Earth Day, April 22, 2016, takes on a special meaning in light of the publication of Laudato Si, Pope Francis’ encyclical “On Care for Our Common Home.” The Holy Father’s message is loud and clear: caring for our environment is a fundamental tenet of our Catholic faith. As such, Earth Day presents a golden opportunity for teaching about Laudato Si as well as the Catholic principle of Care for God’s Creation, one of the seven principles of Catholic Social Teaching. Saint Patrick Catholic School is celebrating Earth Week.
Celebrate the Earth
Liberty E., Saint Patrick Catholic School 8th grader feels that the Earth is not celebrated enough. In her article, “Celebrating Earth’s 4.54 Billionth Birthday on April 22, ” Liberty writes the following:
“The Earth may have been around for many millennia, but that doesn’t mean it has been celebrated enough.
This Earth Day, St. Patrick’s will take a few steps forward in its commitment to the planet. We are excited to ask you and your children to walk to school on April 22. We would love your children to walk completely to school, but we understand that some families will have some difficulties. If you live farther away or do not feel comfortable with your child walking alone, we invite you to join us at the church parking lot between 8:00 and 8:20 A.M.. Then we can walk to school together. These seemingly miniscule steps are a step toward a healthier environment, and we hope you would consider walking more often.
During the week of Earth Day, we will have visits from L’Arche. There will also be a plant sale after school. St. Patrick’s will also take part in a campus cleanup and compost project. We hope that your children enjoy the week and celebrate the Earth with gratefulness.
If you would also like to take part in earth day at home, here are a few suggestions:
- Remember the 3 R’s of conservation: 1. Reduce 2. Reuse 3. Recycle
- Compost at home or create a family garden
- Buy biodegradable and eco friendly materials
- Walk and bicycle more, drive less
- Buy only as much as you consume
Thank you and enjoy another beautiful week on Earth.”
Earth Week Events
Saint Patrick Catholic School has the following celebrations planned for the week of Earth Day:
4/18 | L’Arche Tahoma Hope classroom visits 
4/19 | 3rd Annual Farmer’s Market 2 P.M. – 4 P.M.
4/20 | Saint Patrick Catholic Church & School Cleanup
4/21 | L’Arche Tahoma Hope classroom visits
4/22 | Walk to school! Meet at the Church parking lot between 8 – 8:20 A.M.
4/23 | L’Arche Volunteer Day | Sign-up
More than a Plant Sale
Saint Patrick Catholic Schools 3rd Annual Farmer’s Market on Tuesday, April 19, 2016, 2 – 4 P.M. in the covered area of the playground is hosted by L’Arche Farm and Gardens and Saint Patrick Parent Association (SPPA) to benefit SPPA and the L’Arche Tahoma Hope community. A wide selection of annuals, perennials, baskets, veggie starts, berries and more will be available for purchase and ready for planting. SPPA will receive 20% of proceeds from the event to help support the school.
Celebrate the Earth Everyday
Pope Francis made headlines when he penned his new encyclical, Laudato Si and called on the world’s people to protect God’s creation. The Pope draws all Christians into a dialogue with every person on the planet about our common home. We as human beings are united by the concern for our planet, and every living thing that dwells on it, especially the poorest and most vulnerable.
Join the Discussion
Saint Patrick Catholic Church & School is hosting an in-depth discussion of Pope Francis’ Encyclical Letter on the Environment on April 26, 2016 and continuing on May 10, 2016 at 7 P.M. in the Parish Center. Laudato Si is not just a Catholic thing. All are welcome. No RSVP is necessary.
Learn more about the Laudato Si discussion group. Search the News Archives for more information about Laudato Si.
Earth Week 2016 Recap
Earth Week 2016 was a beautiful multi-event celebration at Saint Patrick Catholic School. Students from the Primary Division cleaned up the grounds around the school and students from the Middle School and Intermediate Division worked to clean up the church grounds.
Sister Marilyn read several of her poems on nature with the students too. Inspiring Maya to share her poem with Sister Marilyn.
Check out Earth Week 2016 in photos!
