Catholic Climate Covenant is pleased to provide events, activities, best practices, and how-to resources to help the U.S. Catholic community participate in the celebrations of Laudato Si' Year.
We wish to learn from, encounter and work actively with all interested people and institutions. We welcome the submission of initiatives, ideas and questions, and are open to dialogue on how a person can engage. Email us at info@catholicclimatecovenant.org
Ask your bishop and pastor to celebrate a Mass that focuses on our moral obligation to care for creation and our vulnerable neighbors.
The one-hour educational program includes prayers, readings, a short video, and suggested activities. Download here..
The Joliet Area Earth Day 50th Anniversary Climate March and Rally for climate, jobs, and justice! The Diocese of Joliet and the University of St. Francis (host) are two of several organizational leaders of this march and rally. Visit the Facebook event page for more details.
Jubilee for the Earth” is a podcast mini-series about biodiversity and our sacred story produced by the Missionary Society of St. Columban. We are a Society of priests and lay people who live and share the good news of the Gospel by working with those who are poor and exploited, including the earth.
Over the course of six episodes, we’ll explore the beauty of biodiversity and the threats it faces. We’ll travel around the world to hear from Columbans who are working to renew the face of the Earth. Grounded in Catholic Social Teaching, we hope that this podcast will help us all to see how caring for our common home is fundamental to our lives as people of faith and as global citizens.
The podcast will be published in time for the Season of Creation, September 2020. Sign up using the form below so you'll get notified when the podcast launches.
Ecological conversion” is a small work with 37 brief reflections written in ecological key by Fr. Eduardo Agosta Scarel, O.Carm., and published by the Carmelite NGO. It offers Catholic Christians and believers some considerations of faith to encourage us to undertake an active care for the environment, the earth, our common home.s.
Climate Action Day Morning Prayer for parochial schools from the Archdiocese of Chicago (PDF). "Some high schools may have called a team together to plan an assembly about climate change. This prayer can be the opening prayer for that assembly or standalone if there is no assembly planned. An action component is included, enabling students to participate in this day of action which Pope Francis has endorsed."
Laudato Si’ study guide for high schools: "Introducing Curriculum on Laudato Si', Based on Pope Francis' Earth-Care Encyclical....Developed by the Carmelite NGO, this comprehensive Curriculum is available to ALL to download or in hard copies."
Author: Mary Elizabeth Clark, SSJ
Based on Pope Francis’ Laudato Si’ (On Care for our Common Home), this book presents thirty well-designed lessons on learning what we can do—in the classroom, in the home, and in the community—to raise awareness and take action to ensure that our planetary home will be sustainable for future generations. The prayers and reflections in each chapter help us make care for the Earth part of our faith and spirituality. Go to this website to purchase a copy.
Healing Earth is "a free, online environmental science textbook for upper level secondary school students, beginning college students, and adult learners ... Unlike any other environmental science textbook, Healing Earth presents an integral, global, and living approach to the ecological challenges we face on our extraordinary planet."
Mercy Ecology created by the Sisters of Mercy, are hosting a workshop at their Mercy Farm Eco-Spirituality Center in Benson VT.
On March 21, “Laudato Si' - A Call to Ecological Conversation” to consider key themes of the encyclical, and invite participants into experiential and prayerful reflection on how the natural world is revelatory of God, and of our kinship with all.
Mercy Ecology created by the Sisters of Mercy, are hosting a workshop at their Mercy Farm Eco-Spirituality Center in Benson VT.
On April 18, “Changing Climate: Solutions for Believers” to prayerfully create a pathway to a flourishing future in your home, your church organization, and within the broader society and to explore practical ways we can reduce our carbon footprint.
