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Laudato Si' Animators | Organisation Good News
Across the Diocese more people are discovering how the message of Laudato Si’ can be lived out in practical ways within our 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 landmark 2015 encyclical Laudato Si’, Pope Francis reflected on the interconnected social and environmental challenges facing our world. He reminded us that the cry of the Earth and the cry of the poor cannot be separated, and called for an "ecological conversion" that renews our relationship with God, one another, and our common home.
Following the release of the document, the global Laudato Si’ Movement was established to help Catholics respond to this call. Through an online formation programme, participants explore the themes of Laudato Si’, developing a deeper spirituality rooted in creation, learning how to live more simply, and discovering ways to advocate for justice and sustainability. Those who complete the programme become Laudato Si’ Animators, equipped with resources, ideas and support to inspire action within their own communities.
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, two parishioners established a Laudato Si’ Circle known in the parish as the "Our Common Home" group. The group meets each month, beginning with prayer and reflection before planning projects and initiatives that help the parish live out the values of Laudato Si’ throughout the course of the year.
The group has built strong partnerships with organisations including CAFOD, Caritas and local Christian communities. Together, they have found creative ways to put faith into action and encourage others to do the same.
Since forming their Our Common Home group in 2021, Mary and Peter have helped their parish put faith into action in a wide variety of ways. The group has achieved CAFOD’s LiveSimply Award, organised creation walks and fundraising initiatives such as the Big Lent Walk, created a wildlife-friendly prayer garden, and supported efforts to improve the parish’s environmental sustainability through an energy audit and the installation of solar panels. They have also promoted social justice through campaigning, meeting with MPs, information evenings, and support for CAFOD initiatives, while coordinating appeals for food banks, refugees, people experiencing homelessness and families in need. Alongside these practical projects, the group has encouraged prayer and reflection through ecumenical services, prayer stations in their parish, newsletter resources and events during the Season of Creation, helping parishioners connect care for creation with care for their neighbours.
The example set by these Laudato Si’ Animators is tht you do not need to be experts in environmental science or social policy. Instead, they are people of faith who are willing to learn, pray and organise together. Being a Laudato Si’ Animator is about far more than environmental awareness.
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 within the parish community.
As the Church continues to respond to the challenges facing our world, Laudato Si’ Animators play an increasingly important role in helping parishes become places where faith, creation and social justice are woven together.
If you're interested in becoming a Laudato Si' Animator, consider joining their formation programme - complete with 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.
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