Did you know that as Catholics we have been called to be stewards of creation?
A steward is someone who cares for, supports and guides others. That’s the meaning of the word as a noun. However, when used as a verb, it becomes an action and we believe in a faith that mobilizes and encourages action: steward (verb), to manage or look after another’s property.
“God, the creator of all has set mankind as stewards over creation, to care for the animals and the environment, and to use the resources of the world wisely. Man and woman are at the center of creation, but his place of privilege comes with great responsibility as well.” (Do-Cat Study Guide 2016)
Some of this meaning may have been lost in translation. In particular, the general understanding of man’s role at “center of creation” may have been taken too literally. Some remember learning that mankind was given “dominion over the birds in the air and fish in the sea” to use for his own good. And judging from the way we’ve been treating the world, it seems that some have misunderstood the word dominion. The word is a tricky one, with shades of “sovereignty” but that’s no excuse. Let’s face the facts: as people of faith we must make some changes in our relationship with creation and the Creator!
Creation is God’s gift to us and through creation God continues His relationship with us. In our care and concern for this gift, we can continually grow in virtue and holiness through the practice of stewardship. In Laudato Si, Pope Francis has issued an urgent challenge that people of faith “open a dialogue about how we are shaping the future of our planet.” What is required? He says, “a new and universal solidarity [in which] everyone’s talents and involvement are needed to redress the damage caused by human abuse of God’s creation.”
You can consider this conversation open at Queenship of Mary!
Together we have already made strides toward minimizing the “carbon footprint” of our parish church. Our space is lit by low energy LED lighting set on motion detectors to minimize waste. Water saving devices on all faucets help us to use less water without even knowing it and new windows in the Parish Hall are keeping us warmer this winter.
In 2019, we are ushering in a renewed commitment to ecological citizenship. We’ll be leading by example as we look for more ways to reduce water consumption (and consumption in general!). We’ll be upping our recycling game and avoiding the use of single use plastic and paper. As we seek out creative stewardship opportunities, we’ll be viewing our actions as faithful expressions of love.
In Laudato Si, Pope Francis expresses the hope that parishes accept his challenge to Care for Our Common Home and to, “provide an education in responsible simplicity of life, in grateful contemplation of God’s world, and in concern for the needs of the poor and the protection of the environment.”
We’re calling our invigorated response to this hope Caring for Creation 101, and you’re invited to join the effort!
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Our Creation Team hosts 2 Creation Events a year to remind us of God's great gift of all that is around us.
On April 27, we hosted our first Outdoor Mass/Campfire!
Check out those photos here:
