Ecology

A JUST AGREEMENT. Catholic leaders from around the world made a joint appeal to the next UN conference (COP 21) on climate change to generate a "fair, binding and truly transformative" agreement.

The message consists of 10 points based on the encyclical "Laudato Si" by Pope Francisco.

"Believers or not, we agree today that the earth is essentially a shared heritage, the fruits of which are meant to benefit all," said Catholic leaders in the document to be delivered in the Paris Summit, to be held from 30 November to 11 December.

It is worth mentioning that this November 29, a day before the summit in Paris, the world’s largest march ever in relation to climate change is being organized.

Many have argued that individual change is essential to changing the system that is affecting the balance of the planet, which it is, but so is the role of the media and public pressure.  This can be achieved through the demonstrations and protests of millions of people.  
The places where you can join in the global march:
San Antonio:
https://www.facebook.com/events/1720355021532509/

Saint Louis:
https://secure.avaaz.org/en/event/globalclimatemarch/Peoples_Climate_March_StLouis_MO/?fjWcNjb 

YOUR IMPACT ON THE EARTH. Here are a few EASY things you can do to reduce your impact on the environment. Try one, two, or all. The idea is to start thinking about the way we consume and the environmental legacy that we are leaving for our future generations. So, start small and when you get the hang of it, try another step. These are just a few ways that each of us truly can make a difference in our world.

1.     Recycle – everything you can.

2.     Buy Recycled.

3.     When possible, choose items in glass jars/containers.

4.     End the siege of junk mail in your mailbox. 

5.     Walk or bike when possible.

6.     Take advantage of automating your salary deposits. 

7.     Buy organic. 

8.     Support local farmers.

9.     Opt for organic gardening measures when it comes to fertilizing and pest control.

10. Properly dispose of hazardous material. 

11. Here’s a bright idea: As your existing light bulbs burn out, replace with compact fluorescent.

A PRAYER FOR OUR EARTH.  All-powerful God, you are present in the whole universe

and in the smallest of your creatures. You embrace with your tenderness all that exists. Pour out upon us the power of your love, that we may protect life and beauty. Fill us with peace, that we may live as brothers and sisters, harming no one.

O God of the poor, help us to rescue the abandoned and forgotten of this earth, so precious in your eyes. Bring healing to our lives, that we may protect the world and not prey on it, that we may sow beauty, not pollution and destruction.

Touch the hearts of those who look only for gain at the expense of the poor and the earth. Teach us to discover the worth of each thing, to be filled with awe and contemplation, to recognize that we are profoundly united with every creature as we journey towards your infinite light.

We thank you for being with us each day. Encourage us, we pray, in our strugglefor justice, love and peace. Amen.