On April 22, 2020 the Diocese of Toledo Catholic Education Department will celebrate the 50th anniversary of Earth Day and the 5th anniversary of Laudato Si by holding a S.T.R.E.A.M. Symposium at Rosary Cathedral School. This event will highlight the ways our students are learning how to put our Catholic Social Justice Themes into action by engineering a solution to one of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
Loyola University Chicago will sponsor its fourth Theology of Healing Earth in Action Institute (THEA) from June 21-27, 2020. The THEA Institute offers high school students the opportunity to learn about environmental justice and grow in their spirituality at one of the greenest campuses in the nation. During the week, high school students explore the sacred story of water through the disciplines of scripture, sacraments, ethics, and science.
Plant trees to celebrate Laudato Si'!
There are a variety of programs, resources and opportunities related to planting trees.
Let us know about your tree planting activities with this form.
Catholic Energies may be a helpful resource.
Sponsored by the Archdiocese of Indianapolis' Creation Care Commission
The upcoming start of the Season of Creation (September 1) is a good time to send / encourage parishioners to join in this tree planting initiative. The extravaganza is open to anyone - feel free to invite your friends of other faiths! Order before Sept. 7th!
Meet and dialogue with your bishops, pastors and other parishioners seeking common ground for support and action on the Church’s teaching on the care for creation and climate action. Supportive documents: 2001 USCCB statement, Laudato Si’.
Meet with, call and/or write to your local, state, and national political leaders to support specific legislative climate policies and/or express support for climate action. How to Advocacy Training Guide.
Support U.S. participation in the Paris Agreement, the Energy Independence and Carbon Dividend Act (HR763), and encourage your institution to divest from fossil fuels.
As the most significant piece of bipartisan climate legislation to be introduced since 2009, we encourage you to ask your House Representative to co-sponsor HR 763, the Energy Innovation and Carbon Dividend Act (EICDA), and ask your Senators to introduce a similar bill on a bipartisan basis.
Ecumenical Advocacy Days is a gathering of Christian advocates and activists from April 24-27 in Washington DC on the theme “Imagine! God’s Earth and People Restored.” Participants will visit members of Congress to lift up the global crisis of environmental injustice, with special attention to the intersection of climate change and economic injustice.
The Columbans, Maryknoll and the Sisters of Mercy justice offices have worked with Church World Service to develop a petition to the World Bank calling for an end to financing of fossil fuel projects and instead investment in small-scale renewable energy projects in communities that lack energy access.
How are Catholic youth and young adults acting to address climate change? How can your parish school, college/university, or religious community involve them, especially through the Catholic Climate Project? We were pleased to offer this webinar on Tuesday, February 25 from 7:00-8:00 pm EST to address these questions and lift up the voices of some outstanding U.S. Catholic youth and young adult climate leaders. If you want to learn more, please click here to watch the webinar recording.
The presenters on this webinar included:
Loyola University Chicago is hosting its 2020 climate change conference entitled "Accompanying Youth to a Hope-filled Future" on March 12 and 13.
Across the country, the climate crisis has mobilized young people to action. Twenty-three-year-old Kelsey Juliana is suing the United States government for her constitutional right to a livable planet. Teenager Tokata Iron Eyes organizes and advocates for indigenous rights and against fossil fuel interests as part of the Standing Rock Youth.
Panel topics will include:
Go to the conference website for more information
Photo courtesy of Li-An Lim via Unsplash
Sisters of Mercy in Belmont, NC are hosting the “Spirituality and Care for Creation” Retreat on March 21. Theologian Dr. Catherine Wright will explore interconnectedness, as Pope Francis makes clear in Laudato Si: “everything is interconnected, and that genuine care for our own lives and our relationships with nature is inseparable from fraternity, justice and faithfulness to others.”
Join us for a day of service!
Event postponed. Will be re-scheduled.
