a session of adoration and benediction, fostering a sense of unity and shared commitment to environmental stewardship and social justice.  This holistic approach, combining spirituality, education, and strategic planning, underscores the parish's dedication to the principles outlined in Laudato Si’ and its ongoing efforts to live out these values in a meaningful and impactful manner.

Evangelize/raise awareness of Laudato Si’ Action Plan (LSAP) through resale of various “eco” related items, branded w/LSAT logo.  Funds collected will be handled by parish finance office using (former) CCC account.   Items will be available for distribution at Earth day Masses.  May be available for purchase online, and as part of parish/schools spiritwear.  An initial parish grant will seed the effort.  Expenditures will go towards seedling giveaways on Earth Day weekend, Reusable Bags, Compost-It buckets, and other “eco” related efforts as directed by pastor.

• Offer a seedling giveaway at all Masses on the weekend of April 22/23, 2024.
• 250 tree seedlings in a limited variety of species.

The proposal involves creating 500-2,000 branded, collapsible pocketable reusable bags with the parish logo to reduce plastic bag consumption.  Financial support is sought from the parish, KofC, PWA, and other groups.  The bags, distributed for free at community events, offer an option for individuals to donate $5-10 per bag to support Our Lady's LSAT efforts.  A bulletin article would address plastic bag drawbacks and promote recycling, aiming to encourage eco-friendly practices and minimize the environmental impact of disposable bags.