A Circular Economy of Food Waste to Soil Health

Laudato Si' Article 22:

"...But our industrial system, at the end of its cycle of production and consumption, has not developed the capacity to absorb and reuse waste and by-products. We have not yet managed to adopt a circular model of production capable of preserving resources for present and future generations... "

Through Climate Reality Project Texas Chapter's Chair Darshana Gupte and San Antonio Composting, Saint Anthony Catholic High-school was able to set-up the vermi composting in the school community garden in December.  The team has built the several containers, and layered the pieces of brown materials from cardboard boxes, mulches, soil and finally the earthworms. 

With this Vermi Composting, the cafeteria's food waste can now be used as a food for the earthworms.  The following are just a few of the benefits of this composting:

1. Lessen the food waste and carbon footprint. This is a way to reach zero-waste goal.  It is a step forward.

2. Increase the health of soil.  The school community garden can now be fertilized naturally without harmful chemicals that can affect the health of the community.

3. This vermi-composting is healthier for the soil as this can produce microbes that can attract insects  helpful to the environment.

The real work of this composting is to keep this composting from the cafeteria of the school flow into the vermi-composting container out in the garden.  Once the team has built the habbit and schedule of gathering the compost and dropping the food waste into these box containers, the students Earth Angels can get this integrated as a routine part of their life, this is when the waste becomes renewable.  The good that the food has already given to the people has become even greater good to create a healthy eco-system or environment.

As Saint Thomas Aquinas said about goodness and perfection:

"It is greater perfection for a thing to be good in itself and the cause of goodness in others than only to be good."

The idea that there is a value in the food that we eat, it does not stop in first degree of consumption.  The circular economy mindset helps a simple food wastes turn into sustainable lifestyle.  San Antonio Composting is looking for another school where they can implement this circular economic model into their garden.

San Antonio Composting Setting up the
Compost Containers together with the students 

Preparing the box for the Vermi-Composting

Read More:

https://gradesofgreen.org/program-pathway/launch-eco-lessons/launch-lessons-composting-at-school-6th-12th/
https://www.theexaminernews.com/school-composting-saves-money-food-and-the-planet/

Stella Maris Incarnate Word Associates Committed to Hear the Cry of the Poor

Laudato Si' Article 10 on Saint Francis of Assisi:

"...He shows us just how inseparable the bond is between concern for nature, justice for the poor, commitment to society, and interior peace."

Lamar, S. Marylou and Connie

For more than two decades, the Stella Maris Associates Community has been serving the needs of the vulnerable people through their generous contributions of services and resources especially Corpus Christi communities.  From what originally was two communities, the 15 associates now formed one community.   The first community was founded in 1999 by Sr. Marjorie Muldowney at the request of Sr. Kathleen Coughlin.  These two Incarnate Word Sisters used to live in Corpus Christi serving the CHRISTUS Spohn hospitals.

Stella Maris recently gathered on November 15.  The group usually meet at least once a month.  The associates has a strong friendship for each other built and solidified over the years. Some have been friends since they were working for CHRISTUS Spohn.  Though some of them were from the hospital, some friends were inspired by the Holy Spirit to join the group.

Connie, a previous employee of CHRISTUS Spohn Shoreline, is the last remaining founding member of the group.  She remains committed to keeping this community active along with the other members of this community in serving the needs of the materially poor and supporting each other through prayers and presence.   Margie was once the Director for Mission of CHRISTUS Spohn and facilitating the group meetings.  For the December's mission to address the cry of the poor, the group decided to donate hygiene and winter items.  The recipient of this year's Christmas project is the Mother Teresa Shelter.  This is a ministry of Catholic Charities of Corpus Christi.  This organization provides not only a shelter but a community, and treatment program for the unhoused.

IWA at their Women's Annual Retreat in Schoenstatt Movement Center

The works of the community is not only in the physical but also spiritual.  The Stella Maris gathered again for their Annual Retreat "Walking with Mary" during the Advent Season in December 6 at 9am until 3:30pm in Schoenstatt Movement Center.  The associates were reunited with their long time friends and new friends from different parishes of the diocese.  The attendees enjoyed the retreat praying, reflecting the Advent Season, and being in the company of familiar faces and eating snacks and meals together.  The retreat ended with the celebration of the Eucharist.

