Care for our coMmon home- Laudato si

SUMMARY OF CHAPTER FOUR OF LAUDATO SI':

ON CARE FOR OUR COMMON HOME

“INTEGRAL ECOLOGY”

What is “integral ecology”? Integral ecology is the term that Pope Francis applies to a vision of how to address every aspect of the global crisis. To understand this vision, we need to take a look at the world around us, where we can see that everything is connected and interrelated. Nature isn't something separate from ourselves or just a place where we live. “We are part of nature, included in it and in constant interaction with it". There is a relationship between environmental issues, and social and human issues. We are not faced with two separate crises, one environmental and the other social, but rather one complex crisis which is both social and environmental.

The Pope looks at the principles of integral ecology and how they can be applied when considering solutions to the global crisis and any call to action on behalf of our common home:

• Environmental, Economic Social Ecology: Our decisions, especially about production and consumption, have an effect on the environment. If we make our decisions based solely on profit and the pursuit of money, the marginalized and poor are most affected by the results, even though they have contributed the least to the problems.
• Cultural Ecology: Modern life is a threat not only to our physical environment but also to our cultural heritage. The rights of peoples and cultures and the preservation of cultural treasures should be considered when planning any changes to the environment and living spaces.
• Ecology of Daily Life: Integral ecology involves everyday life. Housing, public transportation and the connection between human life and the moral law have an effect on our relationship with the environment. The way we think about our bodies is related to the way we think about the rest of creation. When we accept our bodies as God's gift we are ready to welcome and accept the entire world as a gift from God.
• The Principle of the Common Good: We are one human family and have a shared responsibility for others and for creation. Wealthy countries have a responsibility to reduce consumption of non-renewable resources and should help poorer nations develop in sustainable ways. Injustices abound and many people are deprived of basic human rights and are considered expendable. Working for the common good means to make choices in solidarity based on “a preferential option for the poorest”. 
• Justice Between Generations: We are stewards of this world that was given to us by God. The decisions we make in our daily lives and the interactions and relationships that we have with God, with other people, with creation and with ourselves must ensure that we are leaving an inhabitable home for those who come after us.

     QUESTIONS

    THINGS YOU CAN DO TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE

• Plant a winter garden- radishes, lettuce, spinach, kale, cabbage, brussel sprouts, broccoli, carrots, leeks, winter squash, turnips.

• Compost leaves and any other yard waste that is collected when raking and the cleaning yard.

• Use pumpkins as fall decoration and after the holidays, roast the pumpkin seeds for a healthy snack. Peel, dice and cook the pumpkin to be used as puree for baking.
   

  About the Laudato Si' Ministry at St. Teresa

  The Laudato Si' ministry offers an opportunity for St. Teresa parishioners to respond to the moral and spiritual challenge of the social, economic and environmental crises that face the world. 
  
  We welcome all interested in taking action as individuals and as community to raise awareness, educate and motivate others to take better care of creation and create a “climate of life” in which all can thrive. 
  
  To expand your knowledge and find ways you can become involved please log onto catholicclimatecovenant.org or laudatosigeneration.org
  
  Contacts: Mary Jo Buettner (619)246-7925 maryjobuettner@yahoo.com;
  ​​​​​​​Rose Wood (818)433-9960 roselaterriwood@gmail.com;
  Barbara Ford (530)906-6793 bford32446@gmail.com.