Our St. Thomas More students responded to a challenge for Earth Day from the parish Environmental Stewardship Committee (ESC) to write an essay to develop the theme: “The entire universe speaks of God’s love, His boundless affection for us. Soil, water, mountains: everything is . . . a caress of God.” How can we respond by caring for our home, the earth? Why is it important? Excellent essays were submitted. They were read and scored by members of the ESC, and Principal Fulford announced the winners at the school morning assembly on April 20.
The student writers understood that “it is extremely important that we take care of our Earth, because it takes care of us.” Suggestions the kids came up with to keep the Earth healthy included picking up trash, recycling, using less plastic, composting, turning off lights, using less water, growing a garden, and buying local food, among other things. One writer suggested, “we can stop buying more than our fair share and only buy what we specifically need.”
The kid’s responses made their passion and concern for the Earth obvious. They realize the Earth has limited resources. “Many people think that the earth can restock everything, so they use as many resources as they want and then waste a lot of it.” They see that the poor are harmed more than the wealthy by environmental concerns. “When we don’t take care of the earth, it affects poor people the most, and it is our duty as Christians to protect the poor.”
Our students see the importance of taking good care of the Earth. “If the earth gets wrecked there is no other earth to go to.” “It’s our home and we can’t just buy another one. Hey store clerk, where can I find an Earth?” The urgency of caring for creation is felt by a student who writes, “the world can’t wait!” And another who says, “if the planet is hurt, so are we, so we need to protect it.”
Those who submitted essays accepted personal responsibility for how the earth is treated. “Living simply, as the Pope said, might not be easy, but the future of the planet depends on me.” Our students are happy and determined to take loving care of the earth. “I feel good that God made the earth for people and surrounds us with His love.” “I am proud that my church focuses on environmental care and preservation of the earth.”
The essays showed a great understanding of the “why” and “how” of Care for Creation! The ESC applauds all the entrants for their thoughtful participation and for their leadership in helping the school and parish do our part in caring for God’s earth.