As we were preparing this August newsletter, Pope Francis' was meeting with a group of lawyers and spoke of an update to his encyclical let Laudato Si'. Later in the day, the Holy See press office confirmed that the update will focus in particular on the most recent extreme weather events and catastrophes affecting people across five continents. Read the press statement
As we enter into the Season of Creation (starting Sept 1), let us pray and take action for all those most impacted by these weather events. In his message for the Season of Creation, Pope Francis calls us to transform our hearts, our lifestyles, and the public policies ruling our societies.
With the worldwide Christian community, we can seek to live this year's theme which draws on the image of a mighty river, inspired by the words of the prophet Amos: “Let justice flow on like a river, righteousness like a never-failing stream” (5:24).
Join us to celebrate this Season of Creation as we come together on September 26, 6pm at St. Thomas Aquinas (Indianapolis) for a Mass with Archbishop Charles Thompson.
We look forward to seeing you and hearing how your communities are being transformed as you work for peace and justice!
All of us on the Creation Care Commission
Sept 26 @ 6pm - Mass for the Season of Creation with Archbishop Thompson
St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church
4600 N Illinois St, Indpls, 46208 (Get Directions)
4600 N Illinois St, Indpls, 46208 (Get Directions)
Join our Archbishop Charles Thompson to celebrate Mass as part of the Season of Creation during which we renew our relationship with the Creator and all creation through prayer, conversion and commitment.
All are invited for light refreshments following Mass. Sponsored by the St. Thomas Aquinas and ArchIndy Creation Care ministries.
Pollinator Garden in Progress
Kudos to St. Thomas the Apostle in Fortville, IN who dispersed wildflower seeds on the parish Garden Street property this spring for a new pollinator garden. The garden is comprised of Indiana native wildflowers with future plans to include native trees. The Fortville pedestrian trail will be adjacent to the campus and they will have the opportunity to share and educate the greater community the importance of Creation Care.
The parish is excited to take this step to transform the property to a more natural state, reducing need for lawn care, increasing habitat for native insects, birds and other pollinators and caring for Our Common Home. Awesome!!
Sept 13, 3pm, Marian University: The Laudato Si' Action Platform for Catholic Institutions
Join John Mundell, Director of the Laudato Si' Action Platform and Matthew Celmer, Director of MoonTree Studios for an afternoon on how local and worldwide Catholic institutions have discerned practical steps to bringing ecological conversion in their communities.
The event will be help at Marian University Theater in Marian Hall, #21 on the campus map.
What is the Season of Creation?
Check out this great one-pager from the Catholic Climate to use for your bulletin, e-news, or narthex table. Compliment it by purchasing a Season of Creation liturgical banner!
Resources
- Season of Creation Media Kit for the Archdiocese of Indianapolis
- Daily Suggestions to incorporate caring for the earth and the poor (Archdiocese of Louisville)
- Season of Creation Liturgical Guide (Dominican Center, Michigan)
- Bulletin Inserts (Archdiocese of San Diego)
- Living the Season of Creation Nonviolently: Let Peace and Justice Flow weekly meditations (Ignatian Solidarity Network)
- Feast of St. Francis Program (Catholic Climate Covenant)
- Celebration Guide (Seasonofcreation.org)
Find more Season of Creation Resources on our website at ourcommonhome.org/soc
If your parish or school is planning activities or has resources to share, please let us know at mail@ourcommonhome.org.
Fall Tree, Shrub & Vine Sale
If you want to add something to your habitat this fall be sure to check out Native Plants Unlimited off I-69 in Fishers.
Preorders: Now thru Sept 1
Preorder Pickups + Early Access Sale: Sept. 15-17
Public Sale: Sept 19 - Oct 8
Around the Earth
World Youth Day 2023 Travelers
ArchIndy Creation Care Commission members John Mundell and Sarah Mundell joined thousands of pilgrims at World Youth Day as they traveled to Portugal this August to represent the Laudato Si' Action Platform. John and Sarah lead and participated in discussions, workshops, and activities centered around the principles of Laudato Si’ and environmental sustainability.
They had an unexpected surprise when they were able to greet Archbishop Thompson at a Mass with Bishop Robert Baron!
Recycling Grant Opportunities
Now through Sept 29 the Indiana Department of Environmental Management is accepting application for the Community Recycling Grant Program. Projects should start, expand, or improve a recycling, source reduction, reuse, buy-recycled, or composting program. Grants start at $1,000 and go up to $100,000 with a 25 percent cash match.
Learn more
Learn more
NCYC 2023 Creation Care Service Booth
Schedule your youth group for a stop at the creation care service booth during the 2023 NCYC in Indianapolis, IN on November 16-18! The Catholic Climate Covenant will be facilitating an interactive project in the service village with support from the local ArchIndy Creation Care team.
If you are interested in volunteering at the booth during the conference please contact us at mail@ourcommonhome.org.
Lessons from a divine encounter in the Phillipines
During a pastoral mission in the Philippines, Fr. Joby, a Laudato Si’ Animator, had a transformative encounter with a wise woman that left an indelible mark on his heart. His encounter not only shed light on the importance of maintaining a clean and sustainable environment, it also revealed the power of individual actions to inspire and transform entire communities.
Read Fr. Joby's inspiring story of his encounter.
Read Fr. Joby's inspiring story of his encounter.
EVs for EVV
Join the Tri-State Creation Care team in Evansville, IN for an Electric Vehicle cruise-in coupled with test rides-and-drives for metro Evansville. The event will include local celebrity drivers, 5 food trucks, the acoustic string band Sassafras and the classic rock band Panacea, interesting vendors, numerous kids’ activities, and robotics demonstrations. For more information contact Caroline Nellis at acnellis@twc.com.
Sept. 23, 2023. 10:00am – 2:00pm Central @ Eykamp Scout Center, Evansville
ICYMI - Webinars & News
- Laudato Si' and the U.S. Catholic Church Conference - The biennial conference series hosted by Creighton University and the Catholic Climate Covenant to equip and inspire Catholics to more deeply integrate Laudato Si’ and its creation care teachings into the U.S. Church.
- Laudato Si' Action Platform Monthly Webinars - Each month the Laudato Si' Action Platform explores a sector or goal with speakers, video clips, and practical experiences.
- Climate and Energy Resources for Faith Communities: A Briefing with the U.S. Department of Energy
- 2023 Laudato Si' Champions Announced
July 17-21, 2024 Indianapolis, IN
If you have any questions, please contact us at mail@ourcommonhome.org
Invite your friends or have them text creationcare to 84576 to get the latest updates from the commission via email.
The ArchIndy Creation Care Ministry is a pastoral ministry of the Archdiocese of Indianapolis.