April 22, 2020 is the 50th anniversary of the first Earth Day and the May 24, 2020 is the 5th Anniversary of Laudato Si,
Pope Francis' encyclical on Care for Creation
Although we are unable to be together on for our traditional Earth Day Fair and other activities we had planned for the parish, there are (literally) hundreds of ways you can celebrate at home with family, on-line or in your neighborhood.
From ideas for children and families, to study and reflection on Pope Francis' encyclical, Laudato Si, here are ten resources you can explore to enrich your Catholic faith and Care for Creation.
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1. Make Earth Day fun!! Take a picture of yourself or your family with an Earth Day message or family Earth Day activity or project and post it to your own Instagram STORY. Be sure to mention Immaculate Conception and include "@ICDURHAM" in your post. Our communications staff will pick up your post and add it to our parish Instagram story. 
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2. Celebrate with kids! Kids often are more in tune to Care for Creation than many adults. Visit one of these websites especially for children. 20 Earth Day Crafts for Kids http://www.housingaforest.com/20-earth-day-crafts-and-activities-for-kids/ Earth Day- National Geographic Kids kids.nationalgeographic.com › explore › celebrations › earth-day Earth Day 22 April | March for Science | Facts for Kids www.kids-world-travel-guide.com › earth-day |
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3. Join IPL's "Love Made Visible" VIRTUAL Climate March online! Out of our love and care for our neighbors, and to stop the spread of the COVID-19 virus, Interfaith Power and Light invites you to share your climate march sign on social media during Faith Climate Action Week April 17-26 to continue bringing awareness to the climate crisis. Faith Climate Action Week's theme is "Love Made Visible: Engaging in Sacred Activism" to protect the people we love who are most impacted by climate change. People are more vulnerable to COVID-19 in communities where there are high levels of air pollution caused by the burning of fossil fuels. We need to continue to fight for clean air especially in light of the present pandemic. STEP ONE: Make your sign. Find inspiration in the faith-based messages and images from IPL leaders from across the nation who took part in last September's Climate March in the Sacred Activism Art Guide. Or download and print a simple black and white sign with the Love Made Visible logo to decorate. STEP TWO: Take a photo of yourself with your sign. STEP THREE: Post to social media with the hashtag #FCAW or #FaithClimateActionWeek, and don't forget to tag @interfaithpowerandlight on FB and @interfaithpower on Twitter Get more information here https://www.faithclimateactionweek.org/join-ipls-love-made-visible-climate-march-online/ |
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4.
Registration is now open for Catholic Climate Lobby virtual Earth Day event on April 25 with Katharine Hayhoe.
And here’s the really good news: It’s free!
After hearing from Dr. Hayhoe, participants can take one of three easy actions from home to help the climate. Following the action, people can join one of four breakout sessions:
Register here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/uniting-from-home-registration-101119077884
Registration is now open for Catholic Climate Lobby virtual Earth Day event on April 25 with Katharine Hayhoe.
And here’s the really good news: It’s free!
After hearing from Dr. Hayhoe, participants can take one of three easy actions from home to help the climate. Following the action, people can join one of four breakout sessions:
- Climate Advocate Training: This two-hour session will give newcomers the tools to become effective climate advocates and also the opportunity to learn more about Citizens’ Climate Lobby and how to participate with a local chapter.
- CCL Volunteer Spotlight Panel: Moderated by Citizens’ Climate Radio host Peterson Toscano, this session features a conversation with volunteers who are profiled in our documentary series.
- Climate Organizing During the Pandemic: In this 90-minute session, CCL staffers will cover how to take action from home to move Congress forward on climate solutions.
- Depolarizing Within: A Better Way to Prepare for Climate Discussions: Presented by Braver Angels (formerly Better Angels), this two-hour session will help participants to take a more productive approach to engaging people we disagree with.
Register here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/uniting-from-home-registration-101119077884
5.
