Green Team
Tending our call to stewardship of the earth
WHO WE ARE
The STM Green Team is working to put into practice actions that will mitigate waste, reduce energy usage, save money, and help protect the planet on a parish and family level. It is our responsibility to care for creation.
On October 4, 2023, Pope Francis presented the apostolic exhortation, Laudate Deum (Praise God) as a follow up to his 2015 Laudato Si’. In it, he expressed hope that the world will change their lifestyles to minimize continued damage to the Earth in order to protect the poor, endangered species, and the future for our youth.
Action plan for our diocese
In response to the Vatican’s call to care for creation, the Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph has enrolled a Year One Action Plan in the Laudato Si ‘ Action Platform created by the Vatican Office The Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development. Check out the link below for more information.
OUR ACTIVITIES
Blue River Clean Up
We meet as a group, typically on a Saturday, and pick up trash along Blue River Road. It’s a lot of work but it is important to us that we keep our roadways clear of debris so we can enjoy our natural habitat and make it safe for all.
Avila Community Gardens
Our volunteers have worked with Avila University in caring for their raised garden beds. Fruits of the labor have been donated to local food pantries. We’ve been fortunate to benefit with some beautiful tomatoes for our dinner salads also!
Quarterly Pill Bottle Collection
We have quarterly collections for prescription pill bottles from our parishioners. On scheduled Sundays, many families bring their empty bottles (with labels removed) and place them in boxes in the Narthex. We then distribute the empty bottles to local pet shelters for them to use for their pet medicines.
Composting at the Fish Frys and Parish Picnic
We have partnered with Compost Collective to collect paper and food. Rather than these items going to the landfill, we can send them to be composted.
Bless the Seeds and other community events
We have participated in special masses dedicated to protecting our environment. These masses have been at other Catholic parishes around the city. We’ve also collaborated with other Green Teams on best practices. We’ve gotten to know each other better by participating in nature walks and enjoying the birds, bees and sunsets!
JOIN US
If you are passionate about sustainability, green solutions, and protecting our environment, you are invited to join our team.
A suggestion box will be set up in the Narthex for your feedback and/or your best tips on ideas we can share that will help each of us care for our planet and each other.