IWA with Mother Teresa Shelter Staff/Volunteer

The group gathers once a month to catch up on supporting each other and talk about their mission.  They support each other as well in prayers through group texts when there are life challenges such as illnesses in the family, life-changing events, death, etc.  During the Advent Season, they wanted to provide essentials to the residents of Mother Teresa Shelter. The Stella Maris decided to reach out to each other to gather the resources for donation for the shelter. Eventually Margie, one of the associates, got all the gift items.  Few associates decided to meet each other to drop off the 20 gift bags or more, containing hygiene items, and special winter items were also provided such as additional blankets, and coats.  About 25 to 35 clients of Mother Teresa shelter have benefited from this initiative.

Interested in joining us in animating the Catholic Social Teachings, Laudato Si', or any social justice concerns?  Reach out to us: jpic.office@amormeus.org.

Perú: un año con esperanza

Estamos por culminar un año marcado por la esperanza, recordando un momento también lleno de ese sentimiento vivo y presente hoy en el territorio peruano: 61 años de presencia misionera de las Hermanas de la Caridad del Verbo Encarnado, que se sigue reflejando en sus obras y, sobre todo, en cada persona que integra la familia congregacional en el país, así como cada persona que en el camino encontramos y se une como aliada. Una alianza para (re)vivir el Evangelio.

Como oficina JPIC en el Perú, reconocemos los difíciles años que la historia en el país ha significado para la congregación, y lejos de ser una dificultad se tornó en fortaleza que motivó ese carácter de ser presencia encarnada entre la gente y su tierra, entre sus dolores y alegrías. Ahora, los difíciles años continúan, pero la esperanza está en el carisma congregacional, el cual ha dado frutos en sus religiosas y comunidades de asociados/os, quienes siguen el legado con fidelidad y creatividad.

También estamos muy cerca de celebrar el nacimiento de nuestro Salvador, quien nación entre los pobres y vulnerados, un escenario que nos invita a reafirmar los compromisos y valores que el Verbo Encarnado nos demanda e inspira en este mundo, en este país que sufre. Y que se ha manifestado en las diversas acciones y momentos que, como oficina, hemos acompañado.

Que estas palabras sean comprendidas y graficadas con el resumen de imágenes que veremos a continuación sobre las actividades desarrolladas con las comunidades y ministerios durante este año. El 2026 nos encontraremos dispuestos/as a asumir los nuevos retos, teniendo siempre presente el sufrimiento de nuestro pueblo peruano que “espera en alivio de nuestras manos”. (ingresar a cada collage para ver mejor las fotos)

Comunidades de Lima y Chimbote nos comparten el significado del Verbo Encarnado a través del arte. Las bolsas de tela acompañarán sus actividades y llevarán el mensaje de nuestra espiritualidad.

Diversos momentos que hemos acompañado durante este 2025. Queda claro que las manos unidas hacen mejores acciones, incluso superar las distancias físicas.

Sigamos caminando con esperanza.

¡Que viva el Verbo Encarnado! ¡Para siempre, Amén!

A House of Dynamite: A reflection on the Danger of Nuclear

 Join us on Tuesday, December 9 at 7:30pm CT for an important discussion of the new Netflix film, " A House of Dynamite". Directed by Kathryn Bigelow, the film was released on Netflix on October 24. The thriller reached number one on streaming charts on the platform, being the most popular movie of the weekend. The film follows the final 18 minutes before a nuclear weapon detonates over a major U.S. city, a portrayal of how one mistake or miscommunication could change everything. 

There will be brief opening remarks from a special guest, followed by small group breakout rooms to allow for reflection. Optional prompts will be provided. We will all come back together to discuss themes, and how we move forward/take action in our communities. Please share this email with all who may be interested.

 

REGISTER HERE!

This event is co-hosted by Texans Ending Nuclear Dangers and Back from the Brink Hub New Mexico.

November - Season to be Grateful

 

Respect Challenge: Spiritual Playdate

Be a part of the Respect Challenge initiated by Spiritual Playdate!

