JPIC Office Blog

August 20, 2008

BY ANN PIASECKI
JPIC COORDINATOR

Earth Summit comes to Wheaton Franciscan campus

WHEATON—The Wheaton Franciscan campus is one of 50 sites around the world—and the only location in Illinois –to be selected to host Earth Summit 2008. The Wheaton Franciscans are organizing the Oct. 11, 2008, community-wide event on their 60-acre campus in DuPage County, Ill. Working in collaboration with the UN Earth Charter Committee, the focus of the event addresses issues of climate change. Facilitated by the Wheaton Franciscan Office for Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation (JPIC), the Earth Summit promises to celebrate the variety of green endeavors already underway in and around DuPage County, beginning with initiatives undertaken by the City of Wheaton as well as ventures by the county government to promote the idea of living green. New ideas and innovative green living will be showcased, and models of fresh environmentally friendly concepts will be featured, such as cooking with solar.

The daylong event begins when the doors open at 8 a.m. and Provincial Directress Sr. Beatrice Hernandez, OSF, welcomes the community. The event is slated to unfold at the Our Lady of the Angels Motherhouse, which is situated in the lap of the restored prairie.  

A variety of presenters discussing both small and large-scale aspects of water reclamation, conservation and purification are expected to mark the day as unique. A collaborative effort between the Wheaton Franciscans and the DuPage County Environmental Commission has resulted in a line-up that should attract municipal and other civic leaders around the region to hear about fresh conservation efforts concerning the amount of water drawn from Lake Michigan as it services millions of households in the city proper and surrounding suburbs.

An initiative by Chicago Water Commissioner Jack Spatz is expected to reveal for the first-time in public the details of engineering plans to save more than 300 million gallons of water a day.

In addition, Jack Sheaffer, chair of the DuPage County Environmental Commission, has agreed to share his groundbreaking plan to conserve water and stir economic incentives by processing waste water more effectively. Already his designs are being utilized in the Chicago region. His expertise in waste water reclamation has also been sought in Uganda, Africa.

On the local scene, Sheaffer, a hydrologist and retired fellow from the University of Chicago, has penned a plan to process anticipated pollutants—ammonia and sludge—expected in the aftermath of BP Oil Corporation’s expansion in Whiting, Ind.

Meanwhile, the award-winning recycling efforts by corporate healthcare leaders from Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare Inc. are expected to be highlighted in a presentation about successes in the implementation of green recycling. Terry McGuire, senior vice president of WFH mission services, intends share insights about the intricacies of the plan, which was recognized in the industry and lauded by Hospitals for a Healthy Environment for leadership in responsible green practices. Denise Block of Marianjoy Rehabilitation Hospital is expected to present details about the environmental and conservation practices on the campus, and Jennifer Truppa of Franciscan Ministries Housing has agreed to share information in regard to the kinds of environmental practices upheld at FMI-managed properties.      

Other Earth summit features include about 40 exhibitors, panel discussions and more than 20 informed presentations. Kay McKeen, a member of the Wheaton Environmental Commission, is anticipated to be on hand to measure participants’ carbon footprint. And those inspired to become actively involved in moving global climate change policies and legislation forward are expected to benefit from a presentation by experts in legislative advocacy.

The keynote speaker is Joyce Johnston Rouse (Earth Mama); she not only has an MA in Earth studies, but she also is noted for her Broadway-style song and dance show that breathes fresh air into a landscape of views regarding resource conservation, recycling, composting and more. Throughout the day, families and attendees of all ages are invited to experience the celebration of the goodness of creation—humanity and all species—including the air, water and planet we share. In the spirit of St. Francis and grounded in respect for all, we are inviting our furry and feathered friends as well. A pet blessing is scheduled for 1 p.m. 

Sr. Sheila Kinsey, OSF and leader of the JPIC, said, “The Wheaton Franciscan Spirit as it concerns the environment stands to promote awareness of the issues, practical suggestions, motivation to action, celebration and networking with like-minded enthusiasts.”

Water and efficiency comingle in environmental bill

WHEATON—In the final moments before the August Congressional recess, the U.S. House passed the Water Use Efficiency and Conservation Research Act, HR 3957. It promotes the establishment of a research mechanism and development program to support existing along with emerging technologies and processes that bolster water collection practices, water treatment and storage issues. At the same time, its aim is to increase social awareness of the need for efficiency in this matter. The bill has been referred to the Senate’s Committee on Environment and Public Works.

According to a report filed with the Congressional Budget Office, HR 3957 would authorize appropriations totaling $101 million over the 2009-2013 period for the Environmental Protection Agency to support activities to promote conservation and the efficient use of water. The cost of implementation is expected to total about $86 million.

Franciscan Federation Sisters Evaluate Progress on Water Resolution

DENVER—The six regions within the Franciscan Federation in the United States offered updates on their 2007 resolution, Care for Earth, Care for Each Other. Specifically, the Sisters, including the Wheaton Franciscan Sisters, agreed to oppose the use of bottled water and to educate populations in their various regions across the U.S. The Wheaton Franciscans who together with the Franciscan communities in region 3, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan and Ohio, have conducted research on bottled water and determined that plastic bottles have unnecessarily been poured into landfills. Noting that plastic takes several hundred years to breakdown, they agreed to promote reusable containers. In their recommitment to the 2007 Care for Earth, Care for Each Other resolution, all six regions within the Franciscan Federation have established policies against the use of bottled water.   

