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!
ONLINE SCREENING - Queen of the Sun
Queen of the Sun is a film about the importance of bees and the struggles they are facing around the world with the rise of chemical pesticides and herbicides, as well as colony collapse. Julie Armstrong from Act for Bees will be joining us to share a bit about her work and how you can help our pollinators!
Watch the trailer here:
When: 30 April 2024
Time: 6:00 PM AEST
Register in advance for this meeting. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
Resources
Caritas Australia's Laudato Si' Action Plan
Read Caritas Australia's Laudato Si' Action Plan.
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.
Inspiring ideas
Earthcare communities around Australia share how they are taking action for the sake of our common home.
PORT AUGUSTA PARISH REVEGETATION
After completing the Laudato Si' Animators course, Kimberley (Parish Pastoral Council Secretary) proposed a parish project. The Pastoral Council supported an inclusive activity during Laudato Si Week where parishioners planted new shrubs to provide habitat and vegetation in Church gardens and surroundings. This success has led to planning a revegetation corridor on other parish land.
Teachers Collaborate on Laudato Si’ Goals
St Joseph’s primary, North Mackay, invited our Catholic Earthcare Coordinator to deliver a full day professional development session to consider the 7 Laudato Si’ goals and how they can put them into practice. Staff also engaged in prayer in the contemplative garden as a way of connecting to nature.
Blayney Eco-Hub (Bathurst Diocese)
Welcome to the new Blayney Eco-Hub! Bathurst Diocese has recently launched its new Eco-location with the NSW Catholic Earthcare Network. An old presbytery repurposed for community events including a permaculture course run by our good friend Sally!
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!
