Summit church to plant 500 trees as part of unique environmental program

With Arbor Day fast approaching on April 26, St. Teresa of Avila Parish in Summit will soon plant 40 evergreen trees within its cemetery as part of an ongoing initiative to install a total of 500 trees on its properties. 

The parish created its tree-planting program in 2021 to support “Laudato Si,” Pope Francis’ 2015 encyclical that calls on Catholics to better protect the environment. Since its launch, the initiative has led to approximately 200 trees getting planted on the parish’s church, school, and cemetery grounds. Its goal is to reach 500 trees within the next five years, which St. Teresa of Avila’s pastor believes is a feasible and worthwhile endeavor.

“The environment is not a political issue — it’s a human issue,” said Monsignor Robert Meyer. “As Pope Francis pointed out in ‘Laudato Si,’ God gave us the Earth and said to take care of it. And I think this is one of the ways we can take care of it and hopefully inspire others to do the same. It doesn’t take much to plant a tree, but the impact can really be profound.”

St. Teresa of Avila’s tree program is funded entirely by donations from parishioners and Summit community members, who are sporadically reminded of the initiative. So far, $15,000 has been raised to purchase the trees, which a landscape company plants in batches whenever the weather is optimal for growth. Most of the planted trees are evergreens, though some are flowering species placed near the rectory. The program decides which types of trees to use based on what looks best for a particular location.

According to Monsignor Meyer, the influx of new trees has been well-received by parishioners, especially those who enjoy the increased shade at St. Teresa of Avila’s cemetery. He said the additional greenery fosters a more welcoming environment for the parish, as well.

However, the parish community is not the only one benefiting from the greenery. The United States Environmental Protection Agency reports trees play a significant role in managing water runoff and reducing erosion. Additionally, research from the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health shows people who are regularly exposed to trees have a lower chance of developing depression and other chronic health problems. And the National Park Service states trees improve air quality by removing pollutants, lessening air temperature, and cutting buildings’ energy consumption.

“People’s lives are very busy, and it’s easy to focus on what’s urgent, but environmental issues are not something that should be pushed to the background,” Monsignor Meyer said. “Our decisions today will affect future generations, so it’s our responsibility to make sure we’re doing what’s best for the planet.”

The tree-planting program is just one of the initiatives St. Teresa of Avila Church has implemented to preserve the environment. The parish’s GreenFaith Ministry screens environmental documentaries in addition to promoting sustainable solutions like composting and recycling. It also invites students from St. Teresa of Avila’s school to participate in educational seminars run by Sustainable Haus Mercantile, a Summit shop that sells zero-waste home goods.

Even Monsignor Meyer has advocated for the environment, at one point delivering a series of homilies based entirely on “Laudato Si.” He encourages others to take inspiration from the document, too, pointing out that it has much wisdom to offer.

“The climate is a common good, belonging to all and meant for all,” Pope Franics wrote in “Laudato Si.” “Living our vocation to be protectors of God’s handiwork is essential to a life of virtue.”

To learn more about and donate to St. Teresa of Avila Church’s tree initiative, visit www.st-teresa.org/tree-program. And to connect with the parish’s GreenFaith Ministry, email stteresagreenfaith@gmail.com.

Featured image: St. Teresa of Avila Church in Summit has planted dozens of trees outside its church building and rectory as part of a unique program that aims to ultimately plant 500 trees on the parish’s church, school, and cemetery grounds. (St. Teresa of Avila Church)