Interested in doing site assessments, creating long term plans, expanding on your existing sustainable actions or hosting programs/small groups to better understand the Church’s social teachings?
The Creation Care Commission along with Catholic Charities Social Concerns Ministry is happy to go through assessments and planning for sustainability as well as faith formation for any parish, school, or religious group in the Archdiocese.
Practical topics covered include waste, water, energy, transportation and food while incorporating the principles of Catholic Social Teaching and points covered in Pope Francis’ 2015 encyclical Laudato Si’: On Care for Our Common Home.
Previous Programs / Participants
2023
During the summer of 2023, several parishes in the Archdiocese of Indianapolis took part in sustainability site assessments as part of a pilot program for the international Laudato Si’ Action Platform. Final report coming soon!
2020
2020 was a challenging time but St. Thomas the Apostle in Fortville participated virtually and completed their goals and assessments. Thanks to all who made this happen!
2019
The Archindy Creation Care Commission is happy to congratulate the parishes and schools who participated in the 2019 Living Laudato Si’ Sustainability Pilot Program!
- Holy Spirit Parish
- Our Lady of Lourdes Parish
- Scecina Memorial High School
- St. Mary Parish (Indianapolis)
- St. Matthew Parish
Over the course of the summer of 2019, these groups participated in long-term sustainability planning, conducted energy audits through IPL, and attended workshops and meetings to learn more about caring for creation and how to involve and excite their members.
Program Kickoff
A picnic program kickoff was held in May at the Benedict Inn. The program included a dinner, an icebreaker activity, a skit performed by members of the Creation Care Committee, and a Q&A session where attendees had the opportunity to ask detailed questions about the pilot program. Thank you to everyone who was able to attend!
Education Workshop
An interactive workshop was held at Our Lady of Lourdes for participants to learn about the basics of climate change and its impact on Indiana, Catholic Social Teaching on climate change, and best management/operational practices.
Workshop Documents
Climate Change in Indiana (mp4)
Best Operational Practices
Catholic Social Teaching Summary
Saving Energy in Sacred Spaces Workshop
An energy-focused workshop from Hoosier Interfaith Power and Light instructed by Ray Wilson. General topics covered were:
- Improving your building’s energy efficiency
- Living out your values by caring for creation
- Practicing what you preach about good stewardship
- Spending less on utilities and more on your mission
Those attending gained practical information about sealing the building envelope; maintaining and replacing HVAC equipment; using zoning and thermostats to slash energy waste; lighting technologies for various rooms; and detecting energy hogs in a building.
Concluding Celebration
The concluding celebration of our sustainability pilot program took place at Scecina Memorial High School. This was a wonderful opportunity to hear about the results of the pilot program and get a preview of the participants’ action plans as well.
