From Staff Reports
Whether as an individual, or as a family, school, parish or institution, when it comes to stewarding the earth, there is something for everyone to do.
Such is the message those from Saint Teresa of Calcutta want to convey as they welcome the seventh year of the Collingswood parish’s vegetable garden.
Created after the publication of Pope Francis’ encyclical on the environment, “Laudato Si’: On Care for Our Common Home,” the garden’s bounty helps supply the Saint Vincent de Paul food pantry located at the Saint John Church, one of two parish worship sites.
The garden itself is located at Holy Saviour Church, Westmont. Parishioners wanting their own plot can also garden there, with 50% of their vegetables also going to the food pantry.
On a weekend in May, those dedicated to the environment worked diligently to plant or harvest tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, beans, radishes and more. In addition to a blessing, a prayer was recited to bless the soil, gardeners and all those who benefit from the produce. There was also a lesson on the pope’s Laudato Si’ Action Platform.
Sister Lillian Needham SSJ, whose convent is next to Holy Saviour Church, said parishioners who take part in life and justice ministries at the parish have been studying the platform and discussing its initiatives to create a more sustainable world.
“We are very concerned about the planet and the next generation,” she said. “It’s the most important issue that there is. If we don’t have the earth, we have nothing.”
Joan Leonard, who lives near Saint John Church, often participates in tree planting and gardening around Collingswood. “As discussions began about taking care of God’s creation through a faith-based approach, I thought I could use some of my skills … to give back to the Earth while praising God.”
She said she hopes the garden – as well as the planting of trees and a pollinator garden at Saint John Church – will be an inspiration for nearby residents. “We want to encourage them to get along with nature.”
Parishioner Jim Steinitz said one of the motivations for him to help protect the environment is his grandchildren. “The worst of climate change is going to affect them. I want to do more for the younger [generation]. Plus, the community garden builds just that – community.”
Over the years, the garden has grown to include an herb garden, with extra produce going beyond the parish to local food pantries.
“The reward comes in July and August … when we start harvesting,” Steinitz said. “We carry all the tomatoes and cucumbers over to the pantry and watch all those in need pick everything up. It’s really rewarding to see. It’s good exercise, too,” he said with a laugh.
Video taken by freelance photographer Joe Warner contributed to this report.
at the bottom and then tap “Add to Home Screen”
