Creation Care Ministry
Archdiocese of Indianapolis
Last month on October 4, the Feast of St. Francis, Pope Francis released his third encyclical "Fratelli Tutti" (translated "brothers and sisters all") - an inspiration of St. Francis who sowed seeds of peace and walked alongside the least of his brothers and sisters.
We are reminded that no matter the distance we are all connected and called to open our hearts and work for the good of the whole human family.
Let us keep this in mind during November as we pray, take action and enjoy the last days of fall's beauty.
This month we highlight our new guide to Outdoor Sacred Spaces in the Archdiocese, new resources for educators, and other initiatives happening locally and worldwide.
May your day be filled with peace,
All of us on the Creation Care Commission
ArchIndy Creation Care Initiatives
Outdoor Sacred Spaces Guide
We are excited to share a new resource detailing the many beautiful outdoor sacred spaces we have in the Archdiocese! Whether you are looking for an outdoor retreat, something to do as a family, or a quiet day of reflection, the many beautiful grottos, labyrinths, prayer trails and are great places to rediscover a religious vision of creation. Please be sure to follow all local health guidelines and be respectful of the communities as you visit!
Creation Care Parish Survey
We are conducting a brief 5-minute survey of parish pastors and administrators to determine where we are as a diocese in caring for our common home. Please pass this along or take the survey. Thank you!
Living Laudato Si' Sustainability Program Update
Congratulations to St. Thomas the Apostle parish in Fortville who has completed their operations assessment and 12 month action plan as part of the 2020 program! Highlights of their plan and the last few months include formation of a Creation Care Team, plans to implement a new recycling program, and creating new educational opportunities for parishioners to learn about the Church's teaching on care for creation.
Programs for Educators
CYO to GO - the staff at CYO Camp Rancho Framasa are now offering on-site programs in the areas of Science Education, Faith Programming, Community & Leadership, and Arts & Crafts for grades 2 and above. Camp Rancho Framasa has decades of experience in outdoor education and faith programming. More information
Climate Workshop for K-12 Educators - The Indiana Dept of Education is looking for science and social studies educators to share their expertise in integrating climate change into existing academic standards and Science Framework and to help curate climate change resources. This virtual event will take place October 28 - 29, 2020. Educators may receive up to 10 PGPs for their participation. Register for one or both days - Oct 28 and/or Oct 29. Questions regarding participation can be sent to Matt Walsh.
Green Bronx Machine at Holy Angels - Learn about the high-energy, school-based, urban-agriculture program that has been implemented at Holy Angels in Indianapolis. The school was also featured in a recent film which premiered at the Heartland Film festival. Read the article from the Criterion and/or watch the film trailer.
Faithful Citizenship
Wondering about Care of Creation, Catholic Social Teaching, dialogue or the Church's call to being citizens of faith as the nation prepares for the upcoming election? Check out these great opportunities from ArchIndy and beyond:
- On the Common Good & Our Common Home (recorded webinar series from Catholic Climate Covenant)
- Beyond Secular Politics (webinar of the Indiana Catholic Conference)
- Pray, Learn, Act as Faithful Citizens (7 week series leading up to the elections from the ArchIndy Office of Human Life and Dignity and Catholic Charities Social Concerns Ministry).
- Explore great resources and commit to honoring human dignity through civil conversation on the USCCB's Civilize It website; reflect with USCCB's Laudato Si' 5th Anniversary Card
Actions for Individuals and Congregations
I Stand with Pope Francis - With Pope Francis' September prayer intention, he asked us to embrace sharing, not plundering of the Earth's resources. In recent catechesis during the COVID-19 pandemic, Pope Francis urged governments to avoid rescuing industries that do not bring in the excluded, promote the least of us, care for the common good or care for creation. Sign the petition to show Pope Francis that we are behind his vision for a new economy. It will be presented to him during the November 19-20 "Economy of Francesco" - an online event for young Catholic entrepreneurs around the world.
Solar 101 - Learn about solar energy and how the nonprofit co-op model of Solar United Neighbors simplifies the process of going solar on your home or small business from the comfort of your own home. Live presentation with the ability to ask questions on October 28 at 6pm ET. Register here
FREE Virtual eScore™ Home Energy Assessments for IPL customers
A contact-free solution to finding energy savings throughout your home with a virtual IPL advisor. The assessment includes your current eScore, ranked from 1-10; a custom list of upgrades to help your home become a 10; details on IPL rebates for qualified home improvements; a free smart thermostat, LED light bulbs and other instant savers, if eligible. Schedule an assessment
Thriving Faith Communities
Thriving Faith Communities is a new initiative supported by Hoosier Interfaith Power & Light (H-IPL) for Indiana congregations to join together in support of Thrive Indianapolis. Congregations commit to reduce energy consumption by at least 25% over the next three years and to encourage their congregants to do the same. Sign on for learning opportunities, ideas, and support in addition to our Living Laudato Si' Sustainability program.
If you have any questions, please contact us at mail@ourcommonhome.org
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Creation Care Ministry is a pastoral ministry of the Archdiocese of Indianapolis.