Our Mission Statement

Inspired by the vision of the Gospel and Catholic Social Teaching, the members of the Justice and Peace Committee at Our Lady of the Lake Parish seek to foster ways which promote the dignity of all persons and all creation and bring about justice and peace. Challenged by the example of Christ, the group strives to follow and to teach, by example, this foundational dimension of our Faith.

Composting for Creation: The Climate Change Connection

Join Earth Ministry's Chris Olson, Outreach Coordinator and resident Master Composter, as he explains the how-to's of yard waste and worm bin composting and how this helps curb global climate change. Check out a live worm bin, get free composting resources, and ask him your toughest composting questions.

If you take this free class, you are eligible to go this summer on a field trip to the Cedar Grove Composting facility, which handles all of Seattle's food and yard waste.

Tuesday, July 7th, 7-9pm, Jubilee Hall,
Our Lady of the Lake Church
8900 35th Ave. NE, Seattle, WA 98115

AN INVITATION TO EACH OLL PARISHIONER: TAKE ONE SMALL STEP EACH MONTH AND BECOME AN ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARD

At the beginning of this New Year, the Justice and Peace Committee would like to ask for your help in a project to help the parish community become better stewards of the environment.

I'm Kevin Jahne, a Justice and Peace Committee member. If you are like me, your relationship with the environment needs attention. Almost every day we see profound and heart-wrenching reminders that this relationship is strained. There are so many examples of the negative influences that have occurred in our environment, from the poor health of the Orca whales in Puget Sound to the disappearing glaciers of the Cascade Mountains. Sometimes the problem seems so overwhelming that I wonder, what have I done and what can I do differently? In my case, it's true that I could have taken the bus a little more or I could have turned off the lights when not needed with more frequency. Old habits that I find hard to break. On the other hand, ten years ago, I could not have purchased a front loading water-efficient washing machine, a hybrid automobile, or even an energy efficient light bulb. So even though this relationship is strained, there are things we all can do to mend it one month at a time, one day at a time, and one step at a time.

But why bother? Each day we celebrate and nurture relationships with our family, friends, and faith. Yet each of these important relationships is impacted by our environment and we donżt acknowledge its importance each day.

The Justice and Peace Committee would like to ask you to join us in a project to remember the environment every month through a series of small steps that each of us can take to improve our relationship with it. Each month in the bulletins, the Justice and Peace Committee will provide information on one small action that you can take to help protect our environment. Please join us in performing this activity each month.

May's tips:

Be Water-Wise in the Lawn and Garden...
Despite our rainy winters, we get less rainfall in summer than Tucson, AZ, when demand for irrigation water is highest. Choosing drought-tolerant plants, building rich soil and watering wisely will save money on water bills, save time in the garden, and protect the environment while maintaining your garden oasis.

Aerate lawns in the spring to better absorb water.

Mulch your garden beds to reduce evaporation from the soil surface and to decrease opportunity for weed growth.

For the lawn, choose sprinklers that oscillate and match the spray pattern of your yard.

Water early or late, and when the wind is calm. Water deeply, and less often, to encourage deep roots and prevent disease.

And most important - enjoy your beautiful, healthy garden!!

Every drop counts...
For most households, most water is used indoors. Using less saves money and is good for the environment. The biggest savings come from fixing leaks and installing efficient fixtures.

Check your toilet for a silent leak by adding several drops of food coloring to the tank; wait 10 minutes. Color in the bowl? You have a leak. Most commonly it's the easy-to-fix rubber flapper. Consider replacing the toilet if installed before 1994 and save over $1000 in water and sewer bills over 10 years. If you can't do that, try lowering the float level or standing a brick on end inside the tank.

Install aerators on faucets and use showerheads that run a maximum of 2.5 gallons per minute.

Do only full loads in the dishwasher and laundry to save water, energy and time.

And, don't forget to turn off the water while brushing your teeth!

http://www.savingwater.org

Click here for a larger list of "eco-tips"
from the Justice and Peace/Integrity of Creation Office of the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate

June 21, 2008 Letter from OLL to Seattle's Mayor Greg Nickels concerning the city's treatment of the homeless

Letter to the Seattle City Council regarding the same concerns.

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