The Human Element
In an arresting new documentary from the producers of Racing Extinction and Chasing Ice, environmental photographer James Balog captures the lives of everyday Americans on the front lines of climate change. With rare compassion and heart, The Human Element relays captivating stories from coast-to-coast, inspiring us to reevaluate our relationship with the natural world. Thanks to a partnership with Earth Vision Film, Interfaith Power & Light is able to offer you this inspiring film. It’s a must see for people of faith concerned about the impact of climate change on human life in the United States.
Due to the gathering restrictions required to limit the spread of COVID-19, James Balog and the Earth Vision Institute have offered a free link to view the film online to IPL congregations and their congregants so that they can continue to build awareness about climate change in this challenging time. The link is good for the duration of Faith Climate Action Week, April 17-26, 2020. salsa4.salsalabs.com/o/50836/p/salsa/web/common/public/signup?signup_page_KEY=11669
6.
EARTH MONTH 2020 IS GOING VIRTUAL
Keep Durham Beautiful is going virtual for Earth Month! For all of April, we will bring you fun activities to do with the kids, a weekly art competition, informative webinars, environmental education and more all to the comfort of your home. Each week will bring a new topic that highlights an important component of our planet and our mission as a nonprofit. Join in on the fun by liking or following us on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter or signing up for our newsletter.
https://keepdurhambeautiful.org/
EARTH MONTH 2020 IS GOING VIRTUAL
Keep Durham Beautiful is going virtual for Earth Month! For all of April, we will bring you fun activities to do with the kids, a weekly art competition, informative webinars, environmental education and more all to the comfort of your home. Each week will bring a new topic that highlights an important component of our planet and our mission as a nonprofit. Join in on the fun by liking or following us on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter or signing up for our newsletter.
https://keepdurhambeautiful.org/
7.
Earth Day at 50/Laudato Si’ at 5: An Urgent Appeal for Action
As the world is forced to adjust to the “new normal” created by the Covid-19 pandemic, Covenant staff has adjusted plans for commemorating the 50th anniversary of Earth Day and the 5th anniversary of Laudato Si’. We now offer you a REVISED Earth Day 2020 program, “Earth Day at 50/Laudato Si’ at 5: An Urgent Appeal for Action”! Originally created for use by groups in parishes, schools, and religious communities, the REVISED version is designed for use by individuals, families, and online groups.
In this hour-long program, you will have an opportunity to pray, learn, discuss, and take concrete actions, as individuals on behalf of God’s creation. Commemoration of two anniversaries: Earth Day: April 22, 2020 marks the 50th anniversary of Earth Day. Catholic Climate Covenant’s 2020 Earth Day program focuses on the urgent need for climate action. It is designed to help the U.S. Catholic community commemorate the 50thanniversary of Earth Day, a secular celebration that many faith communities have incorporated into their annual calendars for awareness and action. Catholic Climate Covenant is joining with the Earth Day Network in its commemoration of Earth Day and lifting up the urgent need for “Climate Action”. Laudato Si’ Anniversary: This year also marks the fifth anniversary of Pope Francis’ encyclical letter, Laudato Si’: On Care for Our Common Home. The anniversary will be marked between Laudato Si’ week (May 16-May 24) and June 18th (the date of the encyclical’s publication). In Laudato Si’, Pope Francis calls on the world to “dialogue about how we are shaping the future of our planet”. This program is a critical part of that dialogue. Though designed to commemorate these two anniversaries, please feel free to use the program at a time that is convenient.
Earth Day at 50/Laudato Si’ at 5: An Urgent Appeal for Action
As the world is forced to adjust to the “new normal” created by the Covid-19 pandemic, Covenant staff has adjusted plans for commemorating the 50th anniversary of Earth Day and the 5th anniversary of Laudato Si’. We now offer you a REVISED Earth Day 2020 program, “Earth Day at 50/Laudato Si’ at 5: An Urgent Appeal for Action”! Originally created for use by groups in parishes, schools, and religious communities, the REVISED version is designed for use by individuals, families, and online groups.
