Today, on Earth Day, the Diocese of Parramatta responds to the cry of the earth and the cry of the poor by launching a Diocesan Laudato Si’ Action Campaign. Via a video message, Bishop Vincent Long OFM Conv invites all people in the Diocese, especially all Catholic schools, parishes, families, and organisations to participate.
You can find the video and further information at parracatholic.org/laudatosi
The Diocese of Parramatta is embarking on a seven-year journey towards achieving seven Laudato Si’ Goals. The goals are intended to encourage us to care more deeply for God’s creation and our sisters and brothers in need. This commitment is made in response to the invitation from Pope Francis and the Australian Catholic Bishops to embark on such a journey.
Related: The Catholic Church in Australia responds to Pope Francis’ call for ‘Laudato Si’’ action
On a Diocesan level, the commitment entails annual self-assessments, development and implementation of a Laudato Si’ Action Plan, and reporting to the Vatican’s Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development through the Laudato Si’ Action Platform.
All communities within the Diocese of Parramatta are invited to consider their own response to the Pope’s call and to develop their own Laudato Si’ Action Plan, building on the inspiring action that many families, schools, parishes, and organisations are already taking.
All parishes, schools, families and organisations are encouraged to join the Catholic Earthcare Programs and gain access to helpful tools and support for this endeavour.
Bishop Vincent has formed a Laudato Si’ Action Team to drive action on a Diocesan level and to accompany parishes, schools, and organisations in their own efforts. The team members are:
- Fr Gregory Jacobs (Holy Family Parish Mount Druitt)
- Sue Martin (Catholic Earthcare Australia)
- Andrew Wilson (CEDP Mission Team)
- Claire Thomas (Jesuit Social Services, Diocesan Pastoral Council)
- Sebastian Salaske-Lentern (MET – Peace, Justice, Ecology)
As Bishop Vincent and other members of the Diocesan community explain in the launch video, we live in a time of ecological crisis; a crisis that humankind has caused, and that we can see and feel right here in Western Sydney and the Blue Mountains.
As Christians, we are called to set bold examples of how humans can care more deeply for God’s creation and our sisters and brothers in need. This is an integral part of our mission as Church – as the Pilgrim People of God. Pope Francis reminds us that the Church can be a beacon of hope in these challenging times.
Let us build a Diocesan Laudato Si’ network of parishes, schools and organisations. May God bless us as we “go out into the deep” on this important journey.
If you have any questions or require any support as you discern your response to this invitation, please contact the Laudato Si’ Action Team via met@parracatholic.org
Sebastian Salaske-Lentern is the Peace, Justice and Ecology Coordinator for the Diocese of Parramatta.