Our Conversation Series for January 12 and Jan 20, 2026

Our MFEP Conference 2024: Follow-up Conversations Series for Participants resulted in fruitful exchanges of experiences, ideas, and opportunities. Given below is a brief synopsis of the two days of Conversations on Jan 12 and Jan 20.

Jan 12, 2026 Conversation

We had a 45-minute conversation that included a welcome, prayer, introductions, and sharing. We had three Marianist Encounters Committee members, including our co-chair Sr. Leanne Jablonski, FMI, and three MFEP Conference attendees: Curt Sidorski, Ministry Lead, St. Mary’s South Side Catholic High School, David Turner, Professor of Environmental Science, St. Mary’s University, San Antonio, TX, and Father Ted Cassidy, representing the Marianist Religious and MSJC.

Expansion of Sustainability Initiatives: St. Mary’s University is advancing its Laudato Si' efforts by hiring a new sustainability manager, integrating environmental themes into the curriculum, and plans to pursue a sustainability audit through the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE).

Community and Environmental Justice: St. Mary’s South Side has expanded its local impact through service projects such as river cleanups, vacant property clearance, and the development of a Peace Garden and a food pantry to support underserved populations.

STEM and Educational Grants: St. Mary’s University was awarded a National Science Foundation (NSF) grant to fund scholarships for future STEM teachers, with a focus on environmental education and partnerships with the San Antonio River Authority.

Focus on Social Justice and Immigration: Father Ted emphasized that immigration work and addressing economic inequality are central to the Encounters Project, calling for greater collaboration and awareness across all Marianist institutions.

Student Engagement and Growth: Initiatives such as "teach-in" days and community service are helping students develop practical skills while fostering a sense of compassion and awareness regarding community needs and educational equity.

Jan 20, 2026 Conversation

We had three MFEP committee members and three participants in this conversation: Kate Beskid, Ministry Lead at Chaminade College Preparatory Middle School (CCP), CA; Edilmari Longo Vega, Ministry Lead at Colegio San José; and Michelle Sherman from Pax Christi International.

Integrated Curriculum & Green Requirements: Institutions are weaving environmental and religious teachings together. For example, Colegio San José in San Juan implemented a "green activity" requirement for classes, and CCP, CA, is integrating care for creation into events such as Respect Life Month. This academic year, Colegio San José was awarded the International Green Flag accreditation for its efforts towards sustainability and care of creation.

Memorial and Community Gardens: Gardens are being used as both educational tools and tributes. Key projects include a local garden in Puerto Rico involving teachers and students, and the Norton Memorial Peace Garden in California, which serves as a living memorial for a late colleague.

Service Learning and Social Justice: The connection between environmentalism and social justice was a major theme. Initiatives range from tutoring and seminars for impoverished and immigrant communities in San Juan to service trips in Puerto Rico that combine environmental work with cultural sightseeing.

Focus on Nonviolence and Interconnectedness: Drawing from the Marianist commitment to nonviolence, participants discussed the links between disarmament, environmental care, and community safety. Resources from Pax Christi on the intersection of non-violence and care for creation were highlighted.