Ecological Conversion

Inspired by the words of Pope Francis, as well as by the wonder of Creation, we strive to transform our minds and hearts.

SSJ Public Statement on Climate Change

As Sisters of St. Joseph of Rochester, NY who live the mission of reconciling neighbor to neighbor and neighbor to God, we commit to using our resources for the good of the Earth and its people. 

We recognize that our Earth is in peril as we experience vast changes in the world’s climate and the resulting extreme weather events. Scientists worldwide agree this crisis is caused primarily by greenhouse gases being released into the earth’s atmosphere by human activity.

We accept our responsibility to:

  • support the provisions of the Paris Convention on Climate Change of 2015; 

  • be energy and conservation conscious and to determine where we can reduce our carbon footprint through use of alternative clean energy resources;

  • purchase fuel efficient vehicles and engage in ride sharing where possible;

  • research and purchase food products and other goods produced locally where possible to reduce greenhouse gases caused by transporting goods over long distances;

  • join with other faith-based groups and environmental advocates to

    • lobby for eco-friendly legislation on the local, state, and national levels

    • call for the preservation of natural habitats for endangered species of plants and animals

    • call for the protection of land, forests, and water from predatory extraction of natural resources.

We invite others to join our efforts in addressing this serious crisis affecting all life on Earth.

Ecological Conversion

The Laudato Si’ Movement defines ecological conversion as the “transformation of hearts and minds toward greater love of God, each other, and creation. It is a process of acknowledging our contribution to the social and ecological crisis and acting in ways that nurture communion: healing and renewing our common home.”

“This conversion calls for a number of attitudes which together foster a spirit of generous care, full of tenderness. First, it entails gratitude and gratuitousness, a recognition that the world is God’s loving gift, and that we are called quietly to imitate his generosity in self-sacrifice and good works. . . It also entails a loving awareness that we are not disconnected from the rest of creatures, but joined in a splendid universal communion.” [LS 220]

Current Issues

We are deeply concerned about the proposed Padua Ridge Sand and Gravel Mine Expansion. The mine abuts Watkins Glen State Park and St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery. Learn more here and here.

We support the Tonawanda Seneca Nation in their opposition to a Science, Technology and Advanced Manufacturing Park on the border of their lands. Read more here.

As a congregation, we have made a seven-year Laudato Si commitment and are working to change our hearts and habits.

We support the Great Lakes Bill of Rights and advocate for its enactment. Learn more here.