Earth Day 2012 at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church

The St. Francis Pledge

Earth Day falls on a Sunday this year — April 22nd. Several months ago, I was asked by the Archdiocese to encourage you to consider signing the St. Francis Pledge — caring for God’s Creation. This is a pledge to pray, learn, assess, act, and advocate. As Catholics, we always put into action what we believe. What we believe needs to reflect in the action of our life. Please read the pledge and reflect upon it. On Earth Day, you will be given an opportunity to sign it. May we, who were created in the image and likeness of God, always respect the gifts of this earth and use them wisely.

I/We Pledge to:

  • Pray and reflect on the duty to care for God’s creation while protecting the poor and vulnerable,
  • Learn about and educate others on the causes and moral dimensions of climate change and our responsibility toward God’s creation.
  • Assess how we as individuals, families, parishes, and other associations contribute to climate change and environmental degradation by our energy use, consumption and waste.
  • Act to change our choices and behaviors to reduce the ways we contribute to the degradation of our world.
  • Advocate for Catholic principles and priorities in climate change and creation sustainability discussions and decisions, especially as they impact those who are poor and vulnerable.