In honor of Season of Creation, the Diocese of San Jose Care for Creation ministry recognizes parishes that, through their own initiative, have supported the Laudato Si’ Action Plan. The Care for Creation Ministry keeps in touch with the parishes to learn about the kinds of eco-justice and outreach programs they are involved in. We are very impressed by the diverse range of programs each parish supports, from waste reduction to promoting sustainable living, ecological education and advocacy. We cannot recognize every parish, but we have highlighted parishes that exemplify each of the seven Laudato Si’ Action goals.
Response to the Cry of the Earth
In Response to Cry for the Earth, we are called to protect our common home for the well-being of all living creatures, as we equitably address the climate crisis, biodiversity loss, and ecological sustainability. Some actions could include the adoption of renewable energies and energy sustainability measures, achieving carbon neutrality or guaranteeing access to clean water for all.
The Diocese of San Jose would like to recognize Saint Catherine of Alexandria Parish, Over the past two years St. Catherine of Alexandria has worked steadily toward becoming a more energy-efficient parish. This year they added solar power over the Parish Center and Carport and completed a conversion to LED lighting. The parish also added a Clothes Closet, offering gently used clothing free to those in need in their community, reducing what goes into the landfill.
Response to Cry of the Poor
In Response to the Cry of the Poor, we are called to promote eco-justice, aware that we are called to defend all human life and address the challenges facing the global community. This goal is all-encompassing – from our diocesan-wide efforts to feed the hungry, our commitment to Restorative Justice, the disabled, elderly, divorced and LGBTQ+ communities, our global efforts to build homes in Tijuana, to provide support to immigrants in our communities, showers for the homeless, backpacks and school supplies, or gifts at Christmas. This goal is at the heart of what we do as a Diocese – attending to those in need.
Today, the Diocese of San Jose would like to recognize one parish and one ministry in the Diocese for their commitment to the Cry of the Poor. Each has supported this goal differently, but they are equally important: These are Our Lady of Refuge Parish and Brothers and Sisters in Community Service or BASICS.
Our Lady of Refuge: developed a program “Fun for Children” to serve low-income mothers and children. This program provided an afternoon of eight different activity stations for the children, challenging them in reading and English language learning skills, hands-on craft making and physical activities. Not only were the children having fun, but it provided an afternoon of relaxation and socialization with a raffle for the moms, who often work two jobs and have little time to relax and socialize. The three raffles allowed the moms to win everyday household aids with games they could play with their children at home. This program enlisted approximately 20 volunteers to make the materials for the crafts and activities and to man the stations. Our Lady of Refuge sees this as a pilot program to serve families experiencing hard lives and to help children under 7years.
Brothers and Sisters in Community Service began at St. Julie Billiart Parish in 2004 when Father Jon Pedigo inspired Monica Rising and her group to go to a place they had never seen with just faith and a lot of planning to build a house on outer Tijuana where there were no maps and only dirt streets. They had local guides to take them to a settlement with the poorest residents making only a few dollars a day. Most of their homes were built from discarded supplies and had mold and dirt floors. When they returned from Tjuana word spread and volunteers from St. Simon Parish, Church of the Resurrection and Holy Family joined in the planning.
Today, between 10 parishes in the Diocese- approximately 70 volunteers are involved in building 3-4 homes in Tijuana one week in July. Their volunteers also provide a daily program for 200 children with participants from the Special Needs school, immersion into the community visiting Los Memorias AIDS and TB clinic, a visit to Casa Migrante for the recently deported, visits to local chapels to distribute 300 gift food bags and a visit to Friendship Park, the border wall to hear history concerning immigration.
When choosing whom to build a home for, BASICS focuses on families with extra challenges with illness, handicaps, and single moms. As of this year, BASICS has built 78 houses with 1505 volunteers. Over the past 22 years, BASICS has followed its mission: to build friendships and spiritual growth by reaching across borders to bring people together. By putting their faith into action, they have built lasting and vibrant communities in collaboration with Maria Inmaculada Parish in Tijuana.
They provide opportunities for education, immersion, and commitment to promote human dignity and the ability for those who attend to see the families thrive and go from moldy, leaky shacks to safe and solid homes.
Ecological Economics
Ecological Economics acknowledges that the economy is a subsystem of human society and questions the value we attribute to the products and services we use daily in relation to the health of the earth. Actions could include sustainable production and consumption; ethical investments; divestment from fossil fuels.
The Diocese of San Jose would like to recognize Saint Simon Parish. Over the last 2 ½ years, St. Simon Green Team has held five staggered tabling events, hosted guest speakers, provided energy saving tips in their weekly e-bulletin and ongoing electric education on energy saving ideas, inclusive of moving away from gas to all -electric appliances, water heaters, stoves, and gas -powered tools.
In conjunction with Electrification Collaboration, Silicon Valley Clean Energy, and Bay Area Regional Energy Network, they have provided opportunities for parishioners to speak with experts and take advantage of rebates and energy saving programs for both their home and apartments. These events allowed both the homeowners and renters to get information about the benefits of converting to electric: including reduced health risks, improved property values, improved convenience, and better operating costs.
This past April, St. Simon Parish held a letter writing campaign to stop the rollback of legislation of rules 9-4 and 9-6 regarding NOx (Nitrogen oxide) and PM2.5 (particulate matter 2.5) to the Bay Area Air District for clean air. Parishioners had a chance to send a postcard, note or personalized email to the Bay Area Air District in support of clean air. The purpose for the rules are to prevent thousands of asthmas attacks each year and premature deaths.
