Upper Saddle River August 24, 2011 THE VILLADOM TIMES III • Page 5 Church of the Presentation in Upper Saddle River recently became the first Catholic parish to be accepted into the GreenFaith program, an environmental leadership effort geared toward houses of worship. Presentation recently began the GreenFaith certification process, which will take two years to complete. According to the GreenFaith website, the organization was founded by Jewish and Christian leaders in 1992 as Partners for Environmental Quality. The goal was to establish an organization that would provide New Jersey’s religious communities with a means of connecting their diverse traditions with the environment. The organization’s First Catholic parish accepted into GreenFaith name was changed to GreenFaith in the early 2000s. The website lists Rev. Fletcher Harper as the group’s executive director and provides statements on the environment for people of various Christian, Jewish, Hindu, Islamic, and Buddhist traditions. GreenFaith aims to provide its members with guidance, mentoring, and resources to take their “green” efforts further. “We’re very excited about it,” said Father Bob Stagg, church pastor, said of the certification process. “Our Justice and Peace group has a Saint Francis Ministry that is working with us as we become the first Catholic parish to come into GreenFaith.” Stagg commented on the efforts the church has already made toward environmental stewardship, including the recent installation of 380 solar panels on the church roof. He also noted the church’s efforts toward recycling and the installation of energy efficient light switches. “There’s a lot of good stewardship,” Stagg added. The pastor has previously noted that houses of worship have a moral responsibility to be good stewards of the Earth. He has also pointed to the importance of having a clean energy source that does not include the pursuit of resources, and potential conflicts, in other areas of the world. Denny Foley, who is head of operations at the church, is closely involved in the GreenFaith certification process. Foley noted that the St. Francis Ministry, which was formed two years ago, has been looking at improved stewardship, and GreenFaith fit into the parish’s plans. According to Foley, the certification process involves three main areas: spirit, or how environmental issues are reflected in liturgies and in other educational programs; environmental justice, or the examination of the many environmental issues such as clean water and fracking; and stewardship, or the exploration of energy use and waste. He noted that those working on the certification process must audit these three areas and develop a related action Fitness classes offered The Upper Saddle River Library, 245 Lake Street in Upper Saddle River, will offer several fitness classes this fall. The cost is $65 for Upper Saddle River cardholders and $75 for non-resident cardholders. Yoga class, Gentle Stretch of All, will be offered on Tuesdays from 9:45 to 11 a.m. Sept. 13 through Nov. 22. This class is designed to develop strength, coordination, and flexibility; relieve stress; and sharpen mental focus. Jennifer Cece, B.A., M.M., R.Y.T. is the instructor. Chi Kung-Tao Yin Fa: Level I Beginners will meet on Wednesdays from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Sept. 7 through Nov. 23. Tao Yin Fa is a series of movements that benefit the 12 organ acupuncture meridians. Practicing these movements energizes and directs chi. Instructor Sylvia D’Andrea is a certified Tama-Do practitioner. Chi Kung Classes will be available on Wednesdays from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. Sept. 7 through Nov. 30. Chi Kung is a healing practice of slow movements to increase energy and improve good health and well-being. Participants will learn a series of slow movements along and breathing exercises with instructor Bart D’Andrea. Zumba will be offered on Fridays from 10 to 11 a.m., Sept. 9 through Nov. 11. Tracey Zysman will lead this exercise class, which incorporates dance moves. To register, call (201) 327-2583. plan. Foley said Presentation’s work in the area of energy is considered a “leadership step” by GreenFaith. Foley pointed out that, in addition to the solar panel installation, the church now has retrofitted lights that are energy efficient and the newly renovated bathrooms employ watersaving devices. The GreenFaith survey also concerns itself with food. For example, Foley said the church must respond to questions regarding the use of vegetarian foods and whether foods consumed are grown locally. The certification process also includes the formation of a Green Team, which Foley said includes 12 members, with three groups of four people focusing on the three major areas described above. Although the Green Team is separate from the Saint Francis Ministry, some members of the ministry are also serving on the Green Team. Foley added that the Green Team needed a resolution approved by the Parish Council and the development of a mission statement. “This was a no-brainer for us,” Foley said. He commented that the environment offers common ground for people of different faiths to come together. “We all have a responsibility to the Earth,” Foley added. Foley said GreenFaith provides webinars to facilitate the certification process. The program provided to Presentation, he said, included biblical and theological bases for participation. After exploring the information provided for Christian congregations, Foley went on to view the programs available to people from other religious communities, an experience he found educational and helpful. He added that environmental stewardship messages are becoming a common thread in various church programs. As an example, Foley noted that the family faith program will soon be celebrating the Year of the Tree. Church of the Presentation is located at 271 West Saddle River Road.