For Immediate Release: June 6, 2023
Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration, NETWORK Lobby for Catholic Social Justice Commit to Climate Justice
WASHINGTON — The Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration and NETWORK Lobby for Catholic Social Justice are embarking on a new collaboration in mission. Recognizing a strong alignment of mission and vision, FSPA has approved two significant donations to strengthen NETWORK’s systems and to work toward NETWORK’s goal of confronting the existential threat of our time that is climate change.
“As FSPA, we have committed to the seven-year Laudato Si’ Action platform journey to intensify actions for greater social and environmental justice,” said Franciscan Sister of Perpetual Adoration Sue Ernster. “In our efforts to educate, advocate and act for the healing and care of all, we consider this partnership with NETWORK an opportunity to collaborate in advocacy for the systemic changes that are needed to face the enormous challenge of climate change.”
NETWORK has committed to developing and implementing a multi-faceted advocacy effort to address the existential threat of climate change and advance integral ecology as part of its latest strategic plan.
“Because our environmental and social crises are so inextricably intertwined, NETWORK is answering the call from women’s religious communities to pick up climate justice advocacy explicitly grounded in the integral ecology approach of Laudato Si’,” said NETWORK Executive Director, Mary J. Novak. “The generous support and partnership of the Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration enables us to expand our mission.” NETWORK’s Development Director Maggie Brevig added, “We are excited that $500,000 of FSPA’s $2 million gift will enable us to complete NETWORK’s 50th Anniversary Endowment Fund campaign to sustain our ongoing mission for many years to come. The rest of their transformative gift—$1.5 million—will support the strategic expansion of our political ministry into climate justice.”
Both grounded in Gospel values and the Catholic social justice tradition, and approaching action through a Laudato Si’ lens, FSPA and NETWORK hear the cry of the Earth in this collaborative advocacy effort.
About FSPA
Based in La Crosse, Wisconsin, Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration are women religious engaged in furthering the work of the Catholic church and the Gospel. Their partners in ministry, including affiliates and prayer partners, join them in service of God’s mission. The sisters work in the United States and internationally in varied ministries, collaborating to minister in areas of greatest need, living the Gospel through contemplation and action. Find our environmental responsibility page here https://www.fspa.org/content/s/environmental-responsibility-laudato-si
About NETWORK Lobby for Catholic Social Justice
NETWORK Lobby is an inclusive, national, Catholic advocacy organization founded by Catholic sisters in the spirit of the Second Vatican Council. For more than 50 years, NETWORK has transformed society by shaping federal policies that achieve racial, economic, and social justice; serve the common good; and honor the dignity of all. www.networklobby.org
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NETWORK Lobby for Catholic Social Justice – advocates for justice inspired by Catholic Sisters – educates, organizes, and lobbies for economic and social transformation. With a 50-year record of accomplishment and more than 100,000 supporters across the country, NETWORK advocates for federal policies that support those at the margins and prioritize the common good.