On May 24, 2015, Pope Francis issued the encyclical Laudato Si, raising the care of the earth, climate change and personal ethics to a new level of moral imperative in the Catholic conscience. In 2016 he joined with Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew in establishing September 1 as the World day of Prayer for the Care of Creation.  In both Laudato Si and in the message issued in 2016, Francis called us to a “profound interior conversion” (LS 217) (Message Par. 4) He calls us to reflect on how we consume the goods of the earth, participate in recycling and work towards sustainable use of resources, while considering how our consumption impact the life of the poor.   Francis teaches that our care for the earth is a new work of mercy to which we must commit ourselves for the future of the earth and the well being of the poor.  Most recently, in June of 2018, Francis met with representatives of oil companies and related industries to press for movement away from fossil fuels. 
 
On June 19, Fr. Michael met with representatives of the NYC Department of Sanitation regarding recycling, food waste and ways to improve our trash and recycling management at both parish campuses. The meeting with the DSNY professionals has provided good insight and resources to improve our management and support the goals of the Paris Accords for climate change reduction. While the U.S Federal government has withdrawn from the accords, New York City is a separate and independent participant and signatory and is continuing to implement carbon footprint reduction plans to achieve the accord goals.
 
In order for us to show leadership that is inherent to the quality of the Oratory,  and to whom we should aspire as Catholics, The Oratory Parishes of Assumption and St. Boniface are implementing a more robust recycling program and will begin to collect compostable waste from parish activities and events. To this end, we will observe the following as the program year unfolds. 
 

1. The Oratory Residence has fully adopted collection of compostable items, recycling and minimizing of trash products.  
2. The Oratory School of Discipleship is committed to implementing composting and recycling for its programs and events. 
3. Water coolers, connected to plumbing providing filtered chilled water in both Newman Hall and Assumption Hall will eliminate the need for bottled water for events and meetings.
4. Oratory, PBA free, reusable water bottles will be available for a nominal fee this fall. 
5. Styrofoam is not permitted in any form for cups, plates or food trays.
6. All hard plastics (food containers, cups, forks/spoons, must be rinsed and placed in recycling bins, not trash.
7. We will move to compostable cups, plates, napkins and cutlery as we replace current supplies.  As supplies are ordered, signage on storage will be posted and emails sent to those coordinating hospitality activities and ongoing programs. 
8. Food waste must be placed in the brown cans in the parish facilities. We may obtain more bins if needed.  Once we have compostable cup/plate items, these can be place din the brown bins along with food waste.