Green Sisters

Recently I was browsing through a book about the contributions and commitment of Women Religious to environmental and ecological causes, Green Sisters: A Spiritual Ecology by Sarah McFarland Taylor from Harvard University Press.

Green Sisters gives us a firsthand understanding of the practice and experience of women whose lives bring together Catholicism and ecology, orthodoxy and activism, traditional theology and a passionate mission to save the planet. As green sisters explore ways of living a meaningful religious life in the face of increased cultural diversity and ecological crisis, their story offers hope for the future--and for a deeper understanding of the connections between women, religion, ecology, and culture.

I was browsing through the book because I'd heard one of our own groovy sisters - Sr. Suzanne Golas, CSJP - and her Waterspirit Ministry were featured in the book.

Waterspirit is a sponsored ministry of the Sisters of St Joseph of Peace which helps people deepen their understanding of the interdependence of all creation and increase their awareness of the significance of water in the development of life. Through education, reflection and "hands on" experience, participants in Waterspirit programs learn about environmental issues related specifically to coastlines, rivers, lakes and wetlands. Suzanne is a past Congregation leader who is very passionate about water and eco-justice.

To my surprise I discovered two other very familiar names in the book - my friends Sr. Sharon Joyer, SNDN and Sr. Pat Nagle, IHM. Pat & Sharon are very involved in the environmental and justice ministries at my old parish in Portland. In addition to their parish inolvement, Pat & Sharon run Earth Home Ministries which helps connect, inform and empower people and institutions to care for the Earth, especially with regard to climate change. They are definitely two "Green Sisters" and wonderful role models for me! Pat was recently the featured "Ministry of the Month" on the Monroe IHM's website (Sr. Julie Viera's community).