Laudato Si Action Planning Held at Archdiocese of Atlanta Chancery
Members of Care and Creation Teamas and the Laudato Si Initiative join together for the annual photo
On Thursday, March 13th, members of the Laudato Si’ Initiative (LSI) leadership and Care and Creation Teams from across the Archdiocese of Atlanta gathered at the chancery for a day of collaboration, reflection, and planning for the year ahead. The gathering was an opportunity not only to share updates on local parish and school efforts but also to strengthen relationships and renew our collective commitment to caring for God’s creation.
Throughout the day, a spirit of fellowship and shared mission was evident as participants exchanged ideas, successes, and challenges from their communities.
Key Discussion Topics
Sharing Parish and School Updates: Teams shared inspiring updates on their efforts to reduce energy use, conserve water, and minimize waste. From small steps to major initiatives, it was clear that Catholic communities across the Archdiocese are finding creative ways to live out Pope Francis’s call in Laudato Si’ to care for our common home.
Building Stronger Care and Creation Teams: Attendees discussed strategies to grow and sustain active teams, including how to recruit new members and engage parish leadership. These conversations emphasized the importance of building inclusive teams that reflect the diversity of our parishes.
A Word of Encouragement from Bishop Ned: The Most Rev. Bishop Bernard E. “Ned” Shlesinger III offered words of encouragement and guidance on engaging clergy in Care and Creation efforts. His support reinforced the importance of integrating creation care into the broader life of the Church.
Educational Resources: Breakout sessions provided a space to review and reflect on educational materials, discussing how to make them accessible and relevant to different parish and school contexts.
Brainstorming for the Future: A facilitated brainstorming session, led by Ruthie Yow of the Georgia Tech Center for Sustainable Communities Research and Education, invited participants to think creatively about opportunities for the coming year—from expanding educational efforts to launching new projects that address pressing environmental and social challenges.
Setting Goals for the LSI 2025 Plan: Together, participants began shaping goals for the Laudato Si’ Initiative Plan for 2025, focusing on how to continue growing the movement for environmental justice and ecological conversion within our Catholic communities.
Looking Ahead
The day concluded with a renewed sense of hope and purpose. As we look toward 2025, the Laudato Si’ Initiative will continue to focus on supporting parishes and schools, engaging clergy and lay leaders, and advocating for a more just and sustainable world—all rooted in our faith and Catholic social teaching.
We are grateful to all who participated and look forward to continuing this vital work together. Stay tuned for more updates on the LSI 2025 Plan and ways to get involved!