Spiritual Playdate is a collection of fine online resources that can be used for social, emotional, and spiritual learning for young people. Topics include things like fear and anxiety, forgiveness, living and dying.  Edwina Cowell in Chicago, the Spiritual Playdate director gave an overview of their resources at the November “women connecting globally” gathering. Women are the main educators of children. In the world now, there seem to be so many divisions, and so much fear.  How can we help children develop spiritually so they have a sense of belonging?  See the introductory film  to Spiritual Playdate. 

Edwina invited us to share the “Respect Challenge” and to get as many people as possible sharing this and “challenging” another group to do so also.

It’s a WIN-WIN

Enter our Social Media: #RespectChallenge

2025 Grand Prize $1000

Now, you can join families, friends, schools, and even business teams from around the world in our global movement to restore humanity to a culture of respect!

We’ve made it super easy to participate whether you’re at home, in a classroom, at a spiritual center or with neighbors! Watch a film (18) How to Join the Global #RespectChallenge 🌍 | Quick Start Guide to Make Respect Cool Again - YouTube

  Follow the directions https://acrobat.adobe.com/id/urn:aaid:sc:US:06fb450a-e0bd-471b-a4c7-72cd7e33d189

Women of Gaza and Israel for Peace

Women Wage Peace Who with Their Palestinian Partners Women of the Sun have been nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize

Watch the inspiring introduction to Women Wage Peace co-sponsored by the National Council of Jewish Women – San Antonio and the University of the Incarnate Word as part of the annual Peace Day, Oct. 29 https://youtu.be/V1S94ePU3-Y?si=gOPyWtSvmhcwzuPS

Before the program, hear “The Prayer of the Mothers” by the beloved singer and promoter of peace Yael Deckelbaum https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YyFM-pWdqrY.   

The women who spoke on Oct. 29, including Sr. Martha Ann Kirk, are among the crowd in  the lower left picture. They are among 6,000 who were in the People’s Peace Summit, May 9, 2025, in Jerusalem.

 

Book on Gaza

Stories I Couldn’t Let Die: Shadows of Gaza by Salem Medhat Alaydi. Dianne Monroe, the Jewish author of the introduction of this book of Salem’s Instagram postings, will spoke of her grandmother who suffered under the Nazis in Holland and why she tries to help Salem and his family.  “I’m Salem. I’m 18 years old, and I’ve spent my whole life in Gaza. My home was destroyed in 2023, and since then I’ve been living in a man-made tent. Through everything, the bombings, the hunger, the endless days of fear I’ve carried my cell phone.”

Women Connecting Globally

Women Connecting Globally Gathered on Nov. 8, 2025, 8 am to 10 am, Standard US time for our second “Women Connecting Globally” gathering. 

NOTE: This is Standard Central time, NOT Daylight savings now. 

Register here for the link.  

In the first gathering on Oct. 25, undergraduate and graduate students from CIW, Mexico City, and the University of the Incarnate Word, San Antonio, Texas, and professionals in Arts Therapy, Communication Arts, Early Childhood Education, Higher Education, Hospital Chaplaincy, and Law bringing ideas from Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Palestine, the Philippines, and the USA had rich sharing on developing and sharing their gifts.  

Catherine Cuasay, a successful Arts Therapist and mother in San Antonio, Texas, continues to build connections with her Filipino family. Natalia Hernandez, who had done fine work in the Young Women’s Global Leadership program in high school not only spoke of her university International Studies major, but also her passion to help immigrants.

Jacqueline Zavala Aguila of Mexico City shared from the perspective of helping international students in her position in the UIW Office of Research and Graduate Studies and of being a Ph.D. student. Catherine Cuasay, a successful Arts Therapist and mother in San Antonio, Texas, continues to build connections with her Filipino family. Natalia Hernandez, who had done fine work in the Young Women’s Global Leadership program in high school not only spoke of her university International Studies major, but also her passion to help immigrants. 

Rector Maria Fabiola Iturbide, who leads the branch of the University of the Incarnate Word in Mexico City shared some of the things that have helped her to be a leader including her many experiences with the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word. 

Darlene Jasso is the co-founder and Vice-President for Communications for an agency helping Mayan indigenous children and their families, the Little Angels of Mary. We hope to meet some of the women with whom she works in our next session, Nov. 8. Dr. Joan Labay-Marquez is both an attorney and the Graduate Education Coordinator in the Dreeben School of Education at the UIW. Her wise and consistent assistance and encouragement has helped so many students be successful. 

