| Key Links Just Faith A site which supports a parish program to teach in depth about just living. Catholic Relief Services A powerful agent of change in the world, also leading the US implementation of this movement. Common Hope A non-profit agency working to end poverty in the third world by establishing there a middle class. |
The Ninth Step Feel the earth move under your feet! Get your hands dirty again! Renew your relationship to the Earth itself. Begin with the prayer to the right. |
| For group use when teaching this step to others Invite the members of your group to share about their experiences of this exercise. First, ask about how easy or difficult it was for them to find a piece of actual soil and dirt. For some, this will be the hardest part. Then ask about the experience of touching the soil, planting in it, and growing their plants. |
| Prayer to assist you with this step Click here to print this or use it on your screen. Open your heart and prepare to take this step. |
| Tell us your story! What commitments have you made? What difficulties have you faced? What has worked for you as you chose to live more simply? How have you adjusted your lifestyle to one that is more sustainable? In what ways have you grown to be in solidarity with the poor of the world? Click here to send us a note and we'll share your story with others. To send us a video, song, pictures, poetry, or other media, simply attach it to an e-mail and send it to this address. |
| Take the other steps See a list of all 14 steps Step One: Step Two: Step Three: Step Four: Step Five: Step Six: Step Seven: Step Eight: You're on Step Nine! Step Ten: Step Eleven: Step Twelve: Step Thirteen: Step Fourteen: |
| Step Nine: Become more connected to the Earth itself. For many who live in urban areas this step will be more challenging. But even for those who live in rural areas today, it isn't easy to be in touch with the Earth anymore. I mean, literally in touch. And yet, being in touch with the Earth is essential if we want to learn how to take care of it. Once you get your hands dirty again, you'll remember how vital it is not to ruin the Earth with garbage, pollution, industrial waste, or other violent means. In this step, we would like you to have a direct experience of the Earth itself. |
| Click here to download an introduction to this step, in addition to the instructions for an exercise. This is a "reality show" exercise in which we want you to enter into a relationship with soil, water, light, air, and seeds. If you're one of those people who say, "I kill everything I try to grow," then this is the perfect exercise for you! And if you haven't touched dirt for a while, then even better! |
| On the Side... Become more familiar with Catholic Relief Services, whose web site is below. They work throughout the world to help the poor, especially poor farmers who are trying to compete in world markets. Here is a link to this aspect of their work. |
| Two powerful resources Click on the cover to buy the book. A New Look at Prayer: Learning to Listen to Your Inner Guide by Bill Huebsch This carefully written e-book helps you recognize your own inner voice which leads to "right living." Driving the Speed Limit: Learning to Live Simply, Sustainably, and in Solidarity with the Poor by Bill Huebsch This e-book provides you with a road map (almost literally) to help you make choices which are both satisfying and in support of the common human good. |
