Caring for Creation
The Caring for Creation movement in the Archdiocese of Canberra and Goulburn aims to promote and to support implementation of the papal encyclical “Laudato Si – On Care for Our Common Home” across the Archdiocese – in parishes, in schools, etc. The movement also seeks to work together with other members of the ACT Council of Churches.
Our Archbishop stresses the importance of reading and understanding the breadth of the papal teachings in Pope Francis’ encyclical and of assessing practical responses. Some parishes are convening dialogue sessions on it, others also taking practical steps. A 50-minute presentation is available on YouTube, where global Laudato Si consultant, Jacqui Rḗmond outlines key messages in each Laudato Si chapter.
The NAIDOC week theme from our First Nations people in 2021 was Heal Country – both human and ecological. Then the Australian Bishops released a major statement Cry of the Earth, Cry of the Poor to amplify the teachings of Laudato Si in an Australian context.
The Bishops are committed to implementing the Vatican’s framework for Laudato Si forward action plans (www.laudatosiactionplatform.org). Laudato Si action planning is also seen as a vital part of renewal and evangelisation in the 2022 Plenary Council decrees.
Our Archbishop Christopher Prowse speaks of the depth of the Pope’s concept of integral ecology, the important theological and moral dimensions of our situation on Earth, and also of walking alongside our First Australians to learn from their lead about our place in God’s creation.
In solidarity with parishes, schools and other organisations, the Archdiocese of Canberra and Goulburn enrolled in the Vatican’s action platform in May 2021. The enrolment requires a public reflection on how our values connect to the Laudato Si goals and this is available with the Laudato Si action plan 2023-30 at the links below.
The caring for Creation movement is ecumincal in nature. Pope Francis has joined with the Orthodox Ecumenical Patriarch and the Anglican Archbishop of Canterbury and with other faiths to call on Christians to cooperate together. Their ecumenical statement urges us to “Choose life!” for future generations in caring for creation.
There is an opportunity to find out more easily and to take the next growth step by registering for a series of webinars the Australian Catholic University is covening in the Archdiocese during the Season of Creation 31-August to 5-October 2023 with registration at < https://cgcatholic.org.au/integral-ecology-journeying/ >. More information about the webinars is available at the link below to a downloadable A4 flyer. This can also be printed as an A3 Poster (Size to Fit paper in the Print Properties screen) for local publicity in schools and parishes
Further information on the movement and resources for implementing Laudato Si are available at www.care4ourcommon.org or by contacting the movement on LaudatoSiACT@gmail.com
Please find here downloadable Reflection on Laudato Si’ goals
Please find here downloadable version on the Laudato Si’ Action Plan
Please find here downloadable version on Laudato Si’ Movement Newsletter