Earth Day in Bardstown brought the community together with a clear message: care for creation begins close to home. On April 22 at Mayor’s Park, families, students, and local leaders gathered to reflect on what shared responsibility looks like in daily life and to highlight some sustainable efforts in Nelson County. Carolyn Cromer, director of the Office of Ecological Sustainability for the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth, offered a reminder that the Church’s call to stewardship, which is echoed in Laudato Si’, is not abstract, but lived through everyday choices.
Speaking to a group that included many children, Cromer named some of today’s most urgent environmental concerns, including pollution, water scarcity, deforestation, climate change, and the loss of biodiversity. She tied these issues to the mission of the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth, where care for creation has long been part of their work.
At Nazareth, this commitment shows up in tangible ways. The Sisters are working to reduce emissions by limiting fossil fuel use and investing in renewable energy, including solar power. Buildings have been updated with better insulation and water-saving systems. Electric vehicles and increased use of video conferencing have also helped cut down on travel and emissions.
Cromer also spoke about restoring ecosystems. At Nazareth, that includes planting native species and rebuilding habitats that support local wildlife. She noted that small steps at home, such as planting native trees or making space for wildlife and pollinators, can add up.
Waste reduction remains another focus. The Sisters have expanded recycling and composting, reduced paper use, and chosen products made from recycled materials. By growing some of their own food, the Sisters reduce the need for transportation and chemical use while supporting healthier practices. Cromer encouraged those in attendance to take similar steps, use less, reuse what they can, plant trees, and think carefully about energy and waste.
SCNs Susan Gatz and Mary Margaret Reid were also present at the Bardstown event, spending time with local students and sharing more about life at Nazareth and the Sisters’ ministries.
Later that evening, the setting shifted to the Nazareth Retreat Center gazebo for a quieter Earth Day gathering. The focus turned to prayer, poetry, and planting. Using a simple Lectio Divina format, participants were invited to slow down, listen, and reflect, recognizing creation as both gift and responsibility.
An Earth Day poem by Jane Yolen was read aloud, highlighting the phrase “I am the Earth… And the Earth is me” as a reminder of humanity’s connection to creation. After the reading, Sisters planted basil, which is easy to grow and helpful to pollinators. Lem’s Café added to the evening with a presentation on matcha tea.
Earth Day in Bardstown ended as an invitation to live more intentionally, to act with care, and to continue this work every day.