Caldwell Universe and Creation Committee

"We will commit ourselves to deepen our studying, living and teaching the mysteries of the universe and the sacredness of all creation.
We resist the ongoing devastation of our planet by a contemplative scrutiny of our use/abuse of Earth’s gifts."

The committee “seeks to raise the Congregation’s consciousness about the urgency of issues relating to the planet and to promote reverence for all of God’s creation”. (D47B)

Through these 11+ years the committee’s membership has included sisters and associates. Today the committee is composed of 14 members, many of whom have served since the beginning. An extension of the committee, a Universe and Creation Study Group, has also been meeting regularly to study and respond to issues related to our Vision Statement. Sr. Mary Agnes Sullivan served as chairperson until 2003 and Sr. Jeanne Goyette now serves as chair.

Members of our Caldwell Dominican Universe
and Creation Committee enjoy gathering at
Genesis Farm for a study day.

The initiatives sponsored by the Committee include the following:

• congregation study days,
• eco-tours,
• speakers,
• participation in workshops and conferences,
• purchase of resources,
• distribution of resources such as Shop Smart,
• encouragement of the use of ecologically sound items, such as tableware, beverages, light bulbs, shower heads and Fair Trade products.

The Committee presented the Corporate Stance on Genetically Engineered Foods, which was approved by the congregation at the 2005 Chapter. The Committee endorsed the installing of solar panels on the Administration Building located on our Motherhouse grounds.

Congregational discussion encouraged the Universe and Creation Committee and the Commission on Global Issues to explore ways we can work more closely together. This endeavor is supported as well by the statement made by the Dominican Justice Promoters to integrate care of creation into efforts to promote justice and peace in our world. The 2005 Chapter charged the Commission/Committee to plan an Assembly, which took place in July 2007, with presentations by Sr. Helen Prejean, CSJ and Sr. Marya Grathwohl, OSF.

Assembly 2007

 

 

 

 

 

Led by Helen Prejean, CSJ (left)
and Marya Grathwohl, OSF (right)

The focus of the Assembly was "Justice Within the Web of Life."  This focus now adds an extra emphasis to the "eco-justice"  content and style which has - for many years - already shaped the content and style of meetings, educational events and justice actions sponsored by our Caldwell congregation.

Recently, the Universe and Creation committee decided to focus on the critical environmental issues of food and water. Following the lead of LCWR Region 3 and the United Nations 10 year emphasis on water, the decision was made to make water issues a priority in 2007. Mailings with information and suggestions will be sent out periodically.

An eco-educational cruise on the Hackensack River
was one of the "Water" studies of the U&C Committee

Eileen Ivory, OP explains what membership on the committee has meant for her:

"I have been on the committee for years and I keep coming because it keeps me honest! It’s where I learn the most about issues related to our universe and in turn it is an incentive for me to improve my daily choices as they relate to those issues. I know myself and that I learn best in a group to whom I am accountable. I am continually amazed by the knowledge, spirituality and enthusiasm that sisters and associate members bring to the committee and then to the congregation. Universe and Creation is a blessing in my life." Many of us on the Committee would     agree wholeheartedly with her!

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