Laudato Si’ Blooms in Oak Park Parishes
Note: The following piece, authored by Sister Susan “Sue” Paweski, SP, is in celebration of Laudato Si’ Week, May 17-24. It highlights how many Sisters of Providence who minister in other areas around the globe, are recognizing Laudato Si’ initiatives of the Congregation and helping to bring those initiatives to their ministries.
Creation Liturgy
The Season of Creation honoring Earth Day generated a lot of excitement at St. Catherine of Siena-St. Lucy, St. Giles parish in Oak Park, Illinois.
Students decorated St. Giles church and student Lectors lead us in prayer. Our Creation Liturgy shared the special Mass with our 22 First Communicants. What a wonderful way to celebrate Creation with many happy children and families who came to the Eucharistic table to share in our heritage as followers of Jesus.
Our Creation Care Covenant, part of the Laudato Si’ platform initiative, was introduced at the Mass. The assembly was encouraged to sign the document committing to Prayer, Reducing Plastic Use, Serving at least one Meatless Meal a week and Buying Locally.
Happily, the Covenant was well received. It will be available for signatures throughout the summer months. The Creation Care Liturgy will be celebrated annually.
First Annual Sustainability Fair
Our first annual Sustainability Fair welcomed 20 vendors who shared information that ranged from solar panels for the home; gardening tips from the gardeners of the three parish gardens; Citizens United Bureau with strategies to conserve energy; and our own Sister Mary Tomlinson, SP, with information about the CAN (Climate Action Now) app and many options to reduce plastic use.
Creating the Committee
Sister Sue pointed out that in September 2024, she realized the parish she ministers at did not have a Climate Care committee.
“As a Sister of Providence of Saint Mary-of-the-Woods, Indiana, I felt compelled to find people who have passion for Creation. My pastor, Father Carl Morello, was supportive. I reached out to the other Oak Park parish, Ascension-St. Edmund, and the collaboration began,” Sister Sue said. “The first meeting was in October 2024. The St. Catherine of Siena-St. Lucy, St. Giles parish named our committee Vine & Branches. We have combined meetings with H+O+M+E from Ascension-St. Edmund quarterly and often collaborate on initiatives like collecting plastic bags and batteries for recycling.
“After attending several Sustainability Fairs, I decided that we needed to have one at my parish. It took about 10 months to invite participants. We want to expand the event for next year.”
Several civil organizations shared conservation initiatives and hiking programs. Homemade balms and fragrances, items for the home including placemats, banners, clothing and tote bags were available for purchase. Activities were also available for children.
The Fair was open Sunday morning to allow parishioners to stop by after the three Masses including the Family Mass Community. We had a good number of people attend. It is a good start. Next year, we hope to expand the variety of vendors and add other attractions.
The collaboration between our parish and Ascension-St. Edmund parish has been rewarding. We meet together quarterly. The other facilitator and I attend both parish committee meetings. The exchange of ideas and support makes the initiative and projects possible.
Next on the docket is offering a film series about Earth centered concerns and actions. Laudato Si’ is alive and well in the Oak Park parishes!
Thank you, Sue, for this wonderful piece about the collaboration and team work for the good of 🌎 at your parish and other Oak Park parishes! A great example of “Sowing Seeds of Hope”!