Catholic Energies Partnership

May 15, 2018

In the spirit of Pope Francis’ 2015 encyclical "On Care for Our Common Home" (also known as "Laudato Si’"), Bishop Richard Pates announced that the Diocese of Des Moines has partnered with Catholic Energies (a project of Catholic Climate Covenant), and with Red Lion Renewables of Norwalk to bring greater energy efficiency and environmentally favorable practices to parishes in central and southwest Iowa.

Bishop Pates encourages all priests of the diocese or their representatives to learn more during an Energy Conversation on April 17 from 10-11:30 a.m. at Ss. John and Paul Parish Fellowship Development Center, 1401 First Ave. South, in Altoona.

This event will allow representatives from the diocese, Catholic Energies, Red Lion Renewables and other partners to outline steps parishes and schools can make to reduce their facility’s waste energy, improve comfort and operations, as well as generate their own electricity. They’ll also offer information on tackling lighting, HVAC, solar projects and much more.

“The goal of the partnership is to help your parish, school or other building reduce energy waste, save money on utility bills, educate parishioners, students, their parents and others about Laudato Si’ and encourage them to do likewise in their homes and businesses,” said Bishop Pates in a letter to priests.

As Pope Francis said in his 2015 encyclical, “…much still needs to be done, such as promoting ways of conserving energy. These would include….encouraging the construction and repair of buildings aimed at reducing their energy consumption and levels of pollution.” (#180) “As you know,” wrote Bishop Pates, “many of our structures are aging and have inefficient equipment that can be a financial drain on scarce dollars. Savings generated from efficiency projects can go a long way in reducing costs, some of which can be used to further core ministries.”

“I am hopeful that we can join others who have participated in the Catholic Energies program and demonstrate that the Des Moines Catholic community is rising to the challenge of caring for our creation and those suffering from our neglect – our neighbors in Iowa and around the world,” Bishop Pates concluded.