Step One - Learn about Creation Care
The first step is to learn about creation care and Laudato Si'. Approach the research serenely and be open to learning and being inspired without being overwhelmed. Many resources are available online. Here are a few we recommend as you get started.You will continue to learn throughout your ministry work and you will probably come back to these resources often to delve in deeper. For now, wade into these websites for an overview of the pertinent topics.
A summary of Caring for Creation
Watch this 3 minute video for an explanation of why Catholics Care for Creation.
Regional
Contact the Care for Creation Network of the Catholic Diocese of Arlington. They can put you in touch with parishes that already have Care for Creation Teams, for guidance and tips. Attend the Network’s quarterly meetings to learn what other parishes are doing. Members of the Network would also be happy to meet with you or talk on the phone. ( Email: [email protected] )
Resources available from the Diocese:
Here is a Toolkit that was done for the Office of Youth, Campus and Young Adult Ministries. It is intended for the use of parish Directors of Youth Ministry. It gives a good introduction to Laudato Si’ and what the Holy Father is asking of us.
Here is a link to the encyclical Laudato Si': On Care for our Common Home - browse through it to get some idea of the beautiful thought that undergirds it. (See Resources Tab for study guide suggestions.)
National
Contact the Catholic Climate Covenant (CCC): The CCC is a US-based organization that helps Catholic parishes establish and administer Care for Creation Teams. CCC offers many resources, and its staff are willing to speak to you in person as you contemplate starting a Care for Creation Team.
International
Contact the Laudato Si' Movement (LSM). LSM is an international group that provides many spiritual and practical resources for Care for Creation Teams on how to bring the message of Laudato Si' alive.
A summary of Caring for Creation
Watch this 3 minute video for an explanation of why Catholics Care for Creation.
Regional
Contact the Care for Creation Network of the Catholic Diocese of Arlington. They can put you in touch with parishes that already have Care for Creation Teams, for guidance and tips. Attend the Network’s quarterly meetings to learn what other parishes are doing. Members of the Network would also be happy to meet with you or talk on the phone. ( Email: [email protected] )
Resources available from the Diocese:
Here is a Toolkit that was done for the Office of Youth, Campus and Young Adult Ministries. It is intended for the use of parish Directors of Youth Ministry. It gives a good introduction to Laudato Si’ and what the Holy Father is asking of us.
Here is a link to the encyclical Laudato Si': On Care for our Common Home - browse through it to get some idea of the beautiful thought that undergirds it. (See Resources Tab for study guide suggestions.)
National
Contact the Catholic Climate Covenant (CCC): The CCC is a US-based organization that helps Catholic parishes establish and administer Care for Creation Teams. CCC offers many resources, and its staff are willing to speak to you in person as you contemplate starting a Care for Creation Team.
International
Contact the Laudato Si' Movement (LSM). LSM is an international group that provides many spiritual and practical resources for Care for Creation Teams on how to bring the message of Laudato Si' alive.