St. Anthony of Padua Parish in Fairfield, CT will host “Awakening the Dreamer”, an interactive workshop from Pachamama Alliance, focusing on creating a community that’s committed to bringing forth an environmentally sustainable, spiritually fulfilling, and socially just human presence on our planet. Mercy Sisters Nancy Audette and Carmela Garofalo will offer this free presentation on Saturday, March 28 from 10a.m. – 2p.m. with a light lunch being served. Teens through adults are invited to attend. Pre-Registration requested by March 23; contact: office@stanthonyffld.org (Flyer available here)
Bishop O’Dowd High School in Oakland, CA is co-hosting “Our Common Home,” a unique, day-long summit on spiritual ecology on Saturday, April 13, geared for educators, students, faith leaders and activists. Inspiring keynote speakers at the event include ecologist Joanna Macy and indigenous activist Corrina Gould, who will introduce the core tenants and history of the spiritual ecology field, which emphasizes the interconnectedness and interdependence of all life.
Online Prayer Service via Zoom Sponsord by Archdiocese of Chicago
Flyer and registration information available here.
Archdiocese of Chicago
April 22nd, 2020
Grant Park: Intersection of Columbus Dr. and Jackson Blvd.
Pray with us. March with us.
10:00 am Prayer Service
11:00 am Climate March
Flyer available here.
A clothing exchange event in honor of the 50th anniversary of Earth Day.
As we confront the climate crisis, it is critical to explore what it means to be Catholic and Buddhist. What aspects of these traditions contribute to factors that imperil life on the planet? Just as important, how might these traditions enable us to realize our highest human potential, the deep expression of compassion and love for each other, especially the most vulnerable among us — human and non-human — who bear the brunt of the suffering?
YES, THE WEBINAR IS ON APRIL 29th! We didn't wish to compete with other Earth Day events and Zoom meetings. Believing that Earth Day is every day, join us on Wednesday, April 29 at 1:00 pm (eastern)
The Sisters of Mercy of the Americas are inviting everyone to join us in deepening our understanding of and response to Pope Francis' encyclical Laudato Si, through May 25th. Materials will be added each week here; you may sign up here to receive the resources through a weekly email.
(This program began on Earth Day and will continue through May 25th)
The Columbans, Maryknoll and the Sisters of Mercy justice offices have worked with Church World Service to develop a petition to the World Bank calling for an end to financing of fossil fuel projects and instead investment in small-scale renewable energy projects in communities that lack energy access. You may read and sign the petition in English and in Spanish.
On May 15th at 3 PM EDT/2 PM CDT/1 PM MDT/12 PM PDT join an Hour of Prayer and Reflection hosted by Kat Doyle and Jayna Hoffacker from the Archdiocese of Atlanta, who are spear-heading the archdiocesan Laudato Si' Initiative, which is timely as we enter into Laudato Si' Week. Jon via Zoom
Sign-up fro the Igantian Solidarity Network's Laudato Si' Week's offerings!
Join the Archdiocese of Indianapolis to roll The Earth Cube (online at www.TheEarthCube.org or print out your own) each day during Laudato Si' Week. Receive your daily task, then find a simple way to live one of the phrases (example: "Everything is a Gift!"). Share your side and experience of living with your circle of friends! #LaudatoSi5, #TheEarthCube, or make a simple yard sign with sticks.
The Novena is specifically designed to be used over the 9 days of Laudato Si' Week.
We’re living through events that will define history. As people everywhere urgently search for hope, we’re coming together in faith to envision a better world for tomorrow.
The Diocese of San Diego invites you to the first online celebration of the 50th anniversary of Earth Day and the 5th anniversary of Laudato Si'.
This 1.5 hour webinar with key speakers Dr. Adrienne Hollis from the Union of Concerned Scientists, and Karen Russell, coordinator for Sunrise Movement, addresses ways to understand the theological and faith connections to our stewardship of the planet more deeply. It also gives you tools for increasing your commitment to environmental justice and addressing the climate crisis with pastoral concern. Follow-up session one week later.
The Archdiocese of Chicago marks the 5th anniversary of Laudato Si ' with virtual presentations via Zoom.
