Care for God's Creation

The more we know about Catholic Social teaching, the more equipped we are to express our catholic faith in powerful ways. We hope you’ve enjoyed learning more about the seven themes of Catholic Social teaching over the last few weeks. The Service & Justice Commission will try to create opportunities to put your faith into action in the upcoming year.

Theme 7: Care for God’s Creation

What is the Church’s official teaching on care for God’s Creation? According to the USCCB, “We show our respect for the Creator by our stewardship of creation. Care for the earth is not just an Earth Day slogan, it is a requirement of our faith. We are called to protect people and the planet, living our faith in relationship with all of God’s creation. This environmental challenge has fundamental moral and ethical dimensions that cannot be ignored.”

Catholic social teaching associated with care for creation is concerned with a broad range of current events including global warming and climate change. Specifically, in June, the U. S. Bishop’s Chairman expressed regret that the President withdrew from the Paris Agreement saying, “The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), along with Pope Francis and the entire Catholic Church, have consistently upheld the Paris agreement as an important international mechanism to promote environmental stewardship and encourage climate change mitigation. The President's decision not to honor the U.S. commitment to the Paris agreement is deeply troubling.”

Additionally, Catholics we are also challenged to be mindful of the ways climate change affects the poorest of the poor, whose ability to survive is based on living off the land, which is most vulnerable to being impacted by global warming.

One saint, who worked tirelessly to care for the environment is St. Isidore the Farmer. He was known for great concern for the proper treatment of animals and his love of the poor, who he found ways to miraculously supply with food.

To get involved, check out some of these local organizations, whose mission is to care for the environment.

Living Lands and Waters

River Action

Quad City Audubon Society

Whether looking into solar power, eating clean or taking time to recycle; we encourage you to look for simple ways to care for the environment today as a powerful way to practice your Catholic faith! Thank you and God bless.

Prayer To Care For Our Common Home:

(from the USCCB is based on Pope Francis' Laudato Si': On Care for Our Common Home)

Father of all, Creator and ruler of the universe, You entrusted your world to us as a gift. Help us to care for it and all people, that we may live in right relationship-- with You, with ourselves, with one another, and with creation. Christ our Lord, both divine and human, You lived among us and died for our sins. Help us to imitate your love for the human family by recognizing that we are all connected— to our brothers and sisters around the world, to those in poverty impacted by environmental devastation, and to future generations. Holy Spirit, giver of wisdom and love, You breathe life in us and guide us. Help us to live according to your vision, stirring to action the hearts of all— individuals and families, communities of faith, and civil and political leaders. Triune God, help us to hear the cry of those in poverty, and the cry of the earth, so that we may together care for our common home. Amen.

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