General
Examples of Laudato Si Activities in Dioceses
Examples of Laudato Si’ Activities in Dioceses
The following are examples of activities to implement Laudato Si’ that are already happening in dioceses around the country.
Laudato Si' Action Plan: 32 U.S. dioceses have adopted or are developing a Laudato Si’ Action Plan focused on seven goals identified by the Dicastery for Integral Human Development. Each plan is unique and tailored to local needs. Examples include Atlanta, Chicago, Cincinnati, Davenport, Lexington, Kansas City-St. Joseph, San Diego, San Jose, and Seattle.
Laudato Si’ Pilgrimage: Some dioceses are implementing a pilgrimage, which can help engage young people. The Archdiocese of San Antonio is leading an 8-mile, 2025 Care for Creation Pilgrimage on May 24th. See this video of their 2022 pilgrimage led by Archbishop Garcia-Siller. The Archdiocese of Seattle included faith sharing and a trash cleanup pilgrimage at their Earth Day Summit with Seattle University.
Season of Creation (Sept. 1-Oct. 4): The World Day of Prayer for Creation begins the Season of Creation; this year’s theme is “Peace with Creation.” In 2024, the Archdiocese of Indianapolis created a webpage dedicated to the Season of Creation featuring Laudato Si’ activities, liturgical celebrations, bulletin inserts, and other resources for parishes.
Fast from Meat: The Archdiocese of Boston’s Laudato Si’ Action Plan offers the idea of Meatless Fridays or Mondays all-year-round as an activity which, in addition to spiritual benefits, is also good for the planet.
Formation on Laudato Si’: Many dioceses use the USCCB guide to introduce Catholics to this important encyclical. The Minnesota Catholic Conference created a localized study guide and materials to help Catholics in Minnesota consider how their faith calls them to care for our common home.
Advocacy to Advance Integral Ecology: Catholics can participate in federal advocacy to care for creation. Local advocacy is also important. As part of their Laudato Si’ Action Plan, the Diocese of Kansas City-St Joseph is supplementing prayer and education efforts with opportunities for Catholics to advocate with the Missouri Catholic Conference.
Clean Energy/Efficiency Assessments: In partnership with the Catholic Climate Covenant and a Victory Knoll grant, the Archdiocese of Omaha, the Diocese of Fort Wayne-South Bend, and the Diocese of Gary are conducting baseline carbon emissions assessments and providing net zero emissions pathways for 800 buildings. In addition, Catholic Energies can help dioceses transition to solar and improve efficiency.
Collaborate with CCHD, Catholic Charities and CRS: Dioceses can work with organizations funded by the Catholic Campaign for Human Development, such as the South Baltimore Community Land Trust (Archdiocese of Baltimore) which creates quality, zero waste affordable housing. Catholic Charities Brooklyn and Queens implements community gardening. The CRS chapter in the Diocese of San Diego helps Catholics advocate and support our brothers and sisters impacted by environmental challenges.