Statement on the St. Francis Pledge

July 24, 2009

Mr. Dan Misleh
Catholic Coalition on Climate Change
5727 Lockwood Road
Cheverly, MD 20785

Dear Mr. Misleh,

The Diocese of San Jose in partnership with Catholic Charities, Santa Clara University and the Presentation Retreat and Conference Center has formed the Catholic Green Initiative of Santa Clara County.  In this effort, we will identify and encourage "green initiatives" here in our own valley of St. Clare and we will ask all Catholics of Santa Clara County to make a difference in an organized sustainable way. 

Within this Initiative, we are creating educational programs and action plans 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 help to 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.

Our plan is to formally initiate the Campaign in all of our parishes and schools on the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi on October 4, 2009.  We will be asking all parishioners to sign the St. Francis Pledge. 

The Diocese of San Jose agrees to:
PRAY to reflect on our responsibility to care for God's creation and protect the poor and vulnerable;
LEARN about and educate others about climate change;
ASSESS how we contribute to climate change (in the chancery, our parishes and schools, and our families);
ACT to reduce our climate change impact;
ADVOCATE Catholic principles in climate change discussions and policy work.
We are very appreciative of your leadership in the Catholic Coalition on Climate Change and, most particularly for your inspiring talk at our Town Hall at Santa Clara University on February 7, 2009. 

Thank you for this opportunity to participate in the Catholic Climate Covenant and St. Francis of Assisi Pledge. 

With every best wish and kind regard, I remain,

Sincerely yours,

Patrick J. McGrath
Bishop of San Jose