Laudato Si' Action Plan 2024-25
We are people of hope moving towards ecological conversion which is a “transformation of hearts and minds towards greater love of God, each other and creation. It is a process of acknowledging our contribution to the social and ecological crisis and acting in ways that nurture communion: healing and renewing our common home”. (Laudato Si’ Movement).
Writing in his new apostolic exhortation Laudate Deum (“Praise God”), released on the Oct. 4, 2023 feast of St. Francis of Assisi, Pope Francis writes: “With the passage of time, I have realized that our responses have not been adequate, while the world in which we live is collapsing and may be nearing the breaking point. In addition to this possibility, it is indubitable that the impact of climate change will increasingly prejudice the lives and families of many persons” (2).
The path towards Ecological Conversion
Recording of the presentation held on 30/9/23
Presenter: Sue Martin, Being with God in Nature Ministry Coordinator, Care for our Common Home Officer for the Australian Jesuit Province, Ecojesuit Team Member
Ecological Footprint?
How many planets do we need if everybody lives like you?
When is your personal Overshoot Day?
Catholic Earthcare Certificate
7 goals of Laudato Si'
CLC Australia is proud to be a Catholic Earthcare organisation, heeding the call of Pope Francis for action on the ecological crises of this time. We invite members and EXCOs to consider where they might be able to take action and provide the following as suggested starting points.
Goal 1 - Cry of the Earth
“What kind of world do we want to leave to those who come after us, to children who are now growing up.” (Laudato -Si’ 160)
- Subscribe to Earthcare Ecology Presentations – Caritas Australia | Catholic Earthcare
- Continue acting on ecological justice issues, (emphasising spiritual, social and economic crisis leading to enviro devastation) through national presentations, the website, Annotations.
Goal 2 - Cry of the Poor
“When we fail to acknowledge as part of reality the worth of a poor person… it becomes difficult to hear the cry of nature itself; everything is connected.” (Laudato Si’ 117)
- Wear a T shirt with slogan or other items showing support for First Nation People.
- Have conversations with others about First Nations Justice.
- NATSICC Cultural Competency Course e-learning Course to effectively engage with First Nation People (available in 2025)
- Learn more about local engagement with First Nation People. Opening the Doors Foundation also https://www.caritas.org.au/about/where-we-work/australia
Goal 3 - Ecological Economics
“Purchasing is always a moral – and not simply economic – act”. (Laudato Si’ 206)
- Check your superannuation profile and investigate if your money is a force for good at https://www.marketforces.org.au/
- Determine if our personal banking profile is exposed to fossil fuel investment.
Goal 4 - Adoption of Sustainable Lifestyles
“If we can overcome individualism, we will truly be able to develop a different lifestyle and bring about significant changes in society. An awareness of the gravity of today’s cultural and ecological crisis must be translated into new habits.” (Laudato Si’ 208-209)
- Use Our Common Home Resource for ideas about taking action.
- Promote other tips and resources from external partners, Catholic Earthcare, Geelong Sustainability, Australian Conservation Foundation and Clean Up Australia, through CLC communications.
Goal 5 - Ecological Education
“Many things have to change course, but it is we human beings above all who need to change.” (Laudato Si’ 202)
- Promote the CLC Australia ecology video
- Use The Week program https://www.theweek.ooo/ – for group action on the climate crisis
- Continue education about ecological justice issues including integral ecology during Laudato Si’ Week in May and Season of Creation in September, through presentations, the CLC website, social media, Annotations and members’ communications.
Goal 6 - Ecological Spirituality
“Living our vocation to be protectors of God’s handiwork is essential to a life of virtue; it is not an optional or a secondary aspect of our Christian experience.” (Laudato Si’ 217)
- Do an Ecological Examen four times a year at the change of Seasons Two Types of Examen (Ecological and Energy)
- Lead a Walk with God in Nature during Spring;
CLC Reflective Walk
Prayer Day Walks Risk Management Plan - Provide Laudato Si’ information regularly in Annotations.
Goal 7 - Community Resilience and Empowerment
“Bring the whole human family together… for we know that things can change” (Laudato Si’ 13)
- Advocacy – CLC Australia statement in support of the global Fossil Fuels Non-Proliferation Treaty (FFNTP) Treaty, to phase out fossil fuels. Raise our voice at COP30: signed the interfaith letter to call for urgent, transformative change through this Treaty.