Environment

Resources:
Environmental Justice

"The environment must be seen as God’s gift to all people, and the use we make of it entails a shared responsibility for all humanity, especially the poor and future generations."

- Pope Benedict XVI, January 2010

"Nurturing and cherishing creation is a command God gives not only at the beginning of history, but to each of us. It is part of his plan; it means causing the world to grow responsibly, transforming it so that it may be a garden, a habitable place for everyone. "

- Pope Francis, June 2013

What is Environmental Justice?

Environmental Justice calls Catholics to a deeper respect for God’s creation, and engages parishes in activities that deal with environmental problems, particularly as they affect the poor and vulnerable. The United States Catholic Bishops urge, “In that spirit of praise and thanksgiving to God for the wonders of creation, we Catholic bishops call for a civil dialogue and prudent and constructive action to protect God's precious gift of the earth's atmosphere with a sense of genuine solidarity and justice for all God's children.”

The Office for Catholic Social Justice Ministry supports this shared responsibility by offering programs and creating resources to assist parish communities in their efforts to be good stewards of God’s creation in all its forms.

Check out our Laudato Si' page for more information.

How You Can Get Involved

The Office for Catholic Social Justice Ministry is available to help your parish, your school or your organization work toward Environmental Justice! Staff of the Office for Catholic Social Justice Ministry and members of the Environmental Justice Team are available to speak (with DVD or PowerPoint presentations) on connections between respecting life, children’s environmental health problems, and stewardship of the environment in Connecticut, all through the lens of Catholic social teaching. Invite us to come to your parish to share information and dialogue on these important issues!

For assistance or more information, call OCSJM at (860)242-5573.

Laudato Si: On Care For Our Common Home

"On Care for Our Common Home" (Laudato Si) is Pope Francis' new encyclical, which is addressed to "every person living on this planet." Pope Francis calls the Church and the world to acknowledge the urgency of our environmental challenges and to join him in embarking on a new path. This encyclical is written with both hope and resolve, looking to our common future with candor and humility. (From the USCCB)

Laudato Si' Discussion Guide

The guide includes materials for prayer, reflection and discussion, as well as ideas to help us respond to Pope Francis’ message. The discussion section of the guide includes quotes and discussion questions on a variety of themes highlighted in Laudato Si’.

Click here to download the guide.