Bending the Arc references a quote by Rev. Dr. King who said, “The arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends toward justice.” This digital newsletter from the CSA Justice, Peace, and Integrity of Creation office showcases the work of changemakers, opportunities to learn, and opportunities for you to help “bend the arc” toward justice. Full contents of the newsletter are published on this page.
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Surplus Water After Meals Replenishes Birdbaths
December 06, 2024
Sister Florence Magnan cleans the birdbath outside Nazareth Court and Center to ensure the wildlife are not harmed by contamination. The water from the pitchers after the meals in the dining room is poured into two one-gallon buckets for houseplants, outdoor geraniums, and birdbaths. The birdbath attracts a diverse bird population. Sister Florence adds, “I continue the practice which Sister Rita Kramer began. Sister Mark Plescher identifies sparrows, cardinals, and mourning doves as frequent visitors of the birdbath.”
What gives you hope as you care for your common home?
Dusty Krikau, Director of Mission Advancement for CSA, shared, “Birds that don’t eat seeds don’t go to feeders, but to birdbaths instead.” Birds, bees, and insects use birdbath water to stay hydrated, especially during a drought. A parking lot is a big, black, dead space, whereas the birdbath is an oasis. Birds are less likely to be attacked by hawks and other birds of prey if the birdbath is under trees, rather than near ponds in open areas.
The wild turkey is a bird that drinks from a birdbath placed directly on the ground.
Click here to read “6 Tips for Feeding Wild Turkeys with Your Garden and Birdbath”.
Building a better future requires “the active participation
of all members of the community.” (LS 144)
Inspired by the call to care for creation and the most vulnerable, we are witnessing a growing global response rooted in faith, justice, and hope.
Pope Francis recently recognized this response in his November 10 Angelus: "Three years ago, the Laudato Si’ Action Platform was launched. I thank those who work in support of this initiative."
This season invites us to reflect on the tender care we bring to creation and to one another, and to renew our commitment to building a just and sustainable future—a commitment that grows with every action we take.
The Laudato Si’ Action Platform provides us with the seven goals of Laudato Si’ and additional resources. Want to learn more? Click here
The leaves fall from the trees surrounding the pond near St. Agnes Convent.
Special thank you to: Chelsea Koenigs, Laudato Si’ Animator,
Mary Christopherson, Dusty Krikau, & Patricia Bogenschuetz, CSA
Congregation of Sisters of St. Agnes - https://www.csasisters.org/our-values/creation.cfm
Posted in
Cosmology & Creation