‘Practical Action’ Aided By Award To Waterspirit Nonprofit In Rumson

RUMSON, NJ — Globally, Catholic organizations more and more are turning their spiritual commitments into “practical action on behalf of Earth,” according to Waterspirit.

And the eco-spiritual nonprofit announced that a recent gift will help it continue its “practical action.”

Waterspirit has received a three-year financial award from the 22 congregations of the Leadership Conference of Women Religious in eastern Pennsylvania and New Jersey, Blair Nelsen, Waterspirit executive director, said in a news release.

“Water is sacred, yet it is threatened more than ever by climate change. People of all faiths must live in awareness of the interdependence of all Earth systems. We are grateful for this LCWR Region 3 support as we put our beliefs into action on water’s behalf,” Nelsen said.

Waterspirit is a nonprofit center for spirituality and ecology based in Rumson and sponsored by the Sisters of St. Joseph of Peace.

The Catholic women religious leaders who gave the gift represent more than 20 religious communities collaborating to address the harmful impact of climate change, Nelsen said.

“Although each community of Sisters educates, takes action and advocates for the protection of the environment, they are strengthening their influence by partnering with each other to support the work of agencies whose they support,” she added.

Waterspirit and PennEnvironment were both selected as recipients of this three-year support.

“This financial award represents an investment into the ecological principles espoused by Pope Francis in his 2015 environmental encyclical, Laudato Si’,” Nelsen said. The amount of the award was not provided.

Laudato si’ is the second encyclical of Pope Francis, according to Wikipedia, and concerns environmentalism, ethics and faith.

The Sisters shared their hope that Waterspirit will use the award to continue “the good work you do with individuals, families, and organizations, helping us acknowledge and experience the gift of the natural world and to act to preserve our environment for ourselves and the generations who follow us.”

Waterspirit was founded in 1998 by Sister Suzanne Golas, CSJP. The organization is beginning its 25th year.

It offers various eco-spiritual, educational, and action-oriented programs, including some upcoming events:

• Feb. 11, training for new volunteers.
• June 10, a celebration of its 25th year with its annual benefit, Joys of the Sea.

More upcoming events are listed on Waterspirit’s website.