Care for Creation
“I urgently appeal, then, for a new dialogue about how we are shaping the future of our planet. We need a conversation which includes everyone, since the environmental challenge we are undergoing, and its human roots, concern and affect us all…. All of us can cooperate as instruments of God for the care of creation, each according to his or her own culture, experience, involvements, and talents.” — Pope Francis, Laudato Si’, No. 14, 2015
Celebrate the 10th Anniversary of Laudato Si’!
In 2025, we celebrate 10 years of prayer and action together in light of the bold vision of Laudato Si’ by looking ahead to work together for a brighter future. The next chapter begins with us! Parishes and Catholic schools are encouraged to join the celebration and explore our own Archdiocesan Laudato Si’ Action Plan, Laudato Si’ Grants, Creation Care Teams, and other resources for education and action. Pope Francis commissioned us for the journey ahead with the reminder “Let us sing as we go. May our struggles and our concern for this planet never take away the joy of our hope.” (Laudato Si’ 244)
Laudato Si’ | Laudate Deum | Laudato Si’ Action Plan | Laudato Si’ Grants | Resources
Laudato Si’: On Care for Our Common Home
In 2015, Pope Francis released the seminal encyclical on the environment called Laudato Si’ (On Care for Our Common Home). This encyclical is an open invitation to all people to care for the Earth, which was created by God, as our common home. In Laudato Si’, Pope Francis teaches that because human beings are God’s creation, we are connected locally, nationally, and globally with each other and with the environment in a web of life that requires care. Pope Francis refers to this interconnectedness as an “integral ecology” that involves an “intimate relationship between the poor and the fragility of the planet” (LS, 16). In Laudato Si’, we are called to hear both the cry of the earth and the cries of people in poverty, and to respond with “…an integrated approach to combating poverty, restoring dignity to the excluded, and at the same time protecting nature” (LS 139).
Laudate Deum: To All People of Goodwill on the Climate Crisis
In 2023, Pope Francis extended the Church’s teaching on “integral ecology” through the Apostolic Exhortation Laudate Deum. This even more urgent appeal calls all people of goodwill to address “The Global Climate Crisis” and its effects that are becoming increasingly evident “despite some attempts to minimize or ridicule them” (LD 6). He identifies the main cause of this problem as human activity and stresses the urgent need for global cooperation through new multilateral agreements between States in addition to local action and personal changes in lifestyles (LD 43). Pope Francis invites all of us to walk in communion together and to commit ourselves to “reconciliation with the world that shelters us” (LD 69).
Laudato Si’ Action Plan of The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Washington:
The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Washington launched our Laudato Si’ Action Plan in 2021, embracing the call of Pope Francis in Laudato Si’ to work toward an integral ecology that is reflected in our personal lives and in our parishes and Catholic schools. Each section of the Action Plan highlights a prominent theme or marker of Laudato Si’ and contains several options for parishes, schools, places of work, and families to actively strive to become better stewards of God’s creation, help reverse climate change, and work towards sustainable and renewed communities as proclaimed in Laudato Si’.
Laudato Si’ Grants
The Archdiocese is pleased to renew our Laudato Si’ Grants to support engagement with our Laudato Si’ Action Plan. Catholic parishes and schools of the Archdiocese can request a small grant to foster capacity and team building for action on Laudato Si’, or for small initiatives that advance good stewardship of parish and school grounds and facilities in keeping with our mission to care for creation. Examples of prospective projects might include formation and training of parish/school Creation Care Teams, education and advocacy events, parish/school recycling initiatives, parish/school vegetable and/or rain gardens. For ideas, consult the Archdiocese’s Laudato Si’ Action Plan. Applications are available starting in May and are due by June 30th.
Growing Creation Care Teams
Creation Care Teams (or Green Teams) are a powerful way for Catholics to develop local leadership in parishes and schools to take action against climate change, and to care for the Earth and our neighbors. Creation Care Teams (sometimes called Green Teams) also invite fellow Catholics to learn more about Laudato Si’ and the Church’s call to grow in more integral ecology. Parish and school Creation Care Teams connect periodically through the Archdiocese’s Care for Creation Committee.
“I think one of the great challenges for the Church in the world at this moment is that of the care for our home on this Earth, for the planet, and all of the abuse which it is suffering.” — His Eminence, Cardinal Robert McElroy, Archbishop of Washington
Additional Care for Creation Resources
- Laudato Si’ Week — an annual celebration near the end of May.
- World Day of Prayer for Care of Creation 2025
- Laudato Si’ Movement
- Season Of Creation 2025 | Laudato Si’ Movement (September 1 – October 4 annually)
- United States Conference of Catholic Bishops — Environmental Justice Resources
- USCCB Bulletin Insert on Season of Creation
- On Care for Our Common Home: Laudato Si’ Discussion Guide (USCCB)
- Maryland Catholic Conference: Environment Toolkit
“Ten years ago, Pope Francis signed the Encyclical Letter Laudato Si’, devoted to care for our common home. It has had an extraordinary impact, inspiring countless initiatives and teaching everyone to listen to the twofold cry of the Earth and of the poor.” — Pope Leo XIV, Saint Peter’s Square, Sunday, May 25, 2025
Season of Creation
September 1 – October 4
Learn More from the USCCB.