Learn more from the “women connecting globally”  July newsletter, the October newsletter, the November newsletter which  includes articles on Peace Day at UIW which pictures and was  dedicated to Sr. Helena Monahan.  

Palestinian Dana Osaily, a speaker at the October gathering of “women connecting globally.” 

The "Let the Children Live" Grant Program

 The “Let the Children Live” Grant Program is now accepting educators, both formal and informal, who care about the lives of children and others in the Holy Land. We will have our first of four online conversations once people register and share times they can be available, hopefully this will be late January 2026.

Register here "Let the Children Live" Grant Program and Holy Land Trip Information | Home | University of the Incarnate Word

The program is to promote understanding, dialogue, and compassionate action.  Those participating will be expected to share what they learn helping to build empathy among people. Participants  will receive a copy of Teaching Palestine, a subscription to Re-thinking Schools, opportunities to participate in discussions both face-to-face and virtual, and other resources such as the recording of Women Wage Peace.  Probably we will have virtual conversations with Sr. Martha Ann's friends in the Holy Land.

The grant leader Sister Martha Ann Kirk was a scholar-in-residence at the Vatican founded Tantur Ecumenical Institute between Jerusalem and Bethlehem. Read some about her in Global Sisters Report.  She was mentored by Rev. Tom Stransky, the young theologian who drafted Nostra Aetate, then published by the pope and the bishops as one of the most important documents of the Second Vatican Council. Read of her May 2025 experiences in the Holy Land among the Women of the Sun and Women Wage Peace nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize.  The Incarnate Word Sisters Justice, Peace, and Creation Office invites you to be a part of this free effort to build compassion, justice, and peace funded by a grant from Re-thinking Schools. 

Secondly, would you like to like to be part of a solidarity trip to the Holy Land? Start saving money for this and consider asking your community to support you in this work of peace-building. Rev. Julie Rowe and Sr. Martha Ann seek peace pilgrims to go the Holy Land, April 28 to May 12, 2026. We will to be part of the next “It’s Time” conference and learn of Palestinian realities on a tour similar to that described on  the blog about May 2025. 

Read about a past presentation on that and they are happy to do this presentation for groups now:

“We don’t have the luxury of despair. There is too much work to do.” 
        A Repeated Sentiment from Palestinian Christians

 What’s Happening on the Ground in the Holy Land?  What are we Called to do about it as Churches?  Hear experiences from a 3-week journey, May 2025, from Sister Martha Ann Kirk and Rev. Julie Brenton Rowe.     

Learn and plan what churches can do. (Previously: Opening Prayer: Rev. Leyla King, Canon for Mission, Episcopal Diocese of West Texas. Moderator: Rev. Ann Helmke, COSA, Faith Based Liaison. Closing Prayer: Bishop Sue J. Briner, SWT Texas Synod, ELCA. June 26, 2025,  University of the Incarnate Word or online.

Contacts:  Sister Martha Ann Kirk at kirk@uiwtx.edu  210-883-5934
      Rev. Julie Brenton Rowe at revjbr2003@yahoo.com 847 312 5884 

Register here for information on the trip and/or for information on the grant program.  "Let the Children Live" Grant Program and Holy Land Trip Information | Home | University of the Incarnate Word

Renew Your Hope, Initiate Conversations that Unite

Six men on death row were executed in Texas, 41 nationwide, and a man scheduled to be executed from nitrogen hypoxia died from natural cause in 2025. Mr. Robert Robertson of Texas is waiting for new execution date or retrial if he would be given a chance.

What does our world need for Justice and Peace?  Does a punitive and retaliation system work? Do we need more prayers?  Do we need more unitive conversations? Do we need to forgive more?  Would do you advocate for healing and mercy? 

Reinventing the wheel takes time and can create unnecessary waste.  Collaborating with others who have worked on similar cases makes things efficient and effective than doing it alone or doing it in isolation.  There are opportunities to learn from others and get your hopes and dreams for a more forgiving and merciful society a reality one step at a time.  Catholic Mobilizing Network offers training events so that you can be in solidarity with those who care like you do.

