Although the Season of Creation has ended, its spirit of environmental stewardship continues at the Sisters of Charity of Leavenworth (SCL).
On Saturday, October 24, volunteers gathered at the Brooder House on the SCL Mother House campus to give several outdoor benches a fresh coat of paint. Benches from throughout the SCL and University of Saint Mary campuses were brought to one location, where volunteers worked together to give them new life.
The project was an opportunity to build on the momentum of the Season of Creation, a time dedicated to prayer, reflection, and action in protecting God’s creation. With paintbrushes in hand, volunteers put that commitment into practice through a simple act of service.
Adding special meaning to the project, Sister Pat Johannsen and Sister Réjane Cytacki identified colors for some of the benches, each representing an element of faith and creation: yellow for the sun, blue for the sky, green for the grass, and white for Christ. Together, the colors remind us of the connection between God’s creation and our faith.
Once returned to their places around campus, the freshly painted benches will offer more than a welcoming place to sit. They will remind us that making a difference can start with a little time, a willingness to help, and a commitment to improving our surroundings.
Rooted in SCL’s commitment to integral ecology, the project reflects the value of working together to preserve and beautify the spaces we share.
