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The Power of Now

The folks over at Climate Action Now have done the hard part. They’ve gathered all the information and put it in one place. They’ll even plant some trees for you. Now all you have to do is swipe and click. In less than 5 minutes a day and all from your phone – in line at the store, on the bus, waiting for the coffee to perk – you can take powerful actions to care for the planet.

For a sneak peek at how it all works, watch this short video, then download the Climate Action Now app and begin.

“There’s nothing worse, as a climate scientist, than seeing your predictions play out… This is the face of climate change. It’s not subtle anymore. It’s not far off, distant. It’s here now.”

Dr. Michael Mann

For more information about the Laudato Si movement, email stfrancislaudatosi@gmail.com.

Joseph Nuzzi joined the staff of the Church of St. Francis of Assisi February 2007 as the Director of Evangelization.

Over the past 17 years Joe has directed our RCIA ministry, developed and led our Young Adult Ministry, our Converge Ministry, taught many Adult Education classes and took over leadership of our Adult Education ministry in 2021.

Joe is moving on to assume leadership of RENEW International in Plainfield, NJ.

About his departure Joe said, “This was a very difficult decision for me to make.  I love the Church of St. Francis of Assisi. The people of this community are truly loving and welcoming.  Working with the Franciscan Friars has been amazing, and I will especially miss my colleagues Meredith and Edward with whom I have been blessed to serve this community for 17 years.  While I’m excited for the work and opportunity that I am taking on at RENEW, this church will always have a huge place in my heart.”

We will say farewell to Joe officially at the 5 PM Mass on Sunday, August 18th and his last day will be August 23, 2024.

Joe asks for prayers for success in his new ministry as he goes forward from the Church of St. Francis of Assisi.

Put Your Money Where Your Heart Is

This is a tough one.  The financial industry’s involvement in the climate crisis is complicated.  Here is where you’ll want to do your own research and see what works for you while still taking even a small step in the right direction.  A recent report from https://www.bankingonclimatechaos.org/ shows that U.S. banks dominate fossil fuel financing.  JPMorgan Chase remains the world’s worst funder of climate chaos and Citi, Wells Fargo, and Bank of America are still among the top 5 fossil financiers.

If your money is with these banks, it might be time to move it to where your heart is.  Learn more and compare environmental banks at www.mightydeposits.com .

Start small.  Move only some money.  Start new accounts for babies and students with a new bank.  Switch your credit card(s).  The bottom line is that your money does talk.  Banks wield tremendous power.  So do you.

“All it takes is one good person to restore hope.”  Pope Francis (LS71)

For more information about the Laudato Si Circle here at St. Francis or to share your own tip of the week, email stfrancislaudatosi@gmail.com

Father Brian Jordan, OFM has been a Franciscan friar for forty-five years and ordained to the ministerial priesthood for forty-one years.  He was ordained by James Cardinal Hickey in St. Camillus Church on May 14, 1983.  Besides his Master of Divinity degree, he also holds a Doctor of Ministry degree from Andover Newton Theological School in Massachusetts and a Master of Professional Studies in industrial and labor relations from Cornell University, New York.  He has served in multicultural parishes in the Bronx and Manhattan, Boston, and Silver Springs, Maryland.  He also served as the Director of Campus Ministry at St. Francis College, Brooklyn.  Fr. Brian is also no stranger to the Church of St. Francis of Assisi.

He is the author of two books and has written numerous articles concerning pastoral ministry in the Church. He was a chaplain at the World Trade Center in the aftermath of September 11, 2001.  He is also a chaplain for many construction workers’ labor unions. He is a former marathoner who has completed 61 marathons and other competitive races.  After a double knee replacement two years ago, he now he just takes long, meaningful walks! He strives to live in good health. He has received many awards including the Maryland Governor’s Award for Social Services in Annapolis both in 1995 and 1999.

Father Brian is excited to return as pastor to the Church of St. Francis of Assisi.

1-800-Our-Home

It’s easy to stop unwanted catalogs from coming and cluttering up our common home.  Just call the 800 number and tell the agent that you love their product, that you know how to find them online, and that you are concerned about the environment.  Then ask them to please remove you from their mailing list.

Companies are getting more and more used to this idea and won’t bat an eye.  They’ve systematically begun to make this an option.  Some may make it a little more difficult.  You might have to actually go to their website and hunt for a way to cancel catalogs but it can be done and is worth the effort.  The tree outside will thank you.  Your mail carrier will thank you.
“The most important thing an individual can do right now is not be such an individual.”  Bill McKibben

For more information about the Laudato Si Circle here at St. Francis or to share your own tip of the week, email stfrancislaudatosi@gmail.com