Page 23 - The Paduan: Winter 2020

Padua Rolls Out Franciscan
Environmental Stewardship Program
In 2020, Padua students, faculty, and staff increased the amount of plastic recycled by 200%. In January, the Student Council purchased a dozen new recycling containers that were placed in the cafeteria. Previously, there was a limited number of recycling containers relegated to out-of-the-way corners. Many plastic bottles ended up in the trash and, ultimately landfills. The new containers in the cafeteria inspired everyone to get on board. In just two months, Padua students saved 15,000 tons of oil and reduced CO2 emissions by 11,250 tons. Padua’s recycling program resumed in September with the re- opening of the school. A grant from the Cuyahoga County Solid Waste District facilitated the purchase of an additional 30 recycling containers that have been strategically placed throughout the building.
Padua also recycles paper, cardboard, glass and metal. These efforts are part
of Padua’s Environmental Stewardship program launched in 2019. Caring for creation is an integral part of Padua’s mission as a Franciscan institution. St. Francis of Assisi, patron of Padua Franciscan High School, is renowned for his vision of all creatures as expressions of the creative love of God, the Father. Pope Francis translated the vision of St. Francis in the context of the 21st century in his famous letter Laudato Si, published in 2015. Inspired by the example and vision of both men, Padua students learn about this vision. Every teacher includes the Franciscan vision of Care for Creation in their lessons.
Students and teachers work together to plan and implement concrete activities using the tagline Show Padua’s Worth; Save the Earth. Students collaborated with Padua alumnus Mark Brody ’70 and the West Creek Conservancy to inform Parma residents of the dangers of pouring contaminants in sewer drains. About 3,000 households were canvassed. In addition, the Garden Club has planted a pollinator garden to attract bees. Pollinator gardens are designed to strengthen the local ecosystem.
In mid-August, student leaders participated in an all-day workshop learning about local environmental issues. They prepared initiatives and activities that will be implemented during the 2020/21 school year.
Prayer Blanket Ministry
Padua teaches students to live in the spirit of St.
Francis and St. Clare by reaching out to those in
need. One of the ways our community serves others
is through our Prayer Blanket Ministry. Our former
Campus Minister Dcn. Bob Grgic started Padua’s
Prayer Blanket Ministry in 2007. When we learn a
student, parent, sibling, alumni or friend is ill, in need
of encouragement or strength, we pray for them and
send them a blanket. Every blanket is blessed and prayed
over by our students and faculty. For more than a decade,
our blankets have comforted hundreds of people all
across the country and the globe in their time of need or
celebration. Blankets have been distributed for a variety
of meaningful occasions: births, deaths, illness, weddings,
etc. It is an incredible ministry that continues to surround
people with God’s love. If you or someone you know who has
a connection to the Padua community would like to request a
prayer blanket (at no cost), call or email
prayerblanket@paduafranciscan.com. 22