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.