Our Gift to You...

We would like to honor and celebrate parishes who take seriously their responsibility as stewards of God’s creation by naming them St. Francis Congregations. We will present parishes who make the following covenant a certificate which will recognize their commitment and feature the prayer of St. Francis. The certificate will be signed by Bishops Reilly and Skystad and will be suitable for framing.

In 1979, Pope John Paul II proclaimed Saint Francis of Assisi the Patron of those who promote ecology. He said that St. Francis “offers Christians an example of genuine and deep respect for the integrity of creation... May he remind us of our serious obligation to respect and watch over [creation] with care...” As a St. Francis congregation, you will be committing to do your part as parish to recognize the interdependence of the web of life. The Holy Father has said “more than ever, people -- both individually and collectively-- are responsible for the future of the planet.” As a St. Francis congregation, your parish agrees to prayer, education and action on behalf of the Lord’s Earth.

Our Parish Will Covenant To

	Pray for social justice for the poor and vulnerable who suffer disproportionately from environmental destruction.
	Pray for the unborn and children who are at greater risk from exposure to environmental hazards.
	Celebrate with special Creation-oriented liturgies or prayer services (St. Francis Day, Rogation days, Earth Day, etc.)
	Use the resources of the earth carefully by conducting environmental or energy audits of your grounds, recycling, composting, organic gardening, etc.
	Educate your congregation or parish school by sponsoring or participating in Catholic theology/spirituality and environment classes/workshops, environmental study groups, lecture series, special curriculum, video or library resources, etc.
	Engage in youth activities like special liturgies, prayer services, wilderness experiences, litter or environmental cleanups, etc.
	Promote or sponsoring public policy activities such as letter writing campaigns, interfaith events, meetings with government representatives, community events, etc.
	Direct advocacy towards health issues, toxic waste clean-up, removal, pesticides, soil and water conservation, lead poisoning, sustainable development, alternative energy sources, etc.
	Support the work of Catholic organizations which promote caring for environment both in the U.S. and abroad like the National Council of Catholic Women, Catholic Relief Services, the Catholic Campaign for Human Development, and the National Catholic Rural Life Conference.
	Examine your environmental responsibility in terms of issues particular to your community whether you are urban, rural or suburban.
	Other activities__________________________________________________

When you return this form we will put you on our mailing list so that you can receive additional resources from our department. Thank you for your leadership in caring for God’s creation.

Please Send To:

United States Conference of Catholic Bishops
Environmental Justice Program
3211 Fourth Street, N.E.
Washington, DC 20017-1194

or fax to: 202-541-3339

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