"Dear Gov. Ventura, please take care of the Minnesota river."

by Dee Czech

The year 2000 began by finding an appropriate space in St. Mary’s Social Hall, Arlington, MN, to display the River Friendly Faith Community plaque awarded to St. Mary’s in the fall of 1999. It was decided to place it on the wall next to the main doors where it could be easily viewed by folks as they left the hall...a reflective reminder that we are called into right relationship with God’s water and all of God’s creation.

The River Friendly Faith Community Exhibit developed by the Minnesota Earth Sabbath Team was brought to St. Mary’s for display during the social following the Lenten "Way of the Cross" clown ministry evening and the Knights of Columbus breakfast. The exhibit presented an opportunity for parishioners to become more familiar with the social teaching of the church which calls for Right Relation with All of Creation, uniquely displayed in this exhibit, by the shared stories of how churches are responding to that call in their relationship with water.

Following an informational and skill building meeting on expressing one’s environmental convictions at Ney Center in September, parishioners were informed about river circumstances and needed movement toward developing effective legislation that would create healthier river conditions. They were encouraged to write to Governor Jesse Ventura. One does not necessarily ever find how effective that kind of suggestion becomes, so it was very heartwarming for me, when I visited each faith sharing community during the RENEW 2000 fall sessions, how many shared that they had written their letter. Even a member’s little second grader responded with a simple letter, "Dear Governor Ventura, Please take care of the Minnesota River."

Dee Czech is St. Mary’s River Friendly Faith Community liaison, Arlington, MN.