On the forefront for the Franciscan Federation was the idea of assisting developing nations with water preservation and problems accessing clean water. A “recommitment was made by Region 3 … to support congregations that already have water projects in Third World countries with financial contributions.”   For information on the Franciscan Federation resolution, visit http://www.franfed.org/Earth%20Resolution.htm.

Meanwhile, preservation of Lake Michigan water drove Region 3 members to take a stand against reinvigorated plans by BP Oil Corp. to expand its Whiting, Ind., plant. The impact of the expansion would spew an additional 1, 584 pounds of ammonia and 4,925 pounds of sludge into Lake Michigan. The BP plan was a reverse of the corporation’s 2007 position. When BP’s announcement was unveiled to the public last year, the majority of U.S. Congressmen from the Great Lakes region took issue with the matter. Congressional offices were flooded with objections by environmental advocates to halt BP’s plan.

And now, a year later, BP officials have opted to go ahead with its plan despite the anticipation of fines imposed by the government for its negative impact on an already fragile Lake Michigan ecosystem. The total cost to BP in fines has not been formally announced. For more information on the history and details of the BP expansion plan, visit the August 2007 JPIC Office blog at http://www.wheatonfranciscan-jpic.org/jpicofficeblog_files/August_Blog_2007.htm.

Illinois Tollway Authority cleans up water runoff

WHEATON—DuPage County Environmental Commission members view as positive a move by the Illinois Tollway Authority to install pollution controlling bioswales along a large portion of Interstate 294 in the area around O’Hare International Airport. The plan, according to the DuPage County Environmental Commission, was coordinated with the Forest Preserve District of Cook County. It is intended to help filter out pollutants, including lead, zinc and iron, from roadway runoff.

Franciscans continue push for comprehensive immigration reform

DENVER—The Franciscan Federation’s promotion of a comprehensive approach to immigration, which was first authorized in a resolution in 2005, was reaffirmed at the most recent gathering in Denver. Still, the primary focus is steeped in prayer, education, advocacy and ministry. Over the past three years, the Sisters from various regions have found numerous ways in which to live out that commitment.

From joining public rallies in support of immigration reform to contacting U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, the Sisters have insisted on expressing their concerns for justice in regard to immigration and the safety and well being for all. For the most part, advocacy at the municipal, state and federal levels has made some positive gains.  

“Region 3 proposes to support its communities in their quests to educate their Sisters, associates, those involved in the ministries and all people in their areas by setting up some education sites and events. This education and dialogue will lead to more action/involvement,” said Sr. Sheila Kinsey, OSF and leader of the Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation Office of the Wheaton Franciscans.

While the situation has largely been discussed in terms of undocumented immigrants, the Sisters are aware that prejudice has forced a spot light on those of Hispanic ethnicity and those who come from the Middle East—mainly people whose Muslim faith is made evident by their head coverings and habits of prayer, which appear novel to U.S.-born citizens.

Sr. Catherine Albers captures honors at Federation conference

WHEATON—Sr. Catherine Albers, OSF and member of the Wheaton Franciscans, was honored with the Peacemaker of the Year Award at the Franciscan Federation conference. Sr. Catherine was lauded for her decades of service to others in need.

Fellow members of the Wheaton Franciscan community spoke fondly of Sr. Catherine, describing her as a “modern healthcare pioneer administrator and sponsor.” Previous to those positions, she served in Brazil, where she focused her energies on caring for pregnant women and their unborn babies, and Nigeria. She persists in participation in JPIC Office activities, and maintains an awareness of global issues. She regularly volunteers at Peoples Resource Center in Wheaton, Ill.

National housing trust fund becomes law

WHEATON—The Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008, HR 3221, was signed July 30 by President George W. Bush. Policy analysts at Catholic Charities USA explained that the new bill addresses the foreclosure and affordable housing crisis. Its major provisions include an Administration-backed plan aimed at helping the trouble mortgage financiers Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. In addition, the act compels the expansion of the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) home loan program to help homeowners avoid foreclosure by providing additional funds for foreclosure counseling.

The law provides assistance and support for at risk homeowners in several ways, including the housing trust fund, which features a housing option for extremely low-income families. The funding could be used to develop, rehabilitate, preserve or operate affordable housing units.

Bob Palmer, executive director of Illinois’ Housing Matters responded to the new law with enthusiasm. He said, “This is a major victory for affordable housing advocates and the lowest income people in our country with the most serious needs. Creation of a National Housing Trust fund has been an issue that Housing Matters has been advocating …since …2005.

“This is the first new federal housing production program since the HOME program was created in 1990 and the first new production program specifically targeted to extremely low-income households since the Section 8 program was created in 1974.” For more information, visit the Housing Matters Web site at http://www.housingmatters.net/.

PEPFAR gains presidential approval

WHEATON—After months of testimony and discussion in Washington, D.C. about the effectiveness of an international healthcare distribution plan, the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) was signed by President Bush. On July 16, Congress passed the bill that reauthorizes the global health initiative for another five years, beginning in 2009. Approval was granted for a $48 million commitment for poor countries to combat HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria. For details about PEPFAR, visit the agency’s Web site at http://www.pepfar.gov/.

Sr. Sheila commented on the matter. “Thank you for all of your advocacy efforts that let to such an important legislation.”

As always thank you for reading our blog, for your prayerful support and for your part to make this world a better place.

Sr. Sheila Kinsey, OSF
JPIC Leader
Wheaton Franciscans

Blog Archives

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