Last weekend I preached on the importance of caring for the environment and the new encyclical from Pope Francis entitled "Praise Be: Concern for Our Common Home."  There is, no doubt, much teaching that will come out in light of this encyclical, and a great many challenges that will be presented to Catholics, politicians, government officials and others from this encyclical.  It will certainly give Catholics a wonderful opprotunity to speak out in the name of our Catholic tradition, about the importance of all people protecting and enhancing the world's resources and assets in ways that will benefit and NOT HARM future generations.

Even before we get more direction from our Holy Father and bishops, we can already do our part individually and together.  Saving recyclables and getting them to their proper place is important.  If you didn't know it, our Ladies of the Sacred Heart collect empty aluminum drink cans and invite you to save these in an enclosed bag and put them in the trailer that is always parked in the back section of our lower parking lot.  In addition, our parish has gone green in the Lower Hall by using paper (rather than plastic) products as much as we can.  We will certainly strive to be more diligent about this in the future, and provide containers to place recyclable items.

No doubt the Pope is challenging all people to change some habits that will contribute to a better environment now and for the long-term future of God's creation.  Please pray that many of us will be ready to speak with one voice to politicians and government leaders encouraging policies and agreements that will protect the environment here and around the world. 
 
God's creation is ours to care for and protect, NOT dominate and destroy.  I'm confident, given the fact that we are surrounded by God's beautiful creation, that we will do our part to preserve it as God made it.