The Green Church Network
New: Check out the News about the Green Team at St. Basil's!
The Parish Council adopted the “Green Church” as the overall theme for St. Basil’s which would be a way to unify all ministries in this one cause that would benefit our parish as well as our own personal lives. As we are now in the Season of Creation (Sept 1 - Oct 4) in which we are asked by Pope Francis and other Christian leaders to celebrate and pray for all creation, it seems a very appropriate time for St. Basil’s to make this commitment. Therefore, with the blessings of Fr. James, we will embark on this initiative to become a member of the Green Churches Network.
The Green Churches Network was started in Laval, near Montreal about ten years ago and its mission is to help Christian communities in Canada to care for God’s creation and to help make environmental stewardship a reality. St. Basil’s has already a longstanding history of respect for the environment (e.g. commissioning an environmental audit, improving recycling practices in the kitchen and other areas), but by joining the Green Churches Network, we are making a full commitment in all aspects of our parish life.
The Green Churches Network focuses on three areas – SPIRITUALITY, EDUCATION and ACTION. “Be not afraid” – we are not about the promote putting solar panels on our church roof, but by keeping the message of Laudato Si’ in mind, we can all think of small ways in which we can continue to lessen our environmental footprints in St. Basil’s parish. Pope Francis thought of turning off the fountains in the Vatican in order to save water – what can we think of doing?
To keep up the momentum of this initiative, we need to form a small committee that would steer us in this direction. We invite individuals to come forward to join a “Green Team” or an “Environmental Stewardship Committee” that would meet with different committees, listen to individuals and accept all suggestions. Please give this your consideration by contacting the Parish Office or Margaret Bott (613 820 9595) or (margbott@rogers.com).
For more information, please visit www.GreenChurches.ca
