By Darshana Gupte, Climate Reality Project and Sr. Marylou Rodriguez, CCVI
On the 10th anniversary of Laudato Si’, then Pope Francis left a resounding message to young people:
“On this 10th anniversary, we call for the Church to be a radiant sign of hope, praising God through a renewed commitment to care for our common home, which sustains all life.” — May 21, 2025
Inspired by the call of late Pope Francis’ of Laudato Si’, the Incarnate Word Sisters Justice, Peace, and Integrity of Creation and UIW’s Brainpower Connection began working with young learners in five San Antonio Catholic schools to launch multiple sustainability projects. The shared goal is to empower youth and their communities to become more environmentally conscious through education, action, and the mutual care for creation in the learning spaces they inhabit.
What Is a Green Sustainable School?
A green sustainable school is more than an energy-efficient building—it is a vibrant learning community rooted in environmental responsibility. These schools integrate sustainability into both operations and curriculum. Their mission: reduce environmental impact, conserve resources, foster health, and prepare students to become responsible global citizens and faithful mutual care of God’s creation.
Sustainability nurtures hands-on, discovery-based learning. Through activities such as composting, water conservation, and energy tracking, students gain essential life skills—critical thinking, teamwork, and problem-solving. These competencies are vital for the green economy of the future, and more importantly, for a world where faith and science meet to heal our planet. When students witness the fruits of their labor—whether a blooming garden, reduced waste, or a greener campus—they understand that small efforts, especially when rooted in faith, can lead to great transformation.
From Classrooms to Communities
The influence of sustainable schools extends far beyond school grounds. These institutions serve as hubs of environmental consciousness, offering practices and principles that families and communities can adopt. They inspire civic engagement, foster partnerships with local organizations, and spark ripple effects that promote a culture of sustainability across entire neighborhoods.
One example is the focus on rainwater harvesting—an issue that offers rich interdisciplinary learning. Students investigate the science of climate and weather forecasting, the consequences of wasting water, and impact of climate on water supply in drought-prone areas. In doing so, they not only learn, but also lead with courage and care.
Answering the Call: Our 2024–2025 Sustainability Projects
In early 2024, a grant invitation went out to five Catholic schools in San Antonio. The proposals were reviewed by the Justice, Peace, and Integrity of Creation (JPIC) Sustainability Committee of the Incarnate Word Sisters and UIW faculty and administrators who evaluated submissions on a shared set of criteria.
Although intending to select a few projects, the passion and creativity in all five proposals were undeniable. With generous support from Dr. Ricardo Gonzalez, Director of the Ettling Center for Civic Leadership & Sustainability, all five proposals were funded. Four projects were completed in 2025, made possible by the leadership of Mrs. Patricia Ramirez, UIW Brainpower Connection Director, and Ms. Karen Gonzalez, UIW Brainpower Connection Administrative Assistant in collaboration with the vision and support of Incarnate Word Sister JPIC Collaborator and Laudato Si’ Animator Sister Marylou Rodriguez, Ettling Center Director Dr. Ricardo Gonzalez, and Climate Reality Project Chair of San Antonio Texas Chapter Ms. Darshana Gupte. Below are the four completed projects—each one a testament to what can happen when faith, education, and ecological consciousness come together.
Community Garden Restoration – Blessed Sacrament Catholic School
Middle school students constructed the garden bed frames, while younger students joyfully planted new foliage. Several families joined forces to restore and improve the school garden. Ms. Hart and parent volunteers prepared the soil and oversaw repairs. With the support of the Parent Teacher Committee, the school celebrated “Garden Saturday” as a day of shared labor, love, and ;earning.
Rainwater Harvesting – Saint Anthony Catholic School (Elementary Level)
This project became part of the school curriculum. Students learned the importance of water conservation, researched rainwater systems, and presented their findings to peers. The project encouraged interdisciplinary learning by connecting science, technology, and public speaking—and even introduced the students to basic meteorological forecasting.
Outdoor Learning Space – Saint Anthony Catholic School (K3–K4)
For the youngest climate advocates, an outdoor classroom was created that aligned with their ecological learning needs. Designed for exploration and play, the garden space allowed students to engage with nature and cultivate a love for the environment. It also became the future home of the Little Saints Garden Club, helping the seeds of mutual care grow from an early age.
School-wide Recycling Program – Saint Anthony Catholic School (Middle School)
This comprehensive effort involved a student-led Recycling Club that collected and sorted recyclables across campus. Through weekly meetings and active involvement, students learned about materials, environmental advocacy, and leadership. The initiative emphasized accountability and fostered school-wide ecological responsibility awareness.
