Worship
Liturgical celebrations
Ask your bishop and pastor to celebrate a Mass that focuses on our moral obligation to care for creation and our vulnerable neighbors.
Prayer and worship resources
Catholic Climate Covenant’s Earth Day Program
The one-hour educational program includes prayers, readings, a short video, and suggested activities. Download here..
Joliet Area Earth Day 50th Anniversary Climate March and Rally
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.
Education
Jubilee for the Earth
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: In Hope of “New Heaven and New Earth”
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
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
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."
Teaching Kids to Care for God’s Creation
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
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 - Benson, VT
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 - Benson, VT
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.
S.T.R.E.A.M. Symposium
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.
Theology of Healing Earth in Action Institute
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.
Service
Community Clean-Ups
Organize a clean-up service project in your community.
Plant Trees
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.
Green your parish and/or school
Bring renewable energy to your parish, school or institution
Catholic Energies may be a helpful resource.
Reduce your carbon footprint
Tree & Flower Extravaganza
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!
Online Ordering Link
Mail in Order Form
Link to use for Social Media
Advocacy
In the church
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’.
Letters to the Editor
Submit articles, opinions, and letters to the editor expressing your call to care for our common home. How to toolkit and video.
Legislative
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.
Issues to advocate on
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.
Urge your Representative and Two Senators to Support (Co-sponsor) Energy Innovation and Carbon Dividend Legislation!
Ecumenical Advocacy Days (Apr. 24-27)
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.
Urge World Bank to End Financing of Fossil Fuel Projects
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.
Events
Assumption High School In DC
An Advocacy Immersion Experience
Webinar: Catholic Youth & Young Adults Act on Climate
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:
- Brenna Davis, Ignatian Solidarity Network
- Luke Henkel, Laudato Si’ Generation
- Isabella Johnson, Benet Academy
- Claire SanFilippo, Catholic Charities, Archdiocese of Washington, DC
Elizabeth Seton High School Sounds the Alarm
Ash Wednesday Care for Creation Actions
Maryland Catholics for Our Common Home
Teach-in and lobby night in Annapolis, MD
Loyola University Chicago, Climate Change Conference
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:
- how climate change is driving displacement and the climate migrant’s plight,
- an intergenerational conversation between our keynote climate activists and their mentors,
- climate advocacy through art, and
- Chicago youth activists.
Go to the conference website for more information
Photo courtesy of Li-An Lim via Unsplash
Spirituality and Care for Creation - Belmont, NC CANCELED
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.”
Alumnae Association of Trinity College Day of Service (Washington, DC) CANCELED!
Join us for a day of service!
Awakening the Dreamer- POSTPONED!
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)
Spiritual Ecology Conference, Oakland, CA
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.
Earth Day Prayer Service
Online Prayer Service via Zoom Sponsord by Archdiocese of Chicago
Flyer and registration information available here.
Chicago Youth Climate Strike
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.
Clothing Exchange, Columbia, SC
A clothing exchange event in honor of the 50th anniversary of Earth Day.
Catholic-Buddhist Dialogue: Solidarity and Engagement on Climate Change
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?
Commemorate Earth Day and Laudato Si': A Virtual Celebration
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)
Hope for Creation
A Virtual Celebration of Earth Day and Laudato Si'
Celebrating Laudato Si'
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)
Urge World Bank to End Financing of Fossil Fuel Projects
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.
Laudato Si' Hour of Prayer, Archdiocese of Atlanta
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
Laudato Si' Week 2020
Sign-up fro the Igantian Solidarity Network's Laudato Si' Week's offerings!
Roll it, Live it, Share it - The Earth Cube
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.
A Novena of Creation (May 16-May 24)
The Novena is specifically designed to be used over the 9 days of Laudato Si' Week.
Laudato Si' Week Activities
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.
Celebration of Earth Day and Laudato Si'
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'.
An Ecology of Listening: A Pastoral Approach to Environmental Justice
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.
Laudato Si' Speakers Series
The Archdiocese of Chicago marks the 5th anniversary of Laudato Si ' with virtual presentations via Zoom.
Franciscan Action Network Laudato Si' Webinar
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.
Laudato Si' Week Bishops' Roundtable Conversation
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.
Evening Prayer with the Sisters of St. Benedict
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.
Global Day of Prayer
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.
Our Lady Queen of Peace (Arlington) Laudato Si’ Celebration
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’!
Covid-19's Impacts on God's Creation and Vulnerable Communities
This webinar will examine how the Covid-19 pandemic has enormous impacts and implications on vulnerable communities and God's creation.
SIXTH ANNUAL WORLD DAY OF PRAYER FOR THE CARE OF 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.
Mercy Earth Challenge - Just Food
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
“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.
Five Trees for Five Years of Laudato Si'
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'
2020 SEASON OF CREATION ECUMENICAL SERVICE
An Online Prayer Service presented by Ecumenism Metro Chicago-Chicagoland Christians United for the Care of Creation
Franciscan Laudato Si' and Integral Ecology Course
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
Season of Creation-Diocese of San Diego
Loving God Through Creation- panel, prayer, readings, reflection video
Caring for People and Our Planet: Living Laudato Si - How We Save Our Common Home
God's Gift of Water
Join us for a mini-retreat honoring God's gift of water.
Feast of St. Francis of Asissi Annual Mass
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
Are you ready? Pope Francis, Our Common Home, and Voting
Pope Francis challenges us to ecological conversion during this election season.
The Reception of Laudato Si'
A webinar sponsored by St. Nay's College
Voting and Catholicism
A Critical Discussion of Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship.
POSTPONED! Chicagoland Christian Churches to Sign Join Declaration to Care for Creation
EVENT POSTPONED TO APRIL 22, 2021