ROI IV: Power in Rethinking

When we conserve energy—turning off lights, choosing efficient appliances, or supporting renewables—we honor a greater return on God’s investment. Energy saved is energy that doesn’t need to be extracted or burned, extending the value of what we’ve been given.

Simple habits invite a deeper shift: rethinking how we use energy each day. Turning off lights, unplugging devices, adjusting thermostats, and running full loads reflect a growing awareness of what we truly need—and a commitment to using God’s gifts well.

Much of our electricity still relies on fossil fuels, leaving pollution that disproportionately affects vulnerable communities. As Laudato Si’ reminds us, “the earth herself… is among the most abandoned and maltreated of our poor.” Rethinking our habits helps reduce this burden and ensures a more just return.

The goal is simple: reduce, reuse, recycle—and rethink, returning more of God’s gift for the good of all.

If you are interested in joining the Laudato Si’ ministry—a ministry focused on care for creation—please contact Mary (Ginger) Jackson at 210-710-8207.

ROI IV: Power in Rethinking

Cuando conservamos energía —apagando las luces, eligiendo electrodomésticos eficientes o apoyando las energías renovables— honramos un mayor retorno de la inversión de Dios. La energía ahorrada es energía que no necesita ser extraída ni quemada, lo que prolonga el valor de lo que hemos recibido.

Los hábitos sencillos invitan a un cambio más profundo: replantearnos cómo utilizamos la energía cada día. Apagar las luces, desconectar aparatos, ajustar los termostatos y poner la lavadora o el lavavajillas solo cuando están llenos refleja una creciente conciencia de lo que realmente necesitamos, así como un compromiso de hacer buen uso de los dones de Dios.

Gran parte de nuestra electricidad todavía depende de los combustibles fósiles, lo que genera una contaminación que afecta de manera desproporcionada a las comunidades vulnerables. Como nos recuerda *Laudato Si’*: «la tierra misma… se cuenta entre los más abandonados y maltratados de nuestros pobres». Replantear nuestros hábitos ayuda a aliviar esta carga y garantiza un retorno más justo.

El objetivo es sencillo: reducir, reutilizar, reciclar y replantear, devolviendo una mayor parte del don de Dios para el bien de todos.

Si le interesa unirse al ministerio *Laudato Si’* —un ministerio centrado en el cuidado de la creación—, por favor comuníquese con Mary (Ginger) Jackson al 210-710-8207.

1. Response to the Cry of the Earth – Protecting the planet by reducing fossil fuel use, promoting clean energy, and preserving biodiversity.
2. Response to the Cry of the Poor – Defending human dignity, especially for vulnerable communities affected by environmental degradation.
3. Ecological Economics – Encouraging ethical consumption, fair trade, and sustainable investments that prioritize people and the planet.
4. Adoption of Simple Lifestyles – Reducing waste, embracing sustainable habits, and making mindful choices about energy and resources.
5. Ecological Education – Raising awareness and fostering a culture of environmental responsibility through education and advocacy.
6. Ecological Spirituality – Deepening our connection to creation through prayer, reflection, and faith-based environmental action.
7. Community Involvement and Participation – Engaging in local and global efforts to protect the environment through advocacy and collective action

In accordance with Pope Francis’ Encyclical, here are some helpful resources:

• Pope Francis’ Encyclical “Laudato Si” 

• Catholic Climate Covenant 

• Getting Plastics Out of the Ocean
• Earth Day