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Earth Day 2024: Sisters' Prayerful Commitment to Our Planet" takes readers on a reflective journey through the unwavering dedication of the Sisters of the Presentation San Francisco to environmental stewardship. From their humble beginnings in 1997, these women of service have championed the cause of Earth Day, embodying the spirit of compassion and reverence for our Common Home. Through heartfelt prayers and resonant reflections, they inspire a deep connection with creation and a commitment to sustainable living. As advocates for change, they urge us to move away from convenience-driven habits and embrace our responsibility to care for the planet. Through their tireless efforts, they remind us of the urgent need to protect our precious Earth from the scourge of plastic pollution. As Earth Day 2024 approaches, let us heed their call to action and stand united in our commitment to nurture and protect our sacred Earth.

Amidst the sprawling farmlands of California, the Farmworker Caravan emerges as a lifeline for the backbone of our agricultural system: farmworkers. This grassroots movement has become a lifeline for workers facing unimaginable challenges. From human trafficking to exploitative working conditions, farmworkers endure hardships that often go unseen. Through tireless efforts and community collaboration, the Caravan provides crucial aid and sheds light on the injustices faced by these essential laborers.

Discover the remarkable journey of Reverend Glenda and Sister Rosina as they mark 25 years of dedication to SafeHouse. Through boundless determination and a shared commitment to serving women in need, they've stood witness to the countless women whose lives have been uplifted and guided by the grace of God. Today, dedicated volunteers continue to offer their unwavering support, while the resilient spirit of those formerly in need now empowers others, fostering hope within their community.

In the heart of San Francisco, Aaliyah Cosico, an eighth-grade student at the School of the Epiphany, has emerged as a passionate advocate in the fight against human trafficking. Her powerful message, showcased through her poem "Silent Struggle," earned her the 2nd prize in a writing contest sponsored by the San Francisco Collaborative Against Human Trafficking. Through her poem, Aaliyah sheds light on the hidden world of human trafficking, exposing its harsh realities and calling for action.

In the battle against the abhorrent crime of child sex trafficking, Senate Bill 1414 emerges as a beacon of hope. This proposed legislation seeks to bring about a seismic shift in accountability and justice, challenging the status quo of inadequate penalties for perpetrators. With a pivotal hearing scheduled for April 16th, SB 1414 has garnered widespread support from compassionate advocates and organizations like Justice Endeavors, led by Sister Pat Davis and the Sisters of the Presentation San Francisco. But the fight is far from over. As we stand on the brink of change, community involvement is essential. Each voice raised brings us one step closer to a future where our children are safe from exploitation. Join us in championing this vital cause and be a voice for the voiceless in the fight against child sex trafficking.

Nestled amidst the sprawling fields of California's agricultural heartland lies a story of resilience and struggle in the rows of crops that feed the nation. Beyond the bountiful harvests and picturesque landscapes of the Salinas Valley lies a community of unsung heroes - the farmworkers. These laborers work tirelessly to bring food to our tables, yet their own struggles often go unnoticed. Take this moment to delve into their world, to understand their challenges dealing with the harsh reality of exploitation and hardship, and to join the Sisters of the Presentation in a cause that transcends fields and fences.

In September of 1999, Sister Máire Sullivan, a devoted member of the Sisters of the Presentation San Francisco, embarked on a journey that would change lives and uplift spirits in the Mission District of San Francisco. Little did she know that a simple act of kindness, offering pizza to those waiting in a doorway in the neighborhood, would sow the seeds for which became the Day Laborer Lunch Program.

Every few weeks, Sisters from the Motherhouse deliver blankets to people living on the streets of San Francisco, often in tents. Recently, funds from the Easter Egg Grants provided thirty-five people a new blanket. Donations of blankets in new or gently used condition are welcome, and may be dropped off during business hours at 2340 Turk Blvd. in San Francisco.

Each Tuesday, all year long, three or four Presentation Sisters head for their car in the early, dark hours of the morning. The Sisters carry 140 bag lunches that will be dropped off at stops in San Francisco where day laborers are known to congregate in hopes of being hired for short-term work. Started in 1999, the effort now involves dozens of Sisters and volunteers to keep it going strong.

In May, the Sisters and Associates were able to hear from Ann Chermak Dillen, a career diplomat who now focuses her attention on Ukraine's democratic development by organizing women's leadership projects and supporting Ukrainian Catholic University (UCU). This month she provided an update on pending legislation and urged pressure on California's national legislators.

In April 2023, the Leadership Team made a visit to a migrant shelter in Mexicali. Their visit was to offer companionship and friendship to those who are staying there while awaiting appointments with U.S. immigration. Sister Pati Reinhert wrote about the experience, described as "bittersweet" by Sister Rosina Conrotto.

The Sisters in the Motherhouse took the occasion of National Gun Violence Awareness Day to engage in learning and advocacy, then witnessed on the front steps to all passing by. Let us all pray and do what we can to bring an end to mass shootings, and an increase of peace.

On May 22, the Sisters and Associates heard from a woman knowledgeable about the current situation in Ukraine. Ann Chermak Dillen is a career diplomat now working on democracy development in that country. She explained the circumstances that Ukrainians are living in, the politics of the situation, and the horrific atrocities being committed there. Watch the presentation and learn how to help.

With Earth Day just behind us, we can keep our intentions and momentum going by living every day in honor of our precious earth. Catholic Climate Covenant created a helpful worksheet on "Simple Living." There are suggested small steps such as going meat-free once a week, to bigger steps like doing an energy audit of your home or joining a group to advocate for the environment. Find the worksheet in this month's Justice Endeavors.

This year's Earth Day prayer includes a passage from Laudato Sí; inspiration to care for creation; a prayer; video; and artwork. We celebrate Earth Day all year 'round and invite you to do so!

Sister Kathleen Curtin visited a very special convent in Guatemala this month. She is an advisor for the Missionary Sisters of the Eucharist, an order of religious women who are native Guatemalans that was founded by a former San Francisco Presentation Sister, Mother Tonia Orland.

Annual contest raises awareness among high school students and the community. Sister Rita Jovick reports on the recent Teen Summit and award ceremony.

The Corazon-a-Corazon Mother-Daughter Retreat in February was truly a time of opening hearts.

The Lantern Center may be closed, but relationships formed there continue with Zoom, phone calls, and visits to the park. The tradition of gifts from St. Teresa parish's Giving Tree also carried on this year, as Sisters, Associates, and a former employee distributed gift cards and toys.

Read the latest news from our Social Justice Committee. Topics include the International Day of Prayer and Awareness of Human Trafficking; the January 21st Justice panel; and this summer's International Presentation Association assembly.