A Catholic Church in Syracuse is leading the way on taking care of the earth by reducing its reliance on power from fossil fuels. Some of the inspiration for the parishioner-led initiative actually comes from the Vatican.
A group of parishioners at All Saints Church came together to reduce their carbon footprint in a task force - and a mission - they called Care for our Common Home (COCH). This past week the church dedicated and blessed 23 solar panels that are expected to power most of the needs for the church and adjacent parish center.
Project Director Bill Chadwick said the solar installation reduces most of the electricity costs; they still pay distribution fees on their utility bill. Previously the group led other changes to save power, moving to LED lighting and other efficiencies. The electricity generated will power air conditioning, audio-visual equipment, lighting and other electrical needs.
The project drew inspiration from Laudato Si, the 2015 encyclical letter from Pope Francis, in which he called for stewardship of the earth, while linking environmental concerns with social issues. Chadwick noted the COCH task force took on the task of reducing energy usage and the church’s carbon footprint. A survey was put out to parishioners about proceeding with the solar effort, and drew “overwhelming commitment to proceed, including a fundraising effort that covered al the associated costs,” Chadwick said in an email.
Organizers say the project, particularly the solar panel installation, is unique for churches in this area. And they hope it might be an inspiration for others.