Creation Care Ministry
Archdiocese of Indianapolis
Lord, make me an instrument of your peace: where there is hatred, let me sow love.
As the Season of Creation comes to a close, this first line of the St. Francis Peace Prayer reminds us that our call to spread the Good News starts in our own hearts, each day. We pray that you and your community had a fruitful Season and give thanks for all you do to sow seeds of peace.
In this newsletter we have included some information for individuals, parishes, and other groups to take the next steps and join people all over the world in discerning your participation in the Laudato Si' Action Platform.
And our final session of the Environmental Justice Series is this Thursday - please join us even if you have not attended the first two!
Happy Feast of St. Francis!
All of us on the Creation Care Commission
Environmental Justice Series
Session 3 (Oct 7, 6pm): Ecological Conversion: Answering the Call to Care for Our Common Home
Location: St. Thomas Aquinas (4600 N. Illinois Street, Indpls, IN 46208). Enter through church doors. Room is on the left.
Full session details available on the Event Page.
Masks required. Registered participants will be notified via email if sessions move to Zoom.
St. Francis Program and LSAP Discernment
The Catholic Climate Covenant recently released the Feast of St. Francis Program, a 90 minute program which can be done at any time (online or in person).
The program focuses on the call for "Eco-conversion" that is central in the Vatican's Laudato Si' Action Platform (LSAP) and designed to assist you and your community discern how to engage with the LSAP.
The program contains prayers, readings, reflection/discussion questions, a short video, suggested activities, and ideas to get started toward achieving the LSAP 7 goals.
👇 Download the full program
What is the Laudato Si' Action Platform?
You may have heard of the LSAP, but are unclear about what it is and who should use it. Here are some helpful points:
The LSAP is a Vatican website that offers:
- Laudato Si’ Plans, which your institution, community, or family can use to discern and implement your response to Laudato Si’. (Coming in November 2021)
- Guidance on actions that help build a better future through the Laudato Si’ Goals.
- Resources and guidance on ways to take action, including metrics and recognition of progress and achievements.
- Ways to connect directly with other participants with inspiring stories of people who are taking action.
What are the Laudato Si' Goals?
The LSAP includes seven goals, each with possible actions you can take to achieve each goal.
- Response to the Cry of the Earth
- Response to the Cry of the Poor
- Ecological Economics
- Adoption of Simple Lifestyles
- Ecological Education
- Ecological Spirituality
- Community Involvement and Participatory Action
Going through the Feast of St. Francis Program is a great way to get started on your journey and brainstorm ideas to achieve each goal. While the official launch date of the LSAP has been pushed back to Nov. 14 - World Day of the Poor, you can pledge your commitment at any time!
Grants Available
Indiana Community Recycling Grant Program - DEADLINE OCT 15
The Indiana Department of Environmental Management offers grant funds in amounts of $1,000 to $100,000 (with a 25% match) to assist communities’ efforts to increase recycling and waste reduction. Projects that can be funded under this program include education and promotion of recycling, waste reduction, organics management (including yard waste management and composting), and household hazardous waste collection and disposal - schools and nonprofit organizations are eligible.
Season of Creation around ArchIndy
During the Season of Creation, the Creation Care Commission met with Archbishop Thompson and Chancellor Chris Walsh. We thanked them for their support of Creation Care Ministry and assured of our continued service and commitment to help us all be better stewards of our common home.
Thanks to everyone who attended the first "Green Mass" last week! Pictures from the Mass as well as the Environmental Justice Series, and a tree from the Native Tree & Wildflower Sale.
Around ArchIndy we planted over 75 trees and sowed (or will be sowing) 150 packets of wildflower seeds!
News and upcoming events from our friends
ICYMI USCCB - Read the statement from the USCCB on Sept 1 for the World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation. Archbishop Paul S. Coakley and Bishop David J. Malloy comment on the Sixth Assessment Report of the United Nation’s Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (“AR6 IPCC”) and how we must exercise our ecological conscience and integrate the best available science with the truths of our Catholic faith.
ICYMI ROME - Ahead of the UN Climate Change Conference (COP26), the world’s top Christian leaders — Pope Francis, the Archbishop of Canterbury and the spiritual leader of Orthodox Christians — issued their first event joint statement stressing the importance of cooperation and valuing sustainability over short-term advantages as essential parts of our common response to the threat of climate change and environmental degradation. More on the statement. Additionally, Pope Francis, along with other religious leaders and scientists, is expected to present a joint declaration to the president of the COP26 climate summit today, promising to encourage the faithful to care for creation and, in turn, urging governments to do their part to curb climate change.
The Catholic Petition - Healthy People, Healthy Planet. Join Catholics worldwide to sign this petition ahead of the UN Biodiversity Conference this October and COP26 in November to urge world leaders to tackle the climate crisis as we lift up the voices of the most vulnerable and advocate on their behalf. Sign the petition
Oct 9 - Laudato Si' Summit 2021 @ Queen of All Saints (Michigan City) from 8am - 3pm. The Diocese of Gary is hosting a Laudato Si' Summit open to anyone interested in understanding challenges in caring for the earth and how to put our faith into practice to uphold life and care for all of God's creation. More information
Oct 10 - H-IPL's Faith Climate Summit 2021 @ Teter Retreat and Organic Farm (Noblesville) from 12pm - 5pm. Join faith communities from around central Indiana for a day of inspiration and fun! Formal program as well as activity stations, food trucks, and music for the whole family. Register
Nov 3 - "Called to CARE" An Evening of Reflection for Women hosted by Catholic Charities Social Concerns @ the Benedict Inn from 6-9pm. Launch of a new parish resource on migration and refugees, "Call to CARE": a non-political, discipleship focused look at how we as Catholic- Christian women can recognize Christ in our midst. Evening includes Mass. More information 👇 - Register here
Share your story
We'd love to hear from you and see pictures from activities taking place at your parish or within your Creation Care Team!
If you have any questions, please contact us at mail@ourcommonhome.org.
Subscribe here or text creationcare to 84576
The ArchIndy Creation Care Ministry is a pastoral ministry of the Archdiocese of Indianapolis.