A key role of FSPA land resources is to invite others to learn about and experience God's presence in nature. Using our land resources to model sustainability practices and spirituality for others is a very significant way of continuing the congregation's long tradition of teaching ministries.

- Sister Lucy Slinger

Learn more about the FSPA Ecospirituality Committee's efforts below and in our recent report about land conservation projects.

 

 

 

Organic Garden

 

In the spirit of Franciscan ecology, the organic garden on FSPA Farmland at St. Joseph Ridge nourishes land, life and learning. Learn more about the FSPA Organic Garden.

CNN features Sister Lucy

Sister Lucy's Organic Garden Practices - .ppt

 

 

Natural Funeral and Burial: An option for FSPA

 

As Franciscans we recognize the beauty and oneness of all creating knowing that all we do affects everyone and everything. Natural burial is a way to honor the sacredness of our Sister Earth as well as the natural cycle of life and death. Our sisters have the opportunity to choose a natural funeral and burial.

 

Watch: Sister Lucy's presentation FSPA Lands at St. Joseph Ridge to see images of restoration and preservation in the woodlands, the farm, the windbreak, the garden and the cemetery.

 

Renewable Energy Efforts

 

Since 1905, FSPA has utilized district heating. The community’s district heating plant generates steam to heat over one million square feet in St. Rose Convent, Franciscan Skemp Healthcare and Viterbo University. FSPA also uses a computerized energy management system that operates air handlers and chillers for cooling St. Rose. Learn more about our energy use reduction.

 

FSPA Sponsored Ministries' efforts

 

FSPA also incorporates green energy programs with their sponsored spirituality centers, health care organizations and Viterbo University. Visit our partnership page to learn more about these conservation practices.