St. Francis of Assisi ANCC Brings Faithful Environmental Message ...

St. Francis of Assisi ANCC Brings Faithful Environmental Message — and Grilled Goodness — to Glen Ridge Eco Fair

Glen Ridge, NJ — St. Francis of Assisi American National Catholic Church was honored to participate in this year’s Glen Ridge Eco Fair, bringing a message of ecological responsibility inspired by the church’s patron saint, Francis of Assisi — widely regarded as the patron of the environment.

The parish was well-represented, with both the clergy and People of God staffing an information booth to share their faith-based commitment to creation care. The team also provided the “chefs” behind the grill, serving up hot dogs and hamburgers for visitors and vendors throughout the day.

Leading the setup was Jim Low, Chair of the Social Concerns Committee and Dave Weston, who got an early start welcoming guests and engaging the public. The booth featured materials on environmental justice and the church’s mission to care for the Earth as part of its Gospel-centered outreach.

Proceeds from the grilling fundraiser will benefit two of the parish’s sponsored ministries: the Pierre Toussaint Food Pantry at St. Mary’s Abbey in Newark, and Covenant House of Newark, which supports homeless and at-risk youth. Community members can continue to contribute to these efforts by visiting give.stfrancisnj.org.

“St. Francis reminds us that all of creation is interconnected,” said Low. “Our faith calls us to be stewards of the Earth and advocates for those most affected by environmental harm. The Eco Fair is a beautiful opportunity to stand alongside our neighbors in that shared mission.”

As part of the American National Catholic Church, St. Francis of Assisi ANCC located at 195 Ridgewood Ave, Glen Ridge, serving the Montclair, Belleville, and Bloomfield neighborhood as the only National Catholic parish in the area which offers a progressive, welcoming community rooted in the Gospel and focused on justice, peace, and care for creation. The parish’s outreach includes local social services, interfaith cooperation, and environmental advocacy.

The Glen Ridge Eco Fair, a popular annual event, brings together environmental organizations, local artisans, educators, and advocates to promote sustainability and celebrate the Earth. The participation of faith-based communities like St. Francis ANCC underscores the spiritual dimension of ecological concern.

St. Francis of Assisi ANCC is located at 195 Ridgewood Ave, Glen Ridge, serving the Montclair, Belleville, and Bloomfield, Maplewood, South Orange, Orange neighborhoods as the only National Catholic parish in the area which offers a progressive, welcoming community rooted in the Gospel and focused on justice, peace, and care for creation.

For more information about the parish and its ministries, visit www.stfrancisnj.org or email stfrancisnj@gmail.com . To donate directly to support parish outreach ministries, visit give.stfrancisnj.org

PHOTO CAPTION:

Dave Weston, member of the Social Concerns Committee at St. Francis of Assisi ANCC in Bloomfield, welcomes visitors early in the day at the Glen Ridge Eco Fair, where the parish shared its message of faith and care for creation — and served up grilled favorites to benefit local ministries.

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