Laudato Si’ in Schools

In Laudato si’, Pope Francis highlights the important role that education plays:

There is a nobility in the duty to care for creation through little daily actions, and it is wonderful how education can bring about real changes in lifestyle. Education in environmental responsibility can encourage ways of acting which directly and significantly affect the world around us, such as avoiding the use of plastic and paper, reducing water consumption, separating refuse, cooking only what can reasonably be consumed, showing care for other living beings, using public transport or car-pooling, planting trees, turning off unnecessary lights, or any number of other practices. (211)

Catholic Earthcare Australia we have developed many educational resources to enable schools to care for creation. We can also suggest actions schools can take at a local and a global level.

Resources

• Laudato Si’ – An urgent appeal for action: This short film  features a number of Catholic leaders offering a unique Australian perspective on Pope Francis’ new Encyclical Laudato si’.
• Connect, Care, Share: Our Common Home: This short film and supporting powerpoint explores the vital role gardens play in connecting communities and creating a common home, in the schoolyard and beyond.
• Laudato Si’ Youth Workshops: Catholic Earthcare is offering a unique opportunity for school students to learn about what Laudato si’ means for them.
• The Francis Effect II: This is the first comprehensive response to Laudato si’ published in Australia, and it offers an exclusive insight into the Encyclical from the perspective of Catholic leaders across the country.
• Australian Reading Guide to Laudato Si’: The group reading guide offers an accessible way to take up the challenges and opportunities raised by Pope Francis’ new Encyclical Laudato si’.
• The Awesome Cosmic Story: This interactive, educational program explores the creation of our universe through an inspirational blend of theology and science.
• On Holy Ground: This foundational document supports schools with ecological conversion and education for sustainability.
• ASSISI: A ‘Strategic, Systems-based, Integrated Sustainability Initiative’ (ASSISI) provides a theological, spiritual and practical program for sustainability in Catholic schools.
• The National Energy Efficiency Network Our National Energy Efficiency Network (NEEN) provides schools with free information, inspiration and support to become more energy efficient and take charge of their energy future.
• The Garden Planet: This video resource invites us all to take up the call for ecological conversion.
• Pure Gift: This package consists of an animated legacy letter from a father to his three sons, liturgical, formation and prayer resources. It is aimed senior secondary students and adults.

Actions

• Watch Laudato Si’ – An urgent appeal for action and reflect on the discussion points.
• Join our National Energy Efficiency Network.
• Start a garden at your school.
• Hold an Encyclical Youth Workshop for students.
• Encourage students and teachers to sign our global Catholic Climate Petition.
• Encourage your school to Fast for the Climate and celebrate Meatless Friday. 
• Use the Australian Reading Guide to Laudato Si’ and discuss the challenges and opportunities raised in Laudato si’.