Caring for Our Common Home

Join our sisters in celebrating Laudato Si’ week May 22-29, 2022

This May 24, 2022, marks the seventh anniversary of Pope Francis’ encyclical Laudato Si’ — On Care for Our Common Home. Since 2015, Laudato Si’ has sparked enthusiasm, and some controversy, and the awareness and energy it has generated is undeniable.

For Franciscans, the relationship between God and all Creation, including the Human Family, is woven into their spirituality and is a natural part of everyday life. To intensify our commitment to deepen this relationship, the School Sisters of St. Francis formally signed on to the Laudato Si’ Action Platform in October 2021. During this first year of the seven-year commitment, the Sisters have pledged to educate themselves and others about the Holy Father’s encyclical and the related ecological and socioeconomic issues, encouraging conversion and transformative action toward a just transition for future generations.

All people of good will are invited to join the our Sisters during Laudato Si’ Week (May 22-29) this year, as we host a variety of family-oriented activities at Monocacy Manor in Bethlehem, Pa. All activities are offered through the Sisters’ ministries — St. Francis Center for Renewal and Monocacy Farm Project.

Registration is not required, but to help our Sisters accommodate everyone comfortably, participants are kindly asked to bring their own lawn chairs or mats for all indoor/outdoor activities, including Mass. And because Americans use 2.5 million plastic bottles every hour, we’re asking that you also bring your own reusable drink container.

All events listed below will take place at our Monocacy Manor property, 395 Bridle Path Road, Bethlehem PA 18017.

 

Opening Liturgy & Tour of Monocacy Farm Project

12 to 2 p.m. on Sunday, May 22

Father Kevin Nadolski, OSFS, PhD, vice president of Mission at DeSales University, will celebrate an outdoor Mass behind the convent. Afterwards at 1:15 p.m., enjoy a reception and tour of Monocacy Farm Project hosted by Sister Bonnie Marie Kleinschuster, project director.

In the case of inclement weather, Mass will move indoors to Mullen Hall.

Please bring your own lawn chair and reusable drink container.

laudato si’ seventh anniversary celebration

7 to 9 p.m. on Tuesday, May 24

Join us for In Praise of God for Creation, an outdoor interfaith prayer service with leaders of local faith communities. We will respond to prayer through drumming, led by Cathy Campanero. Some drums will be provided, and you are welcome to bring your own. Afterwards, Marie North, CSBA, sustainable building advisor and Laudato Si’ animator will present How Can I Make a Difference? The program will highlight practical steps families can take to care for Creation.

In the case of inclement weather, this event will move indoors to St. Francis Center for Renewal.

Please bring your own lawn chair and reusable drink container.

FAMILY MOVIE NIGHT: THE BIGGEST LITTLE FARM

7 to 9 p.m. on Wednesday, May 25

Bring the whole family for a free showing of The Biggest Little Farm beginning at 7 p.m. in Mullen Hall. Rated PG, the 2018 documentary chronicles the eight-year quest of John and Molly Chester as they trade city living for 200 acres of barren farmland and a dream to harvest in harmony with nature. Drinks and locally-sourced popcorn will be provided, but please bring your own reusable bottle. 

Please bring your own lawn chair and reusable drink container.

BIRDS, BEES,
FLOWERS & TREES

6:30 to 8:30 p.m. on Thursday, May 26

Learn and engage with nature during an evening of special programming:

6:30 p.m.: Marie North will discuss How to Prevent Bird Strikes on Your Windows, followed by a hands-on family activity. Please bring scissors appropriate for each member of your family or group.

7:30 p.m.: Beekeeper Jeff Csatari and Eli Stogsdill, Monocacy Farm Project manager, will lead breakout sessions on Bees & Pollinators and Trees & Caring for Our Watershed. Sessions will run from 7:30 to 7:55 p.m. and from 8 to 8:25 p.m. You are welcome to attend one or both. 

Please bring your own lawn chair, scissors and reusable drink container.

 

Need more information? Email Sister Bonnie Marie at bkleinschuster@schoolsistersosf.org or call 610-865-9753.