St. Thomas More Green Team
MISSION STATEMENT
At
St. Thomas More Green Team, we are called to live out our faith through
care for God’s creation. Inspired by the teachings of the Church, we seek to
reduce waste, conserve energy, and promote sustainable practices within our parish and our homes.
We believe that caring for creation is not optional — it is a moral responsibility and a sacred calling. Through education, action, and prayer, we strive to protect the earth, support the most vulnerable, and foster a deeper connection between our faith and the world around us.
Who We Are
STM Green Team
The STM Green Team is a group of parishioners committed to putting faith into action by caring for our common home. We work together to:
- Reduce waste and encourage responsible consumption
- Promote energy conservation and sustainable practices
- Support initiatives that protect our environment and serve those most affected by climate challenges
- Inspire individuals and families to live more intentionally and faithfully
As Pope Francis reminds us:
“Climate change is one of the principal challenges facing society and the global community. The effects of climate change are borne by the most vulnerable people.”
We respond to this call with faith, hope, and action — recognizing that care for creation is care for one another.

Common Home
Sacred Space
A Reflection Series Inspired by Laudato Si’
The STM Green Team is launching a regular bulletin feature to help our parish grow in awareness and action. Rooted in the teachings of Pope Francis and echoed by Pope Leo XIV, this series invites us to see the world as both our common home and a sacred space.
Each reflection will include:
- Practical ways to care for creation
- Local opportunities to get involved
- Prayer and spiritual reflection
“We hear the cry of the earth and of the poor… Our work is His work.” – Pope Leo XIV

Seeing God in Creation
Natural Cathedral
Pope Leo invites us to reflect on the world as a “natural cathedral” — a place where God’s presence is revealed in beauty, life, and interconnectedness.
In our parish logo, we see the Blessed Sacrament reflected in the woods — a reminder that Christ is present not only in the Eucharist, but also in the wonder of creation.
Take a moment to reflect:
👉 Where do you see God in the world around you?

“Only a contemplative gaze can change our relationship with created things…” – Pope Leo XIV
Living the Mission
"Let us strive to build a civilization of love." - Pope Leo XIV
Through parish surveys, both children and adults shared a desire to grow in:
- Waste reduction and responsible consumption
- Sustainable transportation and energy use
- Time spent in nature
- Service to neighbors and those in need
This Easter season — and beyond — we are invited to:
- Use less energy
- Walk or bike when possible
- Spend time outdoors in gratitude
- Practice compassion in daily life
A Shepherd's Care for Creation
"Goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life."
- Psalm 23
As followers of Christ, the Good Shepherd, we are called to care for all that has been entrusted to us — one another and the world we share.
Just as a shepherd protects and nurtures the flock, we are called to:
- Protect creation
- Care for our communities
- Act with gentleness, wisdom, and responsibility
Get Involved
We invite yo to be part of this mission.
Together, we can:
- Grow in faith
- Care for creation
- Make a meaningful difference in our parish and beyond
🌿 Join us. Learn more. Take action.
STM Green TEAM Series: Common Home - Sacred Space
Common Home – Sacred Spaces
Care for Creation by Offsetting COâ‚‚ from Travel
Every small action we take to care for creation is a reflection of our gratitude for the gift of God’s world. As people of faith, we are called not only to protect the Earth, but also to care for our neighbors — especially those most impacted by environmental challenges.
Did you know air travel can contribute up to 30% of a person’s carbon footprint? But there is a meaningful way to make a difference.
The STM Green Team invites you to explore www.habitatsolar.com, where you can calculate the carbon impact of your flight and donate the offset amount to support solar panel installations on Habitat for Humanity homes.
Your support helps provide cleaner, lower-cost electricity for local families for years to come while reducing environmental impact — a beautiful way to care for both people and our common home.
Tip of the Week:
Before your next trip, consider offsetting your travel emissions or combining errands to reduce unnecessary driving. Small choices, multiplied by many people, can create lasting change.
“Care for creation represents a true vocation for every human being.” — Pope Leo XIV
STM Green TEAM Series: Common Home - Sacred Space
Common Home – Sacred Spaces
On Pentecost in 2015, Pope Francis released Laudato Si’: On Care for Our Common Home — a powerful reminder that caring for creation is part of our Christian calling.
His beautiful Christian Prayer in Union with Creation reminds us:
“God of love, show us our place in this world as channels of your love for all the creatures of this earth…” 💚
As we continue to care for our common home, may we open our hearts to protect all life, serve the vulnerable, and work toward a future filled with justice, peace, love, and beauty.
💡
Tip of the Week:
Spend a few moments outdoors in prayer this week. Give thanks for one part of creation that brings you closer to God and consider one small way you can help protect it. 🌱