Sustainable Lifestyle
The Adoption of Sustainable Lifestyles is grounded in the idea of sufficiency and promoting care in the use of our people, resources, and energy. It is focused on changing our behaviors and mindset to align with the message of Laudato Si’. The concept is “less is more”.
The Diocese of San Jose would like to recognize Sacred Heart Parish Saratoga for the intent of caring for creation and their campus, on an ongoing basis for many years:
Sacred Heart Parish has… installed solar panels on their school roof, converted lighting to LED in all buildings with replacement fixtures or bulbs, have landscaped areas designed with drought resistant plants, and assess their irrigation systems regularly for leaks or needed repairs. They have reduced their waste in the landfill by stocking and supplying compostable plates, cups, and utensils that are used exclusively for all parish/school events and hospitality; and installed locations for trash sorting with signage. These sustainable steps have reduced their environmental footprint and set a positive example for the community.
Ecological Education
Ecological Education is about re-thinking and re-designing communication, education, and practices in the spirit of integral ecology to foster ecological and transformative action. Actions could include ensuring equitable access to education for all, promoting human rights and the well-being of the ecosystems, fostering Laudato Si’ themes within the community, encouraging ecological leadership from both students and teachers, and ecological restorative activities.
The Diocese of San Jose would like to recognize Santa Teresa Church for walking alongside the Center for Farmworker Families. For the past 13 years their parish has been deeply committed to improving the lives of farm-worker families, recognizing that those who harvest our food deserve to live with dignity and security. Through these efforts, they enhance the well-being of the farmers and work towards a future rooted in social justice, dignity, and compassion.
In collaboration with the Center for Farmworkers in Watsonville, they continue to explore new ways to advocate for farmworker families. They host guest speakers, view documentaries, and examine current practices to better understand the unique challenges farm workers face. They attend symposiums, collaborate with PACT, and attend Diocesan-sponsored immigration events. Their outreach recently extended to meeting with Assemblyman Robert Rivas to address the dangers of toxic pesticides and promote organic alternatives, especially given the alarming rate of pediatric cancer cases in Watsonville. They are actively involved with The Campaign for Organic & Regenerative Agriculture (CORA), a grassroots initiative based in the Pajaro Valley and Bay Area, that is dedicated to transforming our agricultural system into one that is both environmentally sustainable and socially just.
The Farmworker Ministry facilitates the distribution of food, clothing, and essential items to farm workers in Watsonville. On the fourth Sunday of each month at Santa Teresa, they hold a special collection for feminine hygiene products. Twice a year, both adult and youth groups participate in the “Farmworker Reality Tour” and the “Pesticide Reality Tour,” coordinated with Farmworkers Center. This past year, Santa Teresa hosted their first fundraising dinner, raising over $14,000 – it doubled their ministry membership, sparked greater awareness, and inspired more people to get involved.
By working together, they believe we can transform our shared values into a reality for those who labor in our fields. Their goal is to empower the families and help ensure lasting improvements in their lives.
Ecological Spirituality
Ecological Spirituality springs from profound ecological awareness and transformative action. It calls for actions to encourage a more ethical and compassionate relationship with all God’s creation.
The Diocese of San Jose would like to recognize St. Francis of Assisi Parish. Named as a pilgrimage church by Bishop Cantu, Saint Francis of Assisi has marked its patron with prayer rooted in creation. During Lent they presented the Stations of the Cross- Creation and the Gaze of Jesus, based on St. Francis of Assisi’s Canticle of Creatures. Drawn from the spirituality of Saint Francis, they have developed a series of events to celebrate the 800th Jubilee: from a 5K run, Second Chance Swap meet to reduce what goes into the landfill, along with an education series about the life and teachings of St. Francis, to the blessing of animals and a feast day celebration. Their pilgrimage tours highlight the life of St. Francis – his compassion for lepers, and his care for creation.
Community Engagement and Advocacy
is the ability for communities to work together within their families, schools, churches, and neighborhood groups to address environmental concerns and promote social justice advocacy campaigns.
The Diocese of San Jose would like to recognize Our Lady of Guadalupe Church who put into action our Catholic Social Teachings caring for the vulnerable and protecting the dignity of all humans. Taking to heart Bishop Cantu’s letter on immigration, they have engaged in all three pillars he outlined: the first pillar asked parishes to participate in or host legal workshops and family preparedness sessions: Our Lady of Guadalupe invited Catholic Charities to hold Monthly Legal Clinics the first Sunday of the month from 9-11am. The second pillar asks parishes to begin or strengthen a parish accompaniment ministry: with PACT they offer practical, quiet support: rides, childcare, meals, translation help; checking in on families who are scared or isolated; and are present (when appropriate) with a team of 12 congregants as a calm companion. With PACT support they develop weekly Family Preparedness Plan during the clinics that are held. The third pillar asks parishes to Act in Public Witness. Our Lady of Guadalupe is working with the County of Santa Clara and State Legislatures to create a Universal Legal Representation Model to assure that every immigrant has access to removal defense attorneys if they are detained. They have hosted several Know Your Rights Forums and Family Preparedness Workshops. In addition to offering resources and referral to families, the parish also gives to an emergency assistance and legal support fund, which we can all do through Catholic Charities. Their support of affected immigrants would not be possible without the help from members from St. Clare’s, St. John Vianney, and Sr. Maria Goretti Parishes.
Co-publisher: Joanne Ball Artis, Michelle Nealon
More Information: https://www.dsj.org/event/celebrating-the-season-of-creation/