Reverend Joseph E. Kurtz, D.D. Bishop | Archdiocese of Louisville

On January 20, a workshop titled "Acting Locally to Sustain Our Earthly Home" was led by John Mundell, the director of the Vatican's Laudato Si' Action Platform. The workshop, which took place at Epiphany Church, aimed to educate participants on taking action in the name of caring for creation.

The Laudato Si' Action Platform, launched online two years ago, encourages individuals, parishes, schools, religious groups, and other organizations to set concrete goals and create detailed plans to achieve them. Based on the papal encyclical "Laudato Si': On Care for Our Common Home," the platform challenges participants to respond to the cry of the earth, respond to the cry of the poor, adopt sustainable lifestyles, promote ecological economics, provide ecological education, foster ecological spirituality, and build community resilience and empowerment.

During the workshop, John Mundell emphasized the importance of turning reflection and thoughts into action. He urged participants to prioritize changes that are long-lasting, small, and repeatable. Mundell quoted Franciscan Friar Richard Rohr, saying, "We do not think ourselves into a new way of living, we live ourselves into a new way of thinking."

Sarah Mundell, John Mundell's daughter, highlighted the importance of tailoring lifestyle assessments and plans to the specific needs and circumstances of different communities. She encouraged participants to consider factors such as the size of their homes, the resources available in their communities, and the needs of the people around them.

The workshop also introduced an interactive tool called the Earth Cube, which allows families to engage in small changes that contribute to caring for creation. Each side of the four-inch card-stock cube suggests a different action, and users are encouraged to share how they can complete the task. The Earth Cube was even rolled by Pope Francis himself on Earth Day 2016.

In addition to discussing practical actions, the workshop emphasized the importance of engaging others in conversations about caring for the planet. John Mundell challenged participants to use their personal experiences and identities to convey the importance of preserving the earth and its resources to others.

Mike Diebold, an Epiphany parishioner, reminded attendees that Laudato Si' was written for everyone, not just Catholics. Mundell echoed this sentiment, stating that ecological conversion is a responsibility for all individuals, every day and every moment.

As the workshop concluded, Mundell encouraged participants not to wait until tomorrow to take action. He challenged them to consider what they can do today to make a positive impact on the environment.

The workshop at Epiphany Church provided a valuable opportunity for individuals to learn about the Laudato Si' Action Platform and gain practical insights into taking action for the sake of creation. By empowering participants to make small changes and engage others in conversation, the workshop aimed to foster a collective effort towards caring for our common home.