MUST-SEE VIDEO: Rapping NJ friars against fracking

Caring for the Earth is serious business. But the friars of Saint Mary's Parish in Pompton Lakes are taking a seriously goofy approach to spreading the word.

They released Tuesday — in conjunction with the U.S. visit of Pope Francis, who in a recent encyclical put his moral weight behind the battle against climate change, arguing it will have grave implications for the poor — the semi-tongue-in-cheek "Friars Against Fracking" rap video on earthaction.org

The video idea was born in a meeting in 2011 with the urging of Fr. Jacek Orzechowski, according to the parish.

"Jackie Schramm, director of St. Mary's Social Justice Ministry was on a mission," the parish wrote in an announcement of the video. "It was Maureen Brodt of our St. Mary's Franciscan Response to Fracking who took the idea to the next level. She conceived the format with a 'no frackin'" rap message, complete with the friars entrance, the rap,and the friar's exit. Jackie's job, along with Bill Moen (of earthactions.org), was to execute this rap message."

They envisioned Fr.  Frank Sevola, their lead pastor, as the lead rapper.  Backing him up are Norbert Langer, Rich Weiner, Kevin Mooney and Jesse Heap.

"Not many pastors could, or would, moonlight as a rapper. And who knew Fr. Frank had such a hidden talent," the parish wrote in its announcement.

Louis C. Hochman is digital managing editor for NJ1015.com. Reach him at louis.hochman@townsquaremedia.com or on Twitter @LouisCHochman.

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