+Praise be to You!+
Greetings on this chilly winter day!
With the tumultuous events of the past few weeks, and as we reflect on "what to do" this year for God's creation, we are reminded to keep each neighbor at the forefront of our prayer and action:
"Concern about the earth's ecosystem is not an end in itself; ultimately we must be working for the unconditional dignity of the human person." (DOCAT #264)
We are ready for an exciting year and hope you'll continue to join us on this adventure!
Much is happening already - be sure to check out the opportunity for free trees from Keep Indianapolis Beautiful!
With hope for the year to come,
All of us on the Creation Care Commission
Happenings Around Indiana
Free Native Trees from Keep Indianapolis Beautiful (KIB) - Last week we met with KIB to discuss possibilities of planting free trees at parishes around Indianapolis. Currently KIB has extra trees and spring plantings available! If your parish and surrounding neighborhood (minimum of 12 trees to be planted in a 0.2 mile radius of the parish) is interested in creating additional sacred spaces and areas for wildlife with trees - contact us at mail@ourcommonhome.org to get started. KIB provides the trees and maintains them for 3 years at no cost to you. They have volunteers available to plant, but this is also a great opportunity to engage parishioners in a faith-based activity outside and/or work with a neighboring house of worship for a common cause.
Indiana Catholics for Creation (IC4C) - Recently a statewide group of lay people, priests, and religious convened to support the Indiana Catholic Conference (ICC) protecting our common home in each of Indiana's diocese. The focus of this group is to support education and advocacy outreach across the state. More to come!
Thriving Congregations Accepting Applicants - a great way to continue working towards your parish's sustainability goals or to get started! Led by Hoosier Interfaith Power and Light, the program aims to help congregations reduce energy consumption by at least 25 percent and encourage their members to do so as well while adhering to the faith based aspect of care for creation. Sign on with Thriving Congregations.
Indiana Circular Economy Initiative - Last fall the Indiana Recycling Coalition (IRC) announced the launch of the Indianapolis Circular Economy Initiative, a multi-stakeholder, multiyear collaborative effort – in partnership with the City of Indianapolis and many other stakeholders – to address Indianapolis’ recycling challenges and achieve the Thrive Indianapolis Plan goals for waste and recycling. Follow the IRC (@INRecycling) on social media for news on this project.
Advocacy Opportunities
- (Ongoing) Indiana Catholic Conference (ICC) - follow bills supported by the Indiana bishops and send custom/pre-composed messages to your Indiana legislators. Visit the ICC Voter Voice (easy to use!) Also visit the ICC website for weekly reports and podcasts or sign up for the newsletter.
- Jan 21, 12pm - 1pm: Training for (Virtual) Renewable Energy Day (Register)
- Feb 5, 12pm - 2:30pm: (Virtual) Renewable Energy Day at the Indiana Statehouse (Register)
- (Ongoing) Hoosier Interfaith Power and Light Advocacy Network - opportunities to volunteer and get involved at HoosierIPL.org
- (Ongoing) USCCB Voter Voice - follow and participate in federal legislation through the voice of the US Bishops at votervoice.net/USCCB
Upcoming Webinars
Jan 25, 11am-12pm - Book Launch - Ecumenical and Interreligious Guidebook: Care for Our Common Home (jointly published by the USCCB, Catholic Association of Diocesan Ecumenical and Interreligious Officers, and Catholic Climate Covenant)
Jan 30, 9:30-11:30am - 2021 Indiana Wildlife Virtual Conference
Feb. 25, 7:30 - 9:00pm - Virtual Tour of the Center for Sustainable Landscapes (in Pittsburg, one of the “greenest” buildings on Earth). Contact tristate.creation.care@gmailcom by February 22 to register.
If you have any questions, please contact us at mail@ourcommonhome.org
Subscribe to our monthly newsletter or text creationcare to 84576.
Creation Care Ministry is a pastoral ministry of the Archdiocese of Indianapolis.
