Message on World Environment Day 2009

June 5, 2009

My dear friends,

Every year on June 5, we commemorate World Environment Day. This day  is a chance for everyone to show that they care for our planet. It  gives a human face to environmental issues and empowers all of us to  become active agents of sustainable and equitable development. We  are called to promote an understanding that communities are pivotal  to changing attitudes towards environmental issues and advocate  partnerships that will ensure all nations enjoy a safer and more  prosperous future.

God created human beings in His own image as stewards and recipients of His wonderful handiwork. As a people of faith, we are today  called to celebrate the splendor of God’s creation, to be good stewards of the Earth and to safeguard the integrity of all creation. Catholics around the world have already initiated many innovative ecological projects that have highlighted the need for all of us to live  more sustainably and to leave a lighter "ecological footprint."

In response to this call to environment stewardship, I have formed The Catholic Green Initiative of Santa Clara County.  This local initiative is a joint project of the Diocese of San Jose, Catholic Charities, Santa Clara University, and the Presentation Retreat and Conference Center. Several committees within this initiative are creating educational programs and action initiatives to encourage and assist the San Jose Catholic community to live and operate more simply and sustainably.

A major solar energy project began in May 2009 at six of our diocesan sites that will to help offset the growing concerns over global warming and energy conservation. In July, we will begin a program focused on ways for the Catholic Community to reduce, reuse and recycle paper and plastic bags. Later in the summer, we will introduce programs aimed at water conservation.

The theme for World Environment Day 2009 is 'Your Planet Needs You-UNite to Combat Climate Change'. This reflects everyone's individual responsibility to protect the planet, as well as the urgency for nations to agree on a new climate change effort. It is my hope that through the efforts of Catholic Green Initiative, we will all  discover and celebrate the splendor of God's handiwork, find ways to be good stewards of creation, and safeguard the integrity of all that God has made. Prayerfully consider how you and your communities 
can join us in this important initiative.

With every best wish and kind regard, I remain,

Sincerely yours,

Patrick J. McGrath
Bishop of San Jose