Caritas Australia has launched a practical guide to support Catholic parishes, organisations, schools, individuals, and households across Australia to develop their own Laudato Si’ Action Plan.

The guide is a new offering as part of Caritas Australia’s Catholic Earthcare program and outlines a 4-step cycle of self-assessment, reflection, planning and action that complements the global Laudato Si’ Action Platform.

As well as the Guide, Caritas Australia’s Earthcare specialists can provide ongoing support to Caritas Australia’s Earthcare Parishes and Schools and organisations, and fosters a network of support amongst them.

Bishop Vincent Long, Chair, Bishops Commission for Social Justice, Mission and Service has endorsed Catholic Earthcare programs:

“The Australian Bishops are pleased to endorse Caritas Australia’s leadership of our collective action towards ecological justice. Its long-running Catholic Earthcare Program provides specialist support and hosts dedicated communities for Catholic individuals, households, schools, parishes and organisations throughout Australia. This means that Catholic Earthcare is well-placed to accompany us as we each join the worldwide Laudato Si’ Action Platform and develop and implement our various Laudato Si’ Action Plans.”

The Guide was officially launched on 4 September to align with the Season of Creation, a worldwide, ecumenical movement that celebrates God’s gift of our common home. This year, the theme for the Season of Creation is 'Let Justice and Peace Flow'. Drawing on the river imagery described in Amos 5:24, it challenges us to act for ecological justice, creating change and speaking out with communities most impacted by rising sea levels, biodiversity losses and other consequences of climate injustice.

"At Caritas Australia, we believe that collective action is key to addressing today's environmental challenges. Through our Australian Guide to Laudato Si' Action Planning and with the support of the Catholic Earthcare Community, we invite everyone to embrace Pope Francis's call for ecological conversion and forging networks of mutual support. Together, as one global community, we can sow the seeds of hope and cultivate a more sustainable, harmonious world for all."

– Kirsty Robertson, CEO, Caritas Australia.

To join the Catholic Earthcare Community and receive your free Australian Guide to Laudato Si’ Action Planning visit: www.caritas.org.au/LSAP-Guide.

To learn more about Catholic Earthcare visit: www.caritas.org.au/catholic-earthcare.