Earth Day 2018

“And God saw that it was good”.  Good, good and filled with all that would be needed to sustain life, all life – plant, animal and human.  The task of stewarding all this “good” was given to humankind.  If then, it is given to humankind to care for the earth it is our responsibility to be diligent and careful of the use of all God has created for our use and enjoyment.

The Sisters of Divine Providence have been about this task for many years as noted in our Chapter Statements since 1973.  Then in 2002 the Earth Care Committee, with Council approval, was established and began holding regular monthly meetings.  The members studied the World Earth Charter, Church and Congregational documents, and searched for an understanding of Eco-Spirituality.

As we grew in understanding of the issues of Earth and human responsibility to care for Earth, we became keenly aware of using water and energy more carefully.  We initiated a recycling program at Our Lady of the Lake Convent Center, changed out all older toilets for new low-water-usage ones, and exchanged our lights bulbs to compact fluorescent bulbs.

The committee also held annual celebrations of Earth Day, World Water Day, Earth Hour, Winter Equinox and planted forty new trees.  These are a sampling of some ways we could help care for Earth and be co-creators with God.

By: Sisters Theresa Gossen, Lucille Ann Fritsch and Frances Lorene Lange,

Members of the CDP Earth Care Committee