Across the Diocese of Brentwood, more people are discovering how the message of Laudato Si’, Pope Francis’ landmark 2015 encyclical, can be lived out in practical ways within parish communities. Laudato Si’ Animators across the country are there to help parishioners deepen their relationship with God, care for creation, and respond to the needs of the poorest and most vulnerable.

In his encyclical letter Laudato Si’, released in 2015, Pope Francis reflected on the interconnected social and environmental challenges facing our world – at the heart of which was a deeper spiritual crisis. He called for a spiritual, “ecological conversion” and urged us all to listen and respond to the ‘cry of the Earth’ and the ‘cry of the poor,’ which would renew our relationship with God and one another in our common home.

The global Laudato Si’ Movement was established as a response to the encyclical, with the goal of helping Catholics respond to this call. Through their online formation programme, participants explore the themes of Laudato Si’ and are equipped to become Laudato Si’ Animators. The programme involves developing a deeper spirituality rooted in creation, learning how to live more simply, and discovering ways to raise a prophetic voice for justice and sustainability.

Once the programme is completed, Animators have the resources, ideas and support to inspire action within their own communities. Although Animators are encouraged to promote ongoing ecological conversion within their own lives and communities, two moments in the year have particular emphasis: Laudato Si’ Week in May (which celebrates the launch of Laudato Si’) and the Season of Creation (1st September – 4th October).

One parish in the Diocese of Brentwood offers an inspiring example of what this can look like in practice. Following their own training in 2021, Mary and Peter Johnson from St Teresa of Lisieux in Lexden, established a Laudato Si’ Circle known as the “Our Common Home” group. Meeting monthly, the group is open to all and typically begins with prayer and reflection before they set about planning projects and initiatives that help the parish live out the values of Laudato Si’ throughout the year. Through these meetings, the group have developed links within our Diocese, as well as with CAFOD, Caritas, local churches and other charities supporting the vulnerable.

Over the past few years, the group has led a wide range of initiatives that have engaged parishioners of all ages. One of the first major steps they took for their parish was to seek the CAFOD LiveSimply Award, this allowed them to involve the wider parish community in a joint effort. They also ensure that the group focuses on the interior-side of an ecological conversion: they have monthly “creation walks” in the surrounding area, they created a Prayer Garden (complete with bee and butterfly-friendly planting), and they hold annual ecumenical prayer services during the Season of Creation too. Promoting social justice through meeting with their local MP, supporting CAFOD campaigns, as well as participating in Caritas Brentwood appeals such as our Reverse Advent Calendar or Lent Giving Calendar. Recently, they have taken up screening the People’s Emergency Briefing (click here for more info).

Would you consider becoming a Laudato Si’ Animator?

Laudato Si’ Animators do not need to be experts in environmental science or social policies. Instead, they are people of faith who are willing to learn and get involved. Whether it is planting flowers for pollinators, reducing energy use, supporting a local food bank, campaigning for justice, or creating opportunities for prayer and reflection, every action contributes to a culture of care for our common home within the parish community.

The Laudato Si’ Animator programme offers formation, resources and support for anyone who wants to deepen their understanding of Laudato Si’ and inspire positive action in their parish and local community. By becoming a Laudato Si’ Animator, you can join a growing network of Catholics working to respond to the cry of the Earth and the cry of the poor through prayer, education and action.

To find out more and register as a Laudato Si’ Animator, visit: https://laudatosianimators.org/