Classroom Activities

August: Mother Earth, Mother of God

This month, look at the role of ecology in the work of the Peacebuilder. August is a great time to consider Planet Earth, as well as creation, from the smallest insect or blade of grass, to the tallest mountain and deep, dark oceans. As humans, we are God's greatest creation. But just as we must respect and take care of ourselves, we must respect and take care of our planet. Look at church teaching on ecology and you'll quickly realize how seriously we need to take matters like pollution, deforestation, ozone depletion, animal species extinction, etc.

August is also the month when as Catholics we celebrate the Assumption of Mary, remembering when Mary left earth and joined Jesus in heaven. Mary, queen of saints, is one of our great role models for living as God calls us to. Learn to pray as Mary did, in a way that recognizes our place in creation, and honors all that God gives life to.

Peace on Earth? Peace with Earth!
The Bible's Guide for Taking Care of Planet Earth
Holy Hungry Human Bodies
The Low-Down on Mary's Going High Up: The History of August 15
The Do-It-Yourself Guide to Celebrating August 15