Earth Day

“As individuals, as institutions, as a people, we need a change of heart to preserve and protect the planet for our children and for generations yet unborn.”

-(Global Climate Change: A Plea for Dialogue, Prudence and the Common Good, US Catholic Bishops, 2001)

Today, Wednesday, April 22nd is the 50th Anniversary of The World Earth Day. Please join us to celebrate our Catholic commitment to care for creation as we build an integral ecology and a sustainable future for generations to come.

The Office of Life, Justice, and Peace has compiled a list of resources to pray, learn and act during these extraordinary times. Now more than ever, we are aware that we are all connected. We recognize the importance of practicing solidarity not only within our own community but also with our neighbors around the world.

PRAY

Bring solidarity to our world in a shared moment of prayer at noon local time on 24 May. Catholics from all across the globe will be united in spirit because “everything is connected.” Be sure to register your participation here, and feel free to share your own prayers on social media using the hashtag #LaudatoSi
Organize a small prayer with your family and friends via video call. You can use this simple guide the USCCB & Catholic Charities USA had put together to pray for Creation.
Join the Mercy Earth Challenge and commit to a year of change and prayer. Find out more here.
Join a virtual celebration of Earth day and Laudato Sí with the Catholic Climate Covenant. Catholic Climate Covenant invites you to submit prayers, meditations, stories, essays, statements, reflections, art, poems, songs, photos, videos, etc. that lift up your love and hope for God’s creation!

LEARN

Take the free, one-hour educational program developed by the Catholic Climate Change Covenant designed to complement the Earth Day Network’s 50th-anniversary theme, “Climate Action”.
The Global Catholic Climate movement produced three online courses on Laudato Sí:
- 1) Online course featuring Cardinal Turkson, Bishop Sánchez Sorondo and others: Online Course #1
- 2) Online conference in occasion of the Laudato Si’ anniversary, featuring Bishop Sánchez Sorondo, Jeffrey Sachs, Dr Marcia McNutt, Br. Michael Perry OFM and many others: Online Course #2
- 3) Online course by Fr. Dan Horan OFM, titled “Understanding Laudato Si’”: Online Course #3
Live Webinar, April 22nd, 2020: In light of COVID-19, the Ignatian Solidarity Network invites you to virtual Solidarity on Tap on Wednesday, April 22 at 9PM ET/6PM PT. Join , with your beverage of choice in hand, for an Earth Day conversation with Molly Burhans, founder and executive director of GoodLands. Click here to join
Learn why 2020 is a pivotal year for climate action, even during the pandemic.
On this 50th anniversary, read about the history of Earth Day.
Join the Catholic Health Association’s 2020 Earth Day webinar: “How to Talk about Climate Change”. This webinar features Dr. Edward Maibach, a communication scientist and expert on strategic communication, who shares some insightful research on language to help professionals talk about climate solutions as health solutions.

ACTION

Everything is Connected: We’re living through history-shaping events. Laudato Si’ teaches us how to build a better world–together. People everywhere are crying out for hope, and our faith is urgently needed to light the way. For Laudato Si’ Week, 16-24 May, Catholics are uniting in solidarity for a more just and sustainable future.
- Stand united with our brothers and sisters in faith as we grow through the crisis of this moment to build a better tomorrow.
- Reflect and prepare through online trainings, 16-23 May
- Join the worldwide day of prayer, 24 May
- Put preparation into action during the Season of Creation, this September
  - Click here to join the “Laudato Sí” week
Take the Laudato Sí Pledge HERE
Become a Laudato Si’ Animator. Receive in-depth online training and inspire your neighbors to care for creation. Join here.
Organize a virtual Laudato Sí Circle- Laudato Si’ Circles are small groups that meet regularly to deepen their relationship with God as Creator and all members of creation.
Advocate locally. Find Catholic resources and templates here.
Turn this initiative into virtual opportunities for your Parish, be creative, stay safe and connected!
Host a Virtual Parish Screening! We have compiled some fabulous videos you can share to create conscience on caring for creation. Click here and take a look.

CREATION