EarthCare Update

Praise be to you, O God of the summer,
of greening and bursting and bloom.Laudato Si, ripening one,
in purple and gold
in juicy and moist,
in sun and in shade,
in showering rain.

Laudato Si, who calls all to move
through legs that propel,
through fluttering wings,
through slither and creep,
through mercy and grace.

Praise be to you, O giver of gifts
of delicate beauty,
of fragile and firm.
We feast with our eyes.
We savor with mouths.
We scent in the fullness
of summer’s perfume
your care ever tender
that blesses our world.

For summer’s sweet love,
we bow down and cry
Praise be to you!
Laudato Si!

In mid-June, the outgoing leadership team held a three-day orientation for the incoming team. At that time, the outgoing team presented the incoming team a native Flowering Dogwood. The two teams then planted the tree in front of the IHM Center. A prayer led by Sister Grace Surdovel grounded the occasion in gratitude for the new team’s willingness to serve and promised prayerful support for the journey ahead. Situated prominently near the Peace Pole, the new sapling stands as a vibrant symbol of the congregation’s unwavering commitment to justice, peace, and the integrity of all creation. The planting ritual mirrors the ongoing growth and stewardship of the congregation that will be guided by the new leadership team.