Catholic Social Teaching Care for God’s Creation

Care for God's Creation The Church has produced numerous social encyclicals. Each letter reaffirms previous encyclicals whilst putting forward new principles and ideas reflecting the changing nature of society and the world. In more recent years in reading “signs of the times” it has turned its attention to care for God’s creation. In January 2001 St John Paul called us to an ‘ecological conversion’. What did he mean by this ecological conversion? Pope