The Diocese of Tucson community cares about God’s creation

Bishop Edward Weisenburger conducted a survey of Catholic parishes, schools, service organizations, and religious communities across the Diocese of Tucson. His question was: how does the Diocese of Tucson care for God’s creation?

Care for Creation was defined by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops as a core pillar of Catholic Social Teaching, “We show our respect for the Creator by our stewardship of creation. Care for the earth is a requirement of our faith. We are called to protect people and the planet, living our faith in relationship with all of God’s creation. This environmental challenge has fundamental moral and ethical dimensions that cannot be ignored.”

Forty-seven Catholic organizations shared what sustainability measures they are currently doing and what they plan to implement in the near future. Sustainability was described as “a means of configuring civilization and human activity so that society, its members, and its economies are able to meet their needs and express their greatest potential in the present, while preserving biodiversity and natural ecosystems, planning, and acting for the ability to maintain these ideals for future generations” (Wordnik).

Among the top sustainability practices were recycling and LED lighting. Twenty-five percent of respondents have installed solar panels, 32% use Energy Star appliances and multi-paned windows, and 21% use aerated water faucets. Thirteen percent indicated that they have rainwater harvesting systems in place to collect rainfall from their roofs and redirect it to landscaping or rainwater gardens. These practical measures reduce energy and water consumption, saving the organization money in the long run and conserving natural resources for future use. 

Several organizations have also incorporated creation-themed prayers and events, including 21% that have a Care for Creation Team dedicated to bringing about a more sustainable culture. Two religious orders shared that they have planted their own Saint Kateri Gardens to connect God, people, and the natural desert habitat.




In the next six to 12 months, most organizations plan to incorporate new sustainability efforts including solar panels, recycling, multi-paned windows, LED lighting, Energy Star appliances, rainwater collection, aerated water faucets, and Saint Kateri Gardens. Popular ideas were creation-themed prayers, events, and planning committees.




On average, respondents rated their overall sustainability at three and a half stars, indicating progress in the right direction but that there is still work to be done.

Most insightful about the survey were the written responses sharing why it is important to care for God’s creation by implementing sustainable practices. Some thoughts are included here:

“We live in creation. Caring for creation is a Gospel mandate.” – Fr. John Arnold, Vicar General, pastor, St. Mark the Evangelist Parish, Oro Valley

“It is important to implement sustainable practices because God entrusted us with the care of his creation. When we model caring for creation, especially with students, we show this as a priority to follow God's command to not abuse or overuse our resources. When we teach students how to care for creation, we prepare them to evangelize, to do their part in this mission, to be responsible citizens and active Christians, and to consider future generations.”  – Danielle Coleman, principal, St. Cyril of Alexandria Catholic School, Tucson

“We only have one home, the planet Earth. When God created the world, he gave man the instruction to ‘fill the earth and subdue it.’ This means that, as descendants of the first man and woman, we have the responsibility and obligation to take care of God's creation, which is a form of gratitude to the Creator who bestowed us this beautiful world to live in.” – Fr. Albert Miranda, pastor, Holy Angels Church, Globe

“If we don't responsibly care for God's creation, the poor and the sick will suffer most. The resultant effects are that pollution, food and water insecurities, and conflicts over declining resources will mostly affect those in the margins. Generally, the world will not be a better place to live. God has given us his children power and energy to make the world a better place. We must do all within our capabilities to sustain a better living condition, avoiding pollution, and all hazardous, life-threatening actions.” – Fr. Peter Nwachukwu, pastor, St. Francis of Assisi Parish, Superior

“It is very important to care for God's creation because each and every person needs everything that comes from this planet. If we don't take care of our Earth, we are hurting ourselves in the long run. If we implement sustainable practices, we are helping to keep our natural resources available for all of God's creations.” – Rosella Melgoza, principal, Loretto Catholic School, Douglas

“We humans will perish from the Earth and many other creatures may also go extinct if we do not reduce our carbon emission and take care of God’s creation. The Earth may survive the changing of the climate, though she will be lifeless.” – Fr. Christoforus Bayu Risanto, S.J., Vatican Observatory

“It is our responsibility to care for God's creation, just as Saint Francis cared for the creation and did all he could to protect it. Personally, this is something I was taught as a child, learning to care for the planet from my teachers, leader, grandfathers, priest, and the Benedictine Sisters. For me, it has been my whole life goal to care for the environment and to prevent erosion.” – Sr. Dolores Ann Cameron, Franciscan Missionaries of Jesus Crucified

“Recent reports tell us that life in Arizona will be unbearable to impossible 30 years hence, because of the summers lasting longer and longer. Reducing water and power use will help, but not stop the inevitable. Only five percent of plastic is being recycled. I think sustainability is important, but where the emphasis is being placed and the issue politicized, will not achieve the desired results.” – Fr. Dale Branson, pastor, St. Michael the Archangel, San Tan Valley

“It is important because the poor are the most affected by climate change.” – Sr. Janet Rose, Franciscan Sisters of Christian Charity

“Respect for God's creation shows gratefulness for all that God has generously given us. We must conserve resources for future generations and live more simply in solidarity with those who are poor, for whom recycling and sacrificing is survival.” – Fr. John Gibbons, San Solano Missions, Topawa

“Because we have had a devastating effect on creation through our actions, these impacts most harm the vulnerable amongst us. For example, at our organization, we receive people displaced by climate change including extreme weather events.” – Joanna Williams, Kino Border Initiative

“There is only one planet we have and it is a gift from God.” – Fr. Ed Lucero, Vicar General and Moderator of the Curia; pastor, St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish, Oro Valley