The energetic and charming Catherine Skopic, whom Bishop Sisk recently appointed Chair of the Diocesan Environmental Committee, is an acolyte and Lay Eucharistic Minister at the Cathedral, the Chair of Environmental Task Force Committee of the Congregation of St. Saviour, a retired art teacher–and most of all a passionate advocate for the Earth. Together with a group of committed congregants and activists, she is helping to lead the way for environmentalism both in and outside the Cathedral.

Since its inception, the Environmental Task Force has had as its primary purpose, “To explore the question and its implications, ‘What is our responsibility as Christians to care for God's Creation?’” This large question incorporates issues of justice; poverty; the reduction of our ecological footprint; increased education about the environment for the congregation and the public; and a desire to strengthen connections between the Cathedral and environmental activists and actions.

The Task Force, which meets regularly, sponsors lectures, films, and presentations from people like Cathey Falvo, M.D., Physicians for Social Responsibility; and Sister Catherine Grace of the Community of the Holy Spirit, from the Bluestone Farm and Living Arts Center, a monastic community for women in the Episcopal Church.

In partnership with Green Faith and 350.org, the Committee has also organized and participated in rallies in Washington, Albany, Philadelphia and New York City. On September 24, the Committee organized participation in the Moving Planet rally and clean energy demonstration at the United Nations General Assembly, one of 2,000 around the world on that date.

Skopic's focus this year is on hydrofracking, in particular trying to organize resistance to Governor Cuomo's new Energy Policy Document that would allow fracking in New York State everywhere except in the New York and Syracuse water sheds. The ETF has been trying to get the word out about the dangers of this process to the water, air, land, animals, plants, and health of New Yorkers. In May, Ms. Skopic drove to Albany to speak to the state legislature.

Skopic notes that the Diocese already has a lot in place, praising the dedication of Bishop Sisk, Bishop Roskam and Dean Kowalski. In addition to her appointment as Chair of the Diocesan Committee, Bishop Sisk has invited her to be part of a new committee - Food, Farming, Faith and our Future. We are so grateful for dedicated advocates like Ms. Skopic who are involved in the betterment of ourselves and our planet.

For more information on the work and upcoming events of the Environmental Task Force, contact missionandoutreach@saintsaviour.org