Integrity of Creation

The Sisters of Saint Joseph are committed to the truth that all of creation is sacred. Our Mission of active, inclusive love of our dear neighbor without distinction includes care for Earth.

“The call of the gospel impels us to commit ourselves to alleviate, as far as we are able, the suffering of those in need and to share our resources with them. We seek to take on the attitude of Jesus toward creation, his concern for all, his availability and selfless detachment.”
— Sisters of Saint Joseph Constitutions # 76

“Our commitment to promoting a sustainable future for and beyond our Congregation impels us to embrace the lens of sustainability, with its focus on the common good, as the guiding principle for planning.” — Sisters of Saint Joseph Strategic Plan 2008.

Education
The Integrity of Creation is defined as the value of all creatures in themselves, for one another, and for God, and their interconnectedness in a diverse whole that has unique value for God. Climate change and regional climate patterns particularly from the mid to late 20th century show increasing levels of atmospheric carbon dioxide produced by fossil fuels. “The climate is a common good, belonging to all and meant for all. Humanity is called to recognize the need for changes of lifestyle, production, and consumption, in order to combat this warming.”
(Laudato Si´ 23)

Prayer
A key concept in Pope Francis’ encyclical Laudato Si’ refers to a “transformation of hearts and minds toward greater love of God, each other, and creation. It is a process of acknowledging our contribution to the social and ecological crisis and acting in ways that nurture communion: healing and renewing our common home.

“The call of the gospel impels us to commit ourselves to alleviate, as far as we are able, the suffering of those in need and to share our resources with them. We seek to take on the attitude of Jesus toward creation, his concern for all, his availability and selfness detachment.” — Sisters of Saint Joseph Constitutions #76

Advocacy
The Sisters of Saint Joseph of Philadelphia have pledged to take concrete steps to meet the seven major goals of the Laudato Si´ Action Platform. Founded in 2007, our Change for Global Change action plan educates about sustainability and the global water crisis, as well as provides grants for water-related projects (eg, water tanks, bore holes, irrigation projects) in regions of the world hit hardest by climate change where SSJ’s live and serve. We continue through our mission to raise awareness of the needs of our dear neighbors, including endorsing the corporate statement on climate change made by the Federation of Sisters of St. Joseph in 2017.