Seton Hall Comes Together to Mark Earth Month Through Faith, Fellowship and Student Action

In 2015, Pope Francis challenged the world to care for our common home through his encyclical Laudato Si', which means "Praise to You Lord." Seton Hall is responding to that call. Expressing its Catholic mission in meaningful ways, students, faculty and staff have come together to care for each other and for the environment.

From adopting Laudato Si', to building a campus-wide commitment through student engagement and establishing the Environmental Sustainability Committee, Seton Hall continues to turn its Catholic values into action, especially during Earth Month.

“The root of the reason why Seton Hall cares about the environment goes right back to the very heart of our faith,” says Father Nicholas Sertich, director of Campus Ministry. He adds, “God gave us this beautiful gift of creation and if we are truly listening to him then it’s our call to live that out and protect all that we receive.”

Throughout April, students have an chance to participate in a variety of eco-friendly activities, from planting seeds in custom decorated pots outside Serra Hall at 5 p.m. on April 7, to Pet Therapy with Dare to Care on the green on starting 11 a.m. on April 13. Later at noon, The Student Activities Board will host a Spring Printing Pop Up on the Green near the University Center Amphitheater. On April 15, there will be a screening of Rio, the 2011 animated musical that follows the adventures of an endangered macaw. Sponsored by the Sustainability Action Club, the screening will be held at 6 p.m., in Schwartz Hall 109. A presentation on biodiversity follows.

Mass on the Grass and Earth Day Picnic
To mark Earth Day on Wednesday, April 22, Seton Hall will join communities around the world in celebration and gratitude. Bringing together students and staff in fellowship, Mass on the Grass takes place at noon in the University Center Amphitheater. A vegetarian picnic, hosted by Campus Ministry, Idea Hall and the Environmental Sustainability Committee, follows immediately after. Everyone is welcome. It’s free – but please, RSVP.

Got Ideas? 
This spring, the Center for Catholic Studies in collaboration with the University Core launches the "Laudato Si’ Challenge: Interdisciplinary Solutions for Environmental Justice," a new undergraduate initiative commemorating the tenth anniversary of Pope Francis’ encyclical Laudato Si’: On Care for Our Common Home.

The Challenge invites students from across all majors to form interdisciplinary teams of two to five and develop thoughtful, research-informed and practical responses to contemporary environmental challenges. Grounded in the principles of integral ecology and the Catholic Intellectual Tradition, proposed projects may address issues such as climate change, environmental justice, sustainability, public health, food systems, energy or care for vulnerable communities.

Student teams can pitch their ideas, dig into some research and grab a chance to win prizes of up to $1,500, all while doing good for the earth. Interdisciplinary teams of two to five students from any major are encouraged to participate. Registration is open through April 8.

Teams will identify a real-world issue, such as climate change, biodiversity loss, pollution, food systems, water access, environmental justice or consumerism, and propose an actionable solution that is both practical and grounded in the values of Laudato Si’. Project presentations take place at 11 a.m., April 21, and 12:30 p.m., April 22. For more information visit Laudato Si' Challenge for Students.

Love Your Neighbor All Month… Always!
Throughout Earth Month, and every month, members of the Seton Hall community can give back by pitching in to help neighbors who are struggling with food insecurity. Students are encouraged to sign up to be part of a DOVE crew on one of their outreach projects.

DOVE Interfaith Food Pantry Crew welcomes volunteers on Mondays and Wednesdays to help provide healthy food to neighbors near campus. On Thursdays, students serve at St. Johns Food Kitchen, preparing meals for those facing food and housing insecurity. Fridays are dedicated to organizing Pirate’s Closet in Bayley Hall, offering free professional attire to fellow Pirates. And on Saturday mornings, volunteers lend a hand at the Pierre Toussaint Food Pantry.

However, we choose to serve, it’s important to remember that caring for one another and our common home, in big and small ways, is part of our Catholic tradition.

Visit the DOVE website or the Campus Belonging and Community website to learn more and join events happening throughout Earth Month.

Categories: Campus Life, Faith and Service