Dear Reader,
As we work to prepare our children for a brighter future, it is equally essential that we equip them with the knowledge and values needed to cherish and protect our environment our common home.
With the holiday season upon us and children spending more time at home, now is the perfect opportunity to engage in meaningful conversations about environmental stewardship. The adage “Charity begins at home” rings true when it comes to caring for our planet. Just as we nurture our children’s moral and ethical values within our homes, we must also instill in them a sense of responsibility towards preserving our environment. As parents and guardians, you are role models; your actions and attitudes will shape the way your children perceive and interact with the world around them.
When our environment suffers from mismanagement—manifesting in mudslides, floods, droughts, and other natural disasters—it affects us all. These challenges do not discriminate between adults and children; they impact families and communities alike. This shared vulnerability underscores the necessity of fostering an environment-friendly mindset within our homes.
As you gather with your family to celebrate achievements, share stories, or enjoy family time, consider dedicating just ten minutes to discuss the importance of caring for our environment. Share success stories of individuals or communities who have made a difference through sustainable practices. Encourage your children to take action by planting flowers or trees in your yard, or by participating in local clean-up efforts and helping the needy. This not only beautifies your surroundings but also fosters a sense of ownership and responsibility towards the environment.
Additionally, inspire your children to become advocates among their peers. When they share what they learn about the importance of environmental protection, they broaden the circle of influence, making the task of caring for our planet a collective effort. I love our student’s dedication to caring for the environment through the Laudato Si Club. While at school they do a lot including service-learning programs in the community that has taught them not only to care for the environment but care for the sick, needy and the poor.
Remember, the journey toward protecting our common home starts within our own households. By nurturing a culture of environmental awareness and action at home, we prepare our children to be conscientious stewards of the earth as inspired by the Pope’s Encyclical Laudato Si. May God, the creator of our beautiful environment, bless each of you as you embark on this vital mission. Merry Christmas from Holy Cross Lake View S.S.S
With warm regards,
Fr. Prosper Atukwatse CSC
Headteacher HCLV S.S.S
