The Daughters of Charity of St. Vincent de Paul, situated in St. Louis, Mo., are actively engaging in environmental work as part of their mission to serve the poor. Led by Sister Mary Jo Stein, DC, the organization is dedicated to caring for the Earth and its impoverished inhabitants. Rooted in their charisms, they focus on addressing the disproportionate impact of climate change on marginalized communities.

Their initiatives range from educational programs to direct action, such as tree planting and park development in low-income areas. Collaboration with institutions like Mount St. Mary’s University aim to improve land management practices. Additionally, they advocate for environmental legislation and engage in prayer for those affected by the climate crisis.

Sister Mary Jo emphasizes the Catholic call to care for the marginalized, both human and environmental, urging Catholics worldwide to take action. She stresses the importance of collective efforts across faiths to address the urgent challenges of climate change. With their global out-reach and vast resources, the Catholic Church has a unique opportunity to steward the Earth for the well-being of all creation.

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Source: https://catholicclimatecovenant.org/

The Daughters of Charity also assisted with the development of Stillmeadow Peace Park in a flood plain in a low-income urban neighborhood in Baltimore. (Courtesy Rachel Moccia)