Training: Conversations in Communion

Interested in facilitating to build capacity for deep listening for a more lively and fuller participation in the parish and ministries?

Upcoming Training Cohorts:

• Cohort 13: Wednesdays, November 12, 19 & December 3 | 2 p.m. – 5 p.m. ET | Deadline to Apply: Nov. 6
• Cohort 14: Wednesdays, January 7, 14, & 28 | 12 p.m. – 3 p.m. ET
• Cohort 15: Thursdays, February 12, 26, & March 5 | 12 p.m. – 3 p.m. ET [Special-focused cohort for Women Religious]

See more: https://catholicsmobilizing.org/events/

Texas Coalition Against Death Penalty

Prayers for the Survivors of Kalmaegi Typhoon in Cebu, Philippines

We hold the survivors of the typhon Kalmaegi or Tino, a local name in Philippines, in prayers.  The families in Cebu Philippines have lost everything after November 6 disastrous calamity. 

Lessening our carbon footprint, and increasing our resilliency can also be a way of praying and offering our love to those affected.  Joining a green and faithful organizations can be a good way to not feel isolated when working on anything as big as Climate Crisis.

Prayer For the People

God of healing and mercy, we come before you with our hearts filled with grief as we see the devastation.

We pray that your presence would be felt by those who are grieving, who are injured, who have lost their homes and livelihoods.
We pray for wisdom and safety for those who are responding to the people in need and the many challenges left in the wake of the event.
We pray for our church, that it may be a witness to your compassion and care for all who suffer.
God, you are our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in times of trouble. For this we give you thanks and ask that you hear our prayers for the people of Cebu, Philippines.

- Adopted from a prayer of the Mennonite World Conference for the people of Japan following the earthquake and tsunami of March 11, 2011.

From Prayers In Times of Natural Disaster

More about this:

As Typhoon Kalmaegi wreaks havoc in Southeast Asia, scientists say rising temperatures are to blame
Laudato Si' Movement
Animators - Laudato Si Animators

Plentiful Artworks and Nature Walk on Pilgrimage with UIW Brainpower Connection

By the start of the school year, JPIC engaged with the University of Incarnate Word Brainpower Connection to get the children start thinking about caring for creation again.  This is the third year that the Brainpower Schools participated.  The first and second year Artworks were participated by Blessed Sacrament Catholic School, Saint Mary Magdalene Catholic School and the Saint Anthony Catholic School.   This time, we have the support of Saint Anthony Catholic High School who also contributed to the artworks that have been displayed in Padre Margil Pilgrimage Center.

We thank the UIW Brainpower Connection for participating in the Artworks and special thanks to those who participated in the Pilgrimage especially the Earth Angels of Saint Anthony Catholic High School.  The volunteers from UIW Enivioronmental Science with Dr. John Hooker graciously helped to put together about nearly a hundred if not hundred pieces of artworks. 

The winner of the raffle goes to Saint Anthony Catholic High School.  The school will receive Gardening Class Pack from Gardopia sponsored by JPIC-US. Congratulations!

S. Martha Ann and Dr. John Hooker, 

two of the supporters/organizers

The Pilgrims walking along the 

San Antonio River towards Mission Concepcion

    

 Dr. John Hooker giving a talk on Caring for Our Common Home

S. Martha Ann teaching the crowd about 

Sacred Land, Sacred Water and Sacred People

The guests walked towards the Art Exhibit 

Sister Martha Ann talking with her newfound 

Scientology Missionary friends

The Organizers of the Jubillee-Care for Creation       

Pilgrimage in Padre Margil Pilgrimage Center

Growing Care for Our Common Home

COP30 (Conference on Parties) is a gathering of parties worldwide hosted by United Nations starting on November 10 and ending on November 21 in Belem, Brazil.  The aim is to talk about the impacts of climate change, the actions for solutions to achieve the netzero carbon emissions by 2050 goal. Belem is in the heart of the Amazon forest.  It has rich biodiversity given  its rainforest and vast impact on carbon store affecting local and global climate.

