The EcoSpirituality Group (ESG) is primarily a spirituality group offering mutual support as we grow in understanding of Incarnation and the SHCJ mission in light of new scientific findings about creation. Members take responsibility to live the ESG Mission Statement and implement plans we make each year. Members make decisions concerning the group; plan and attend meetings every two-three years (cf. 2010 report); and offer retreats that are open to all (cf. 2010 report). The next ESG retreat, with Mary Evelyn Tucker, Ph.D. and Jean Newbold, SHCJ, will be June 14 - 20, 2013. We have frequent e-mail communication (also sent to those on the e-mail list) sharing inspiration; information/ action suggestions; resource suggestions; etc.
What does "eco" mean?
Eco comes from the Greek oikos — "home." In this case, it means Earth and all of creation. Ecospirituality refers to finding God in all creation. (Other terms include creation spirituality and creation theology.)
When did the EcoSpirituality Group (ESG) start? The EcoSpirituality Group (ESG) began in June 2001.
Why did it start? Some SHCJ wanted to join with other SHCJ to learn more about, and act on, new understandings of the sacredness and interconnectedness of creation and how new scientific discoveries were enhancing our religious beliefs.
How do you function? ESG members have frequent optional e-mail communication sharing inspiration; information/ action suggestions; resource suggestions; and insights on common questions. Members meet every two-three years (cf. 2010 report). We have offered three retreats that were open to all (cf. 2010 report).
Who belongs? Any Sister of the Holy Child Jesus, Associate, or other person is welcome to become a member or to be on the e-mail list. To join, contact either Sr. Roey McSorley or Sr. Terri MacKenzie and give your name, email address, mailing address, and which group you wish to join.
What is your mission statement? The ESG Mission Statement simply elaborates the SHCJ mission statement — to find God living and acting in us and in our world. It lists ways members strive to implement it and other pertinent SHCJ statements. This is the Mission Statement of the American Province’s EcoSpirituality Group:
“For this is our mission: to help others believe that God lives and acts in them
and in our world, and to rejoice in the divine presence." (SHCJ Constitutions)
Impelled by this mission, we SHCJ join for mutual support to nurture our
reverence for the human family and all creation. We seek a deep contemplative attitude of heart drawing us to respond to a planet in crisis. We strive to
live simply and sustainably,
shift our consciousness from stewardship of Earth to kinship with God’s creation,
understand that care for creation embraces all peace and justice concerns,
grow in our awareness of creation’s interconnectedness, and
