Our Sustainability Efforts
“Human life is grounded in three fundamental and closely intertwined relationships: with God, with our neighbor and with the earth itself.”
Laudato Si’ 66
In March 2022, in conjunction with our Congregational Chapter of Affairs, delegates established our directions for 2022-2026. Discernment determined that we will continue building on the Chapter Calls of 2018 over the next four years. We expressed our commitment to live into the Catholic understanding that earth and all its people are one, sacred, and interconnected and in right relationship with the Mystical Body of Christ. Where we have broken this sacred trust of unity, we ask forgiveness, seek reconciliation and celebrate restoration. Through contemplative living and dialogue, we open ourselves to the Spirit, who will lead us to see and act in new ways. As we grow into this commitment, Presentation People and others will be invited to partner with us.
This past year has led us to live into this Chapter Call. Understanding the important work that continues to lie ahead, we have also begun to take new steps in ways we can make a difference in our relationships, including the one with our Earth.
When conducting a philanthropy study in 2021, Maximizing Excellence, LLC, heard from one donor that they receive an average of 30 pieces of direct mail a week, of which 90% ends up in the trash. Not wanting to ignore this staggering reality (possibly for many), of oversaturation and waste, we look for alternative, more eco-friendly ways of sharing our news with you.
This issue of Voices & Ventures has printed 90% fewer copies than previous issues. We feel this is one way we can step-up and take a lead in reducing the footprint we are leaving in this world. While fewer print materials will be mailed, we are striving to keep our information even more accessible in electronic formats. Information is always available on our website, Facebook, LinkedIn, YouTube and through QR codes. We know these alternative forms of communication may not be the best option for everyone, so if you, or someone you know, would prefer a hard copy of materials, we welcome the opportunity to provide this to you.
We invite you to partner with us in this justice effort to reduce, reuse and recycle to our best ability. In the years ahead, continue to watch for stories how we are moving into intentional right relationships with our Earth, sisters and brothers, as we lean deeper into the Chapter Call. The Spirit is moving in and around us, challenging us all to think and act differently. This is our time. We pray that we can all continue to find adjustments to the way we live, work, play and pray as we remain in right relationships the way we each know best. We invite your feedback for ways we can continue to love our Earth and share meaningful stories with you.