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Reston parish named ‘Cool Congregation’ for sustainability efforts

For The Catholic Herald

St. John Neumann Church in Reston recently was certified as a
“Cool Congregation” by Interfaith Power and Light, a national
nonprofit devoted to faith-based sustainability programs.
Cool Congregations is a stewardship program helping
congregations care for creation by reducing energy
consumption and greenhouse gas emissions.

In response to “Laudato Si,’ on Care for Our Common
Home,” St. John Neumann formed a new ministry, Care for Our
Common Home, to continue the parish’s ongoing sustainability
efforts. St. John Neumann facility manager Mark Gosselin had
implemented several energy-saving measures, and additional
efforts reduced electricity use by 28 percent, greenhouse gas
emissions by 29 percent and annual fuel cost by about
$15,000, according to a parish press release. The capital
costs for the energy efficiency measures were recouped by
energy savings within four years.

The Care for Our Common Home ministry applied for the Cool
Congregations Award to highlight parish efforts and elements
of Catholic social teaching and to encourage parishioners to
be stewards of the environment in the parish and at home.

“As a Catholic parish, this is an excellent way for us to put
our faith into action,” said Oblate of St. Francis de Sales
Father Thomas E. Murphy, former St. John Neumann pastor.

The new ministry also plans to create a space on parish
grounds to promote a deeper appreciation for creation.

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