Step Three - Get Support to Form the New Ministry
Now that you’ve done your homework and you've found like minded parishioners, you’re ready to get support to establish a Care for Creation Team at your parish.
Ask your Pastor for consent to form the new ministry.
To start a Care for Creation Team, or propose sustainability changes in your parish, you will want to have the support of your pastor. Ask to meet with him, share your inspiration from Laudato Si’, explain your ideas for a Care for Creation Team, and ask for his consent. Be sure to let your pastor know that the Arlington Diocese has officially enrolled in the Laudato Si' Action Platform, a global effort led by the Vatican, and is actively working towards full sustainability by the end of the decade. See the Diocesan's Laudato Si' action plan for Year 1 here.
All pastors received a letter from the Diocesan Peace and Justice Commission in July of 2023 urging them to identify parishioners to form a Care from Creation Ministry.
In addition, mention that the Arlington Diocese has a Care for Creation Network made up of representatives from many parishes plus a diocesan staff member. The network provides support and resources for Care for Creation teams. Assure the pastor that the new ministry will not require additional time on his part, and you are simply asking for his support.
Work with your existing parish structure—e.g., parish council and key staff—to get their support and suggestions.
Reach out to them to discuss the formation of a Care for Creation Team, any potential projects you have in mind, or ways in which the parish could make changes to operate more sustainably and use fewer resources. Develop a relationship with the facility manager who is in charge of the operations of the parish buildings. Explain that the group is based on the papal encyclical and will be part of a diocesan support network.
Offer to keep a designated staff person informed of your plans and significant activities.
Having a designated point of contact on the parish staff and keeping that person up to date will help assure that everyone is aware of your plans and can provide feedback and support when needed. Get advance approval for significant initiatives.
Connect with other ministries in your parish.
Reach out to other parish staff and ministry leaders to introduce your new ministry and explore avenues for collaboration. You will want to connect especially with liturgy planners, the parish school (if there is one), religious education and adult formation programs, facilities managers, and other social concerns groups in the parish.
Ask your Pastor for consent to form the new ministry.
To start a Care for Creation Team, or propose sustainability changes in your parish, you will want to have the support of your pastor. Ask to meet with him, share your inspiration from Laudato Si’, explain your ideas for a Care for Creation Team, and ask for his consent. Be sure to let your pastor know that the Arlington Diocese has officially enrolled in the Laudato Si' Action Platform, a global effort led by the Vatican, and is actively working towards full sustainability by the end of the decade. See the Diocesan's Laudato Si' action plan for Year 1 here.
All pastors received a letter from the Diocesan Peace and Justice Commission in July of 2023 urging them to identify parishioners to form a Care from Creation Ministry.
In addition, mention that the Arlington Diocese has a Care for Creation Network made up of representatives from many parishes plus a diocesan staff member. The network provides support and resources for Care for Creation teams. Assure the pastor that the new ministry will not require additional time on his part, and you are simply asking for his support.
Work with your existing parish structure—e.g., parish council and key staff—to get their support and suggestions.
Reach out to them to discuss the formation of a Care for Creation Team, any potential projects you have in mind, or ways in which the parish could make changes to operate more sustainably and use fewer resources. Develop a relationship with the facility manager who is in charge of the operations of the parish buildings. Explain that the group is based on the papal encyclical and will be part of a diocesan support network.
Offer to keep a designated staff person informed of your plans and significant activities.
Having a designated point of contact on the parish staff and keeping that person up to date will help assure that everyone is aware of your plans and can provide feedback and support when needed. Get advance approval for significant initiatives.
Connect with other ministries in your parish.
Reach out to other parish staff and ministry leaders to introduce your new ministry and explore avenues for collaboration. You will want to connect especially with liturgy planners, the parish school (if there is one), religious education and adult formation programs, facilities managers, and other social concerns groups in the parish.