By Ethan Muehlstein, Office of Sustainability Intern
Sweets, carbohydrates, social media, cursing, and even warm showers are familiar sacrifices during the season of Lent. This year how about you choose your sacrifice to be one that will benefit both you and the world? With Pope Francis’s recent call to action to make climate change a priority, reducing your carbon footprint with a Lenten Carbon Fast is a great way to participate in a global cause by focusing on the actions you choose to take daily.
Lent is a special time of prayer, penance, sacrifice, and good works in preparation of the celebration of Easter. By engaging in such disciplines, Christians prepare themselves to be open to the glory of God. By following the advice in the Lenten Carbon Fast calendar, created by the Office of Sustainability, you can engage in a global act of self-discipline, while responding to Pope Francis’ call to action and reflection.
The Lenten Carbon Fast calendar provides guidance for those who wish to pursue daily challenges to both reduce their carbon footprint and increase their awareness of their energy use. Every action taken has a consequence, and by following this calendar, we can all reduce the negative consequences of our actions.
By asking Christians to deepen their commitment to the fight against climate change between Ash Wednesday and Easter Sunday, the Lenten Carbon Fast calendar illustrates one of many profound connections between environmental awareness and Notre Dame’s mission. We have a deep, spiritual obligation to care for God’s creation, and we can begin to care for our shared planet one daily action at a time.
Click here for the full 2017 calendar.
Original article posted 2/9/16. Updated 3/2/17.