Care for God's Creation

Pope Benedict XVI taught that “The Church has a responsibility towards creation and she must assert this responsibility in the public sphere. In so doing, she must defend not only earth, water and air as gifts of creation that belong to everyone.”^[1] Pope Francis calls for “a conversation which includes everyone, since the environmental challenge we are undergoing, and its human roots, concern and affect us all.”^[2]

In responding to the call to care for the earth the Bishops in SA asked, “school communities to respond to the challenge presented by ‘On Holy Ground.’ This ecological vision document encompasses all aspects of Catholic education, from the classroom curriculum to the ethical use of resources. It provides opportunities for communities to be active participants in the call to care for the earth.”^[3]

See (recognising the reality of a situation)

What are our successes here at school that show our commitment to care for the earth?

Where might there be gaps?

Judge (reflecting in light of our faith)

One of the Psalms in the Bible says: “The sea and dry land belong to God, who made them, formed them by hand. Enter, let us bow down in worship; let us kneel before the LORD who made us. For he is our God, we are the people he shepherds, the sheep in his hands...Oh, that today you would hear his voice: Do not harden your hearts…" ^[4]

Where might our hearts be hardened when have a “conversation” on care for the earth?

Act (discerning a response)

What steps might you and or the board take to increase a commitment to care for the earth?

Conduct an audit to identify areas and activities of the school that do and do not reflect the beauty and integrity of creation?

Download this Powerpoint presentation (six slides) to assist your board deepen its understanding of how your school can help care for God's creation.