At Trinity Senior Services, Earth Day isn’t just a date on the calendar—it’s a living reminder of our call to care for creation, echoing the profound message of Laudato Si’, Pope Francis’ encyclical on the environment.
This year, as we celebrate Earth Day, we also pause to honor the memory of Pope Francis, whose recent passing leaves a deep void in the hearts of millions around the world. His legacy lives on through his tireless advocacy for the poor, for peace, and for our planet. Laudato Si’ remains a guiding light, challenging and inspiring us to live in harmony with creation and with one another.
Inspired by our resident School Sisters of Notre Dame, we recognize that our relationship with the earth is deeply spiritual, communal, and rooted in love. The Sisters have long lived by the principles of simplicity, sustainability, and reverence for all life. Their daily witness reminds us that caring for the earth is not separate from our faith—it is our faith in action. Earth Day, then, becomes more than a celebration. It becomes a reaffirmation of who we are and what we stand for.
Why Earth Day Matters at Trinity Senior Services
Our mission at Trinity Senior Services goes beyond physical care. It embraces holistic well-being—for our residents, our community, and the world we share. Earth Day gives us the opportunity to: • Reflect on the interconnectedness of all life • Act through meaningful, sustainable choices • Educate the next generation about stewardship • Honor the legacy of those, like the School Sisters, who have long led the way
Whether it’s planting flowers in our community garden, reducing waste in our daily operations, or simply pausing to admire the beauty of nature on a spring day, these acts are sacred. They are expressions of gratitude and responsibility.
“Laudato Si’, mi’ Signore”—“Praise be to you, my Lord”—these opening words of the encyclical set the tone for our approach to Earth Day. At Trinity Senior Services, we see Earth Day as a call to deepen our ecological conversion, to live in greater harmony with creation, and to stand in solidarity with the vulnerable—both people and planet.
As Pope Francis reminded us, “everything is connected.” In a world that often feels divided and hurried, Earth Day invites us to slow down, reconnect, and recommit to being caretakers of our common home.
Laudato Si’ in Action
One of the most vibrant expressions of our Earth Day values can be seen at Clare Gardens, Trinity Senior Services’ sustainable farm located in nearby Dodge County. Our farm-to-table program brings fresh, locally grown food right to our dining rooms. Clare Gardens is more than just a farm—it’s a living example of Laudato Si’ in action. Following organic farming practices such as drip irrigation and cover cropping, Clare Gardens retains and fortifies the soil. Composting waste from our communities’ kitchens means that yesterday’s waste fertilizes tomorrow’s produce. It’s a powerful reminder that care for the earth can be woven into the very fabric of daily life, nourishing both body and spirit.
Together, Clare Gardens and the Catholic Ecology Center have partnered to provide educational opportunities for people of all ages. From sustainable gardening practices, to foraging, to ecology programs and art classes, we offer a wide range of programs to help people open their eyes to the wonder of creation and learn to care for the beautiful world we live in.
At Trinity Woods, native plants in our landscape beds and bioswales have deep roots that help break up the soil, allowing more water to drain into the ground, while the plant roots help remove pollution like road salt and lawn chemicals. The solar panels on our roof produce cleaner, more sustainable energy. In one year, the energy produced from our solar panels could power an electric car to drive from NYC to LA and back 10.5 times! To learn more about how TSS is dedicated to the protection and care for our natural environment, visit our Environmental Stewardship page.
May this Earth Day be a moment of renewal, not only for our environment but for our hearts. In the spirit of Pope Francis, may we continue to walk gently on the earth, guided by love, justice, and joy.
Happy Earth Day from all of us at Trinity Senior Services. Laudato Si’!
