The oil spill disaster in the Gulf of Mexico could not have come at a worse time. As thousands in the Gulf region struggle to recover from the economic recession and a series of destructive hurricanes, the disaster has added to the misery of those whose livelihoods depend upon the Gulf and left thousands unable to pay their bills and keep food on the table. Meanwhile, the environmental toll continues to mount even as the oil has stopped flowing.
What can your parish do to help? The Catholic Coalition for Climate Change suggests you sponsor a Ride Your Bike to Church Day to raise money for the victims of the oil spill and raise consciousness of the human and environmental cost of our continued oil use.
Come together as a community to:
-Reduce the gasoline usage by riding, walking or taking public transportation instead of driving to church;
-Learn about the impact of the oil spill in the Gulf and our dependence on fossil fuels;
-Contribute the money saved in gasoline to the Catholic Charities response to those in the Gulf region whose livelihoods are now threatened;
-Pray for those whose lives have been lost and altered due to the oil spill, and for those who continue to toil in the cleanup; and
Connect all of this to the Catholic Climate Covenant and encourage parishioners to take the St. Francis Pledge.
For more information, see the Coalition's Web page.
