As stewards of God’s creation, we are called to make the earth a beautiful garden for the human family. When we destroy our forests, ravage our soil and pollute our seas, we betray that noble calling. – Pope Francis
We have received the response for our Site Development Plan from Collier County. As expected, they have found some small issues, like adding 111th Avenue North to the plans, even though the building is far recessed from the main road, and referencing the proper SDP number on our cover sheet. There were a few environmental components we are going to resolve as well, which are appropriate in the focus of our Catholic Church and Pope Francis’ encyclical “Laudato Si”. We are tending the garden of earth in God’s name, and it is our responsibility to take care of the planet and leave it better than we found it. Did you know that between the Ballroom and the new Life Center is a nature preserve, that is filled with endangered tortoises? If you take a walk to the back of our campus, you may be able to spot them walking around between the tortoise sanctuary and the pond.
We will need to ensure the flowers and plants around our building are native, especially near the preserve. We will also need to make sure those tortoises are safe during the construction and that will require special fencing and even potentially relocating them. Most importantly, we are creating a brand new Mission Garden.
The set of vegetable and fruit trees will be irrigated and fed by the pond, which will be stocked with fish. This self-sustaining agricultural environment will feed us and the poor in the area, with the youth and experienced of our Parish Family working together to fish and pick, as well as to ensure the health of the vegetation. Additionally, missionaries will come to St. John to learn how to build and maintain this environment so it can be replicated in areas around the world where people do not have enough to eat.
As we Build Our Future, Serve Our Past, we still need all the prayers and support of our Parish Family to reach our Pinnacle Goals. If you have any questions, please contact Joe Lichwalla, the Campaign Coordinator at 239-495-2001 or email: [email protected].
You can also learn more information about our Capital Campaign at: http://www.sjecc.com/future