Dear Community of St. Joseph’s:

 

On February 20, 2007 the Monterey Bay Aquarium hosted an Inter-Faith ocean day conference for religious leaders of the central coast known as ‘The Living Ocean Initiative and Ocean Stewardship’. Why bring all faiths together on a subject such as the ocean? Simple, God created the earth and we need to take care of it.

 

The ocean is two-thirds of our planet. Home of over 97% of all life on Earth, source of more oxygen than rain forests and shelter for countless animals. Our oceans are vital to the survival of our planet.

 

Faiths from the Buddhist to the Roman Catholic were present, 125 people in teams that included clergy, religious educators and lay people. In addition 25 scientists and conservation leaders were present. Father Matt, JoAnn Martindale and Peggy Karleen represented our parish.

 

The day started at 7:15 a.m. with a meditation and worship in front of the Outer Bay Window and continued on to a full day of speakers and lectures, ocean-stewardship discussions and a spiritual “pilgrimage walk” through the aquarium. After lunch there were a variety of workshops and more discussion groups. Each faith was now ready to take back to their place of worship an arsenal of knowledge to participate in this local, but eventual global endeavor to take care of and respect the wondrous and abundant ocean God has provided for us.  How often in the Bible do we read about Jesus in a boat on the sea with his fishermen apostles? The sea is a place for spiritual renewal, and with the teachings of discipline that Jesus taught us, we can make a difference to manage and take care of the oceans for generations and reap it’s bountiful gifts. The time has come to give back to the Lord what He has given us so generously.

 

We will soon be incorporating what we have learned as Ocean Stewards into our community of Saint Joseph’s. Help us grow and pass on to our children these values and gifts from the Lord.

 

God Bless,

Peggy Karleen and JoAnn Martindale

Members of the Saint Joseph’s Commission