To take a step back, the Catholic Church sponsored conference called "Raising Hope" in October.  Though not intentionally part of the COP30 program, it sets the tone for the COP 30 which has a goal of putting actions together globally to meet the carbon netzero by 2050 goal.  Pope Leo XIV on Raising Hope Conference on the Laudato Si' tenth anniversary on October 1 challenges us to move into a modality of caring, and living an ecologically transformative lifestyle in a personal, communal and political level.  This is an advance testament of the church support on the COP 30 mission through integral ecologically transformative actions.  

Laudato Si' Movement invites parishes, diocese, hospitals, schools, religious institutions and other Catholic organizations to integrate God’s call in caring for creation given the already established platform identifying major seven goals through Laudato Si' Action Platform (LSAP).  This platform has been used by thousands of Catholic Organizations around the world sharing their resources and information about their plan, projects, and changes in policies and lifestyle to make Laudato Si’ integrated in the organization's life.

Given the two Texas Arch/Bishops (San Antonio, and El Paso) who signed publicly and enrolled in the platform by this year, it only shows that the Holy Spirit is moving the people to care for all with the platform as the instrument and the people as the hands and feet of Jesus Christ.  The presence of Laudato Si' Texas Chapter continues to collaborate in parishes and diocese level with hope that all Texas Diocese will enroll its organization into the LSAP and eventually getting their parishes to do the same.  The North American Chapter's SMART Goal established in February 2025 is below:

Every chapter is to approach the (arch)bishop(s) within their borders by 2027 asking they sign onto the LSAP.  Our overall goal is for all of them to have signed on by 2030.

The Archdiocese of San Antonio continues to grow in its support for integral ecology through the Laudato Si' Action Platform. There are now 62 parishes who registered. Mexican American Catholic College, though not a parish, is one of the Catholic organizations that signed up for the Laudato Si' Action Platform (LSAP). 

Dr. Virginia Mata, the social justice director in San Antonio archdiocese completed the second part of Laudato Si Action Platform and Laudato Si' training for Archdiocese of San Antonio on October 30.  There are now 62 parishes in the archdiocese who registered.

Below are Parts I & II of the Laudato Si Series.

• Part I – Introduction to Laudato Si -Introduction to Laudato Si’ and the Laudato Si’ Action Platform
• Part II – Building Relationships – Laudato Si’ Webinar Series Part II: Building Relationships

Laudato Si Parish Assessment is here.

Laudato Si Goals document can be accessed here.  

Each parish can discern with your pastor’s approval how best to proceed, for example:

            -Parish Reps may meet with each ministry leader in the parish.

            -Others may hold a single listening session with all or several ministries,

            -And some may focus primarily on developing their goals with each ministry leader and/or pastor or parish councils.

Zoom and Meeting Information for Part III                 

Topic: Laudato Si Series Formation Part III- Laudato Si SMART GOALS

Time: Jan 30, 2026, 06:00 PM Central Time (US and Canada)

Join Zoom Meeting

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82435768278?pwd=IHojqJKrpXytLWmiWkQfmGRa2x5BrV.1

 

Meeting ID: 824 3576 8278

Passcode: LR3e21

 

Other Important Dates

• End January 2026: Complete Parish Assessment and start conducting 1-1s and listening sessions
• End of February 2026: Complete Parish Goals
• End of February 2026: Submit Plans to Archdiocese and to Laudato Si' Action Platform

For more information in Archdiocese of San Antonio: contact Life and Social Justice Director Dr Virginia Mata, PhD (LCDR USN, Ret) 

Cell: (210) 365-4401 / Office: (210) 734-1202

Email: Virginia.Mata@archsa.org

There is no better time to answer this call to care for all in creation.  The time is now.   Get in touch with your local Laudato Si' Chapter or form your own Laudato Si' Chapter by contacting us texas@lsmchapter.org.

If any of the readers do not belong to a state where there is a Laudato Si' Chapter, the interested person can contact, the North America Program Manager Anna Johnson (anna@laudatosimovement.org).

More Information:

International Conference “Raising Hope for Climate Justice” on the occasion of the 10th Anniversary of the Encyclical Laudato Si’, at the Mariapolis Center (Castel Gandolfo, 1st October 2025)

Home 2 - Raising hope

Pope Leo XIV Raising Hope for Climate Justice

An Interview with Archbishop Gustavo García-Siller - Laudato Si' Action Platform

About COP 30 | UNFCCC