St. George Church and School work together for care of creation

St. George Church and School have combined their efforts to take care of God’s creation as called for in Pope Francis’ encyclical “Laudato si’: On Care for Our Common Home.”

On Oct. 16, the St. George community put some of the encyclical’s recommendations into action as parents, faculty, church representatives and representatives from each school grade and the daycare center gathered for the planting of a blessed olive tree outside of the school’s daycare center. The event was sponsored by the St. George Creation Care Ministry.

“In his encyclical letter, ‘Laudato si’: On Care for Our Common Home.’ Pope Francis urges us to be aware of the environment and some of the problems faced by humans in our common home, the Earth,” said Jennifer Parker, St. George School Assistant Principal.



“The olive tree is a symbol of the covenant and unity between God and the human race, and caring for our Earth and all that God has created is a requirement of our Catholic faith,” said Parker.

St. George Pastor Father Paul Yi blessed the ground the tree was planted in and the students and daycare children assisted in the planting and watering of the tree. The school’s handbell choir also played during the ceremony.



Parker said the students are encouraged to care for the environment in several different ways, including: Pray – thank God for the gifts of creation; enjoy nature – spend time in nature, enjoying the gifts that God has created for them; plant something – plant flowers in your garden or trees in your yard as a reminder of the beauty of creation; pick up trash – take care of what has been given to us; reduce, reuse and recycle; conserve energy – turn the lights off and unplug devices when they are not in use; and care for the poor – support ministries that help those in need.