A true ecological approach always becomes a social approach; it must 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.
Everything is connected
In his encyclical Laudato Si’, Pope Francis reminds us that everything is connected. Our relationship with nature is not separate from our relationship with God and others. This concept of integral ecology encourages us to care for the Earth and each other. It calls us to action.
When you join Earthcare, you become part of our Parishes, Schools, Organisations or Households Community. We keep you up to date with the latest events, conversations and approaches to integral ecology and achieving social and ecological justice. And we'll support you to create and implement your Laudato Si’ Action Plan.
IN AUSTRALIA
The Australian Catholic Bishops encourage each Catholic parish, diocese, eparchy, educational institution and organisation to join the Laudato Si’ Action Platform by 2024 and develop a Laudato Si’ Action Plan.
Join our Earthcare Community
Earthcare Parishes Community
For earthcaring parish members, including social and ecological justice leaders in parishes.
Earthcare Schools Community
For earthcaring teachers and school leaders in both primary and secondary schools.
Earthcare Organisations Community
For earthcaring businesses and organisations wanting to connect.
Earthcare Households Community
For earthcaring individuals, families, young people and anyone wanting to make a difference.
Australian Guide to Laudato Si' Action Planning
A new offering from Caritas Australia’s Catholic Earthcare program, this guide outlines a 4-step cycle of self-assessment, reflection, planning and action that complements the global Laudato Si’ Action Platform. It is designed to help you initiate practical, meaningful change within your parish, school, household or organisation as you plan and take action to live Laudato Si’.
Sign up to receive your free copy!
Resources
Season of Creation Prayer Service - Primary
A simple prayer service to mark the Season of Creation (1 Sept – 4 Oct), for primary school students.
Season of Creation Prayer Service - Secondary
A simple prayer service to mark the Season of Creation (1 Sept – 4 Oct), for secondary school students.
Season of Creation Prayer Service - Parish
A simple prayer service to mark the Season of Creation (1 Sept – 4 Oct), for parishes.
The Laudato Si' Goals - Primary
A presentation and accompanying activities designed to deepen student's knowledge and application of the seven Laudato Si' Goals.
The Laudato Si' Goals - Secondary
Learn about the Laudato Si' Goals with this PPT Presentation and accompanying Student Workbook.
The Laudato Si' Goals - Parish
A presentation about the Laudato Si' Goals, with questions and links to help your parish reflect on its understanding and practice of integral ecology.
Events
'All that Breathes' Film Screening - August 31
In collaboration with Being With God In Nature, learn about the majestic Black Kite and impact that climate change has had on this beautiful species. Discussion afterwards with Mark Delaney, author of Low Carbon and Loving It.
- Date: August 31
- Time: 6:00 PM AEST (5:30 PM ACST, 4:00 PM AWST)
Season of Creation Online Launch - September 4
Join us as we launch Season of Creation! This is an opportunity to learn about creating a Laudato Si’ Action Plan and join a community of mutual support. You will also gain access to the Australian Guide to Laudato Si' Action Planning to help initiate practical, meaningful change within your own parish, school, household or organisation.
- Date: September 4
- Time: 6:00 PM AEST
Inspiring ideas
Earthcare communities around Australia share how they are taking action for the sake of our common home.
Sandhurst's Mass and Picnic to Launch the Season of Creation
Sandhurst gathered as a Diocese committed to the Laudato Si Action Platform and to encourage all parishes and schools to take up the Catholic Earthcare journey towards Pope Francis' seven goals. The congregation of 200 parishioners, with students and teachers from nine Sandhurst schools, were embraced by a big blue sky as Mass was celebrated by Bishop Shane Mackinlay. Mass concluded with a lively rendition of 'Laudato Si - The Song' (from Archdiocese of Mumbai) being a highlight.
Olive Oil Pressing
In an effort to reduce the amount of olives going to waste in their parish and parishioners’ gardens, Echuca Parish has worked with Victorian Certificate of Applied Learning students to pick olives and take them to Apulia Grove Olives at Tooleen for pressing. The Echuca Parish Care for Creation Team refill olive oil bottles saved by parishioners who then pay for their oil, which covers the cost of pressing.
The Voice to Parliament
Caring for creation includes caring for each other. St Mary of the Cross Parish, Mordialloc and Aspendale held a conversation on the upcoming referendum. Parishioners listened, shared and prayed together. To learn more about the referendum from a Catholic persective, visit www.indigenousvoice.church
Join our Earthcare Community
The Australian Catholic Bishops Conference invites all parishes, educational institutions, organisations and eparchies to develop a Laudato Si’ Action Plan and upload it to the Laudato Si’ Action Platform. Caritas Australia’s Catholic Earthcare Team are here to support you!
Catholic Earthcare also acknowledges the key role that households play in responding to Laudato Si’.
Join the Catholic Earthcare community now as a parish, school, organisation or household and together we can learn how to better care for all creation.
When you join our Catholic Earthcare Community you will receive your free Australian Guide to Laudato Si’ Action Planning as well as other supporting resources for your sector.
Let us support you!
Contact our team of Earthcare Specialists to:
- gain expert advice at each stage of the Laudato Si’ Action Planning process
- learn more about your Earthcare Community and related events
- share your ideas and progress towards living Laudato Si’!
Stay connected!