Franciscan Action Network is hosting a Zoom & Facebook Live webinar on Laudato Si’ that sill be a combination of prayer, reflection, and a short talk.
Join the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops on Wednesday, May 20th at 2 p.m. EDT for a live roundtable conversation to celebrate Laudato Si' Week.
The Sisters of St. Benedict at Our Lady of Grace Monastery in Beech Grove will live stream this evening prayer dedicated to Laudato Si’ Week on their Facebook Page.
Be part of the highlight for Laudato Si’ Week: a Global Day of Prayer on May 24 at Noon (wherever you are,) including prayer cards and other resources from the Vatican. We join with our partners including Global Catholic Climate Movement for this and many other special Laudato Si’ Week activities as part of a year-long journey to cultivate hope, spiritual fortitude, and global solidarity to address the ecological crisis together.
The Integrity of Creation Committee of Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church in Arlington, VA invites you to a virtual 5th Anniversary Celebration of Laudato Si’!
This webinar will examine how the Covid-19 pandemic has enormous impacts and implications on vulnerable communities and God's creation.
The Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Chicago and the Archdiocese of Chicago, SS Peter and Paul Greek Orthodox Church and Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church cordially invite you to celebrate the World Day of Prayer for Creation.
Over the five weeks of the Season of Creation, we will reflect on a topic that binds us tightly to creation – food, a gift from Earth that not only sustains us, but links us with unknown sisters and brothers around the world.
“Jubilee for the Earth” is a podcast mini-series about biodiversity and our sacred story produced by the Missionary Society of St. Columban. We are a Society of priests and lay people who live and share the good news of the Gospel by working with those who are poor and exploited, including the earth.
Over the course of six episodes, we’ll explore the beauty of biodiversity and the threats it faces. We’ll travel around the world to hear from Columbans who are working to renew the face of the Earth. Grounded in Catholic Social Teaching, we hope that this podcast will help us all to see how caring for our common home is fundamental to our lives as people of faith and as global citizens.
Join the Association of Catholic Colleges and Universities in their effort to encourage Catholic campuses and all to plant trees in honor of the 5th anniversary of Laudato Si'
An Online Prayer Service presented by Ecumenism Metro Chicago-Chicagoland Christians United for the Care of Creation
This online course for everyone who wants to gain insights into the major themes of Pope Francis’ groundbreaking encyclical and who desires to become a part of the global Franciscan movement towards ecological conversion and systemic change.
This course is created as a transformational tool that will inform and empower you to respond creatively, collaboratively, and courageously to Pope Francis call for “a true ecological and social that integrate questions of justice in debates on the environment, so as to hear both the cry of the earth and the cry of the poor.”
Each of the ten sessions of this online course consists of a video lecture, reading material, and short test. The curriculum features a diverse group of presenters: theologians, scientists, teachers, and activists. In this course, the registered participants will learn from different Franciscan perspectives, faith-based environmental activism, and Jewish and Muslim viewpoints about the practical implications of the encyclical Laudato Si’.
The content of the course also includes additional, optional background material you can use at your parish, school, and the wider community to inform, inspire, and empower others around you to grow in their Christian faith, seek justice for the poor, and protect our common home.
The English course will begin on September 7
Loving God Through Creation- panel, prayer, readings, reflection video
An online webinar
Mass will be live-streamed for those not able to attend. Watch live-stream here.
For more information contact:Fr. Emmet Farrell at 619-419-8345 or efarrell@sdcatholic.org
Pope Francis challenges us to ecological conversion during this election season.
A Critical Discussion of Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship.
EVENT POSTPONED TO APRIL 22, 2021
The urgent challenge to protect our common home includes a concern to bring the whole human family together to seek a sustainable and integral development…Humanity still has the ability to work together in building our common home. Young people demand change. They wonder how anyone can claim to be building a better future without thinking of the environmental crisis and the sufferings of the excluded. (Laudato Si’ 13)