Creation Care Ministry

Archdiocese of Indianapolis

Dear friends,

As we head into fall and the uncertainties we are face with COVID, know you are in our prayers!

With the Season of Creation starting September 1, let's spend some time reflecting how we will take action to reconnect with God our creator, the earth, and each other - especially the most vulnerable and marginalized. Whether joining us in an effort to plant 500 native trees, or taking action on one of the themes of the Laudato Si' Goals, Pope Francis reminds us that "all of us can cooperate as instruments of God for the care of creation." (Laudato Si' #14)

Up this month:

Tree and Flower Extravaganza - Orders due Sept 8
Season of Creation Laudato Si' Goals Action Guide
Liturgy Notes for the Season of Creation
Outdoor Sacred Spaces around the Archdiocese (coming soon)
Events

May your day be filled with peace,

All of us on the Creation Care Commission

Season of Creation Tree & Flower Extravaganza

We love trees! Planting trees is great for reducing carbon dioxide in the air, for creating spaces of peace and beauty in our communities, and for attracting many forms of wildlife.

This year we are blessed to be able to distribute high quality native trees from the Indiana nursery Woody Warehouse for fall tree planting during the Season of Creation. Retail prices of these are upwards of $30, but with generous support from the Catholic Climate Covenant, we are offering 4 different species for a donation of $20 per tree and will deliver to all regions of the Archdiocese of Indianapolis. Wildflower seeds are also available.

Order online or via mail-in form before September 8, 2020.

We encourage you to make prayer and contemplation of your relationship with the Creator a part of your tree planting experience! Visit OurCommonHome.org for tree planting and prayer service ideas.

Bulletin blurb: Create a space of beauty this fall by planting a tree during the Season of Creation (Sept 1 - Oct 4). The ArchIndy Creation Care Ministry is offering high quality trees ($20 donation) and wildflower packets ($10 donation) that will be delivered throughout central and southern Indiana. Orders due September 8. Visit https://ourcommonhome.org/trees.

Order Online

MAIL-IN orders also available. Download the form.

Season of Creation Laudato Si' Goals Action Guide

Each year during the Season of Creation, faith communities from around the world take time to slow down, focus on what matters and restore relationships with each other and with all creation.

This year with COVID we have seen health disparities and environmental issues exacerbated in the poor and communities of color. At times we may feel helpless, but we each have talents and experiences we can use to take a new step - make a small change - to work for justice and peace for all of God's creation. The Laudato Si' Goals offer a wide range of themes, and something we can use each day of the week this Season of Creation to reflect, pray, and take action.

Season of Creation Guide

En espanol viene pronto.

Looking for more resources? Check out SeasonofCreation.org or our list of resources.

Bulletin blurb: Join faith communities from around the world during the Season of Creation (Sept 1 - Oct 4) to reflect, pray, and take action for all God's Creation. This year the ArchIndy Creation Care Ministry's guide will focus on daily themes of the Laudato Si' Goals. Visit https://ourcommonhome.org/soc.

Liturgy Notes for the Season of Creation

Suggestions for homilies, music, prayers of the faithful and more for Sunday liturgies during the Season of Creation, starting with September 6th, the 23rd Sunday in Ordinary time.

Download the recommendations from Ireland's Laudato Si' Working Group of the Council for Catechists.

Outdoor Sacred Spaces around ArchIndy

We are blessed in the Archdiocese to have many outdoor sacred spaces! We are working preparing a list with information on how you can experience the joy of nature safely with your families or small groups.

Stay tuned....

Events

If your parish is planning a safe event or something online, let us know!

World Day of Prayer for Creation Service

September 1 at Holy Spirit Church, 7243 E. 10th St., Indianapolis. 7 p.m., social distancing and masks required, enter through east door near rear parking lot. Information: 317-353-9404.

Jubilee for the Earth: New Rhythms, New Hope (Webinar available now)

Hundreds of Christians came together on June 8 to learn how the global ecumenical family can better care for our common home this Season of Creation.

View webinar now on YouTube

Solar 101 and Co-Op Webinar

This spring we have had a chance to work with Zach Schalk, Executive Director for Solar United Neighbors (SUN) as we explore options for an exciting solar project (stay tuned for more news on this!) in our Archdiocese. SUN hosts Solar 101 and Co-op Webinars monthly coming up on September 15 at 6:00pm. RSVP at bit.ly/Sept15Solar101

Economy of Francesco On-Life Seminars (Webinar series)

The Economy of Francesco, an initiative during the Laudato Si' Anniversary year, organized an 11 webinar series "On-Life Seminars: moving towards a post-COVID better world" meant to explore some of the themes and challenges of today's economy in the perspective of integral ecology.

View the webinars now on YouTube

If you have any questions, please contact us at mail@ourcommonhome.org or connect on Facebook.

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.