Using the principles of Catholic social justice, the St. Christopher Social Concerns Committee works to directly serve, empower and advocate for those that cannot speak for themselves. Our purpose is to offer concerned parishioners the opportunity to foster love and caring by studying social and moral issues, discuss solutions and taking positive action toward promoting justice and charity. We possess a desire to grow spiritually and deepen our personal faith by serving those in need.
Social Concerns meets the first Tuesday of every month at Noon in the Prayer Room. If you are interested in joining them or would like more information, please email socialconcerns@stchrisparish.com
Creation Care
In a 2022 letter to young people Pope Francis wrote “May you aspire to a life of dignity and sobriety, without luxury and waste, so that everyone in our world can enjoy a dignified existence. There is an urgent need to reduce the consumption not only of fossil fuels but also of so many superfluous things. In certain areas of the world, too, it would be appropriate to consume less meat: this too can help save the environment.” Consuming no more than 6 small servings of meat per week and avoiding beef is a great habit to start during Lent to benefit our environment, our young people and our own health.
The Creation Care Team of the Social Concerns Committee
Many years ago, polar bears on ice floats were a symbol of the warming world. Now we have record setting typhoons in the Philippines and fires in California to send the same message. We can respond to this message both by sending aid to those affected and adopting sustainable lifestyles including reduced consumption and support for renewable energy. Let’s show respect for our Creator by good stewardship of His creation.
The Creation Care Team of the Social Concerns Committee
While we know that plastic in surface water, such as Lake Erie, can degrade into microparticles that contaminate our water supply, are we aware that plastic on land can degrade into microparticles that contaminate our air and soil? The best way to address pollution from plastic is to reduce our plastic consumption. Actions such as only purchasing drinks packaged in aluminum, glass or carton containers and making single serving coffee with paper filters in a reusable basket rather than k-cups reduce the plastic in our waste. Being mindful of our responsibility to care for God’s creation by reducing our plastic waste benefits everyone, including our children and our grandchildren.
Creation Care Team of the Social Concerns Committee
Pope Francis points out that in our society often “the maximization of profits (occurs) …with little concern …. to whether it is at the cost of future resources or the health of the environment” (LS 195) The Pope also states that “Human beings are capable of rising above themselves, choosing… (ecological economics) despite their mental and social conditioning”. (LS 205) Actions such as sustainable consumption, ethical investments, and divestment from fossil fuels all support ecological economics. A resolution in support of God’s creation is the perfect start to a new year.
Creation Care Team of the Social Concerns Committee
