A new network has been established across the Archdiocese of Louisville to connect and inform parishes, schools, and Catholic groups about creation care efforts. The Archdiocesan Creation Care Network was launched by the archdiocesan Creation Care Team, part of the Office of Faith Formation.

“We wanted to create a peer-to-peer network so people can get ideas, share, and invite others to participate,” said Pam Raidt, chair of the team.

Parishes and schools in the archdiocese are working on various initiatives aligned with Pope Francis’ encyclical “Laudato Si’: On Care for Our Common Home.” According to Raidt, a survey conducted last summer showed consistent efforts by parishes and schools to care for creation.

Some churches have upgraded their HVAC systems for energy efficiency. Others, such as St. Francis Xavier Church in Mount Washington and Immaculate Heart of Mary Church, have planted community gardens. St. Raphael and St. Francis of Assisi churches have made their annual fish fries more sustainable.

The network consists of about 30 parishes, schools, and organizations sharing ideas and learning from each other. Meetings are held quarterly online to encourage broader participation.

“We offer it that way to encourage broader participation,” said Raidt. “We want people throughout the archdiocese to join in.”

The first meeting in February focused on general discussions about care for creation efforts. Future meetings will focus on themes based on one of the seven “Laudato Si’” goals.

The second meeting in May focused on biodiversity with Dr. Kate Bulinski from Bellarmine speaking on related topics.

In August, ecological education will be discussed with Ashley Davenport from Holy Trinity School presenting.

The network is also promoting events like its annual poster contest for grade school students and a national initiative called “Pilgrimage of Hope for Creation,” organized by Catholic Climate Covenant among others. The pilgrimages aim to restore relationships with God, each other, and Earth during the Season of Creation observed from Sept. 1 through Oct. 4.

Anyone interested in joining can contact the team at creationcare@archlou.org.