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

The recently-formed Archdiocese of Louisville Creation Care Team is surveying parishes, schools, and other groups to learn about ways they are caring for the environment. “As a starting point, we want to see what’s already being done,” said Pam Raidt, a member of the team.

The Creation Care Team was inspired by Pope Francis’ encyclical Laudato Si’: On Care for Our Common Home. The team, working through the Office of Faith Formation, will be sending a voluntary survey to parishes, schools, and other organizations within the archdiocese to identify the environmental programs and services currently taking place, as well as a contact person to serve as a representative.

The survey will be organized according to the seven goals of Laudato Si’, set forth by the Laudato Si’ Action Platform of the Vatican Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development. These seven goals include: response to the cry of the earth, response to the cry of the poor, ecological economics, adoption of sustainable lifestyles, ecological education, ecological spirituality and community resilience and empowerment.

Action items indicated on the survey are diverse, ranging from planting a pollinator garden to supporting social service agencies' work to reducing single-use water bottles and providing an outdoor prayer space. The survey also asks if the parish or school has taken additional actions not indicated in the survey or if they would take any additional actions if they had resources.

The team hopes that they can receive the survey results by the end of July. The results will be used as a resource to support parishes in their future endeavors. “Depending on the results of the survey, we may be inviting people from various parishes to share some of the things they have been doing,” Raidt said in a recent interview.

She hopes that the survey will pave the way for more parish communication and sharing regarding care for creation. The Creation Care team plans to offer additional events and opportunities with possible energy efficiency workshops for parishes and a spring conference on Laudato Si’. The team has planned a green Mass and a grade school poster contest for this fall.

A recent newsletter from the Creation Care team states: “Caring for the earth is more than something ‘nice to do.’ Catholic social teaching makes it clear that it is an obligation we all share as part of our faith.”

The team is also interested in getting individuals involved. To get involved or share individual action regarding Laudato Si’, visit www.archlou.org/creation-care/, or contact them at creationcare@archlou.org.