In this hour-long program, you will have an opportunity to pray, learn, discuss, and take concrete actions, as individuals on behalf of God’s creation. Commemoration of two anniversaries: Earth Day: April 22, 2020 marks the 50th anniversary of Earth Day. Catholic Climate Covenant’s 2020 Earth Day program focuses on the urgent need for climate action. It is designed to help the U.S. Catholic community commemorate the 50thanniversary of Earth Day, a secular celebration that many faith communities have incorporated into their annual calendars for awareness and action. Catholic Climate Covenant is joining with the Earth Day Network in its commemoration of Earth Day and lifting up the urgent need for “Climate Action”. Laudato Si’ Anniversary: This year also marks the fifth anniversary of Pope Francis’ encyclical letter, Laudato Si’: On Care for Our Common Home. The anniversary will be marked between Laudato Si’ week (May 16-May 24) and June 18th (the date of the encyclical’s publication). In Laudato Si’, Pope Francis calls on the world to “dialogue about how we are shaping the future of our planet”. This program is a critical part of that dialogue. Though designed to commemorate these two anniversaries, please feel free to use the program at a time that is convenient.
8.
Ecological Examen
Pope Francis has reminded us that everything is connected in God’s Creation, and we must be aware of the bigger picture and the connections that bind us closely to each other and our common home. The pope emphasizes all elements of ecology: environmental, economic, social, cultural, behavioral, and structural.
“‘The environment is part of a logic of receptivity. It is on loan to each generation, which must then hand it on to the next.’ An integral ecology is marked by this broader vision.” ﹣Pope Francis, Laudato Si’, 2015, #159.
Use this two minute guided prayer to express gratitude for the gifts of creation and to reflect on where we have fallen short in our call to care for creation and, therefore, our sisters and brothers around the world.
https://educationforjustice.org/resource/ecological-examen/
Ecological Examen
Pope Francis has reminded us that everything is connected in God’s Creation, and we must be aware of the bigger picture and the connections that bind us closely to each other and our common home. The pope emphasizes all elements of ecology: environmental, economic, social, cultural, behavioral, and structural.
“‘The environment is part of a logic of receptivity. It is on loan to each generation, which must then hand it on to the next.’ An integral ecology is marked by this broader vision.” ﹣Pope Francis, Laudato Si’, 2015, #159.
Use this two minute guided prayer to express gratitude for the gifts of creation and to reflect on where we have fallen short in our call to care for creation and, therefore, our sisters and brothers around the world.
https://educationforjustice.org/resource/ecological-examen/
9.
A Reflection: Catholic Social Tradition, the Environment, and the Option for the Poor
This reflection discusses environmental ethics and the option for the poor and vulnerable within Catholic social tradition and identifies key Church documents that addressed the environmental concerns of the time in relation to human suffering. Reflection questions, actions, and a prayer are also included. Access the reflection here.
A Reflection: Catholic Social Tradition, the Environment, and the Option for the Poor
This reflection discusses environmental ethics and the option for the poor and vulnerable within Catholic social tradition and identifies key Church documents that addressed the environmental concerns of the time in relation to human suffering. Reflection questions, actions, and a prayer are also included. Access the reflection here.
10.
OFM Study Guide on ‘Laudato Si’
THE CRY OF THE EARTH AND THE CRIES OF THE POOR
An OFM Study Guide on the Care of Creation
The resource booklet arises from an urgent concern that the Cry of the Earth and the Cries of the Poor are being disregarded and that, as Franciscans, we must be partners in dialogue, making our specific contribution to the healing of our world, and of the people who live in it. It includes and introduction by Minister General Michael Perry. To view the study guide in English or Spanish, click the links below:
The Cry of the Earth and the Cries of the Poor
El Clamor de la Tierra y el Grito de los Pobres
“But ask the animals and they will teach you,
or the birds of the sky and they will tell you.
Or speak to the earth and it will teach you,
or let the fish of the sea declare to you.
Which of all these does not know that the hand of the Lord has done this,
in whose hand is the life of every creature
and the breath of all the human race?” (Job 12:7-10)
In these lyrical phrases, the Book of Job exhorts the human person to be open and ready to be taught by animals, birds, fish, and indeed, the earth itself. It is a passage that resonates with people of goodwill, and in particular with those who have been touched by the wonderful richness of the Franciscan tradition.
To read the full text of Laudato Si, click here.