At Our Lady, Queen of Peace Parish, a Spiritan Parish in Arlington, VA, caring for our common home is an important part of their justice and peace work. As a parish they focus on “thinking globally while acting locally.” 

“Climate change harms the poor the most, so we must do whatever we can to reduce our carbon footprint. Therefore we want to try to get as much energy as we can from renewable sources,” said Fr. Tim Hickey, C.S.Sp., pastor of Our Lady Queen of Peace, when the parish moved forward with the solar installation.

Going Solar

In 2019, 319 solar panels were installed on the roofs of the parish church, the rectory and Father Ray Hall. The solar panels produced electricity used in these buildings, reducing the electric bills for OLQP with the remaining electricity being sold to Dominion Energy, which generates funds for the church’s use. Financing was provided by a parishioner.

Over their lifetime, the impact of these solar installations on the environment is estimated to equal the planting of 5,456 trees, the removal of 71 cars off the road or the avoidance of burning 358 lbs of coal. 

To further reduce our carbon footprint the parish has contracted with ARCADIA to ensure, at no cost to the church, that 50% of the energy consumed on the two parish buildings that were not included in the solar project will be generated by wind power. They decided to pay a small fee to ARCADIA to ensure that this share goes up to 100%. 

Isidore’s Garden

As a part of their Integrity of Creation work, parishioners at Our Lady, Queen of Peace started Isidore’s Garden where they grow both produce, which supports the thriving Food Pantry Ministry at the parish, and some native plants to support pollinators. The garden truly addresses the interconnectedness of the Cry of the Earth and the Cry of the Poor. 

This year they are expanding the garden so they can grow even more. 

Integrity of Creation Committee

The Integrity of Creation Committee has been instrumental in these green choices as well as others in the parish. Parishioners and clergy have worked together to make greener choices for the parish, educate others, and advocate for climate-related issues. It’s a great model for any parish in exploring the ways they can protect God’s creation and live out Laudato Si’ and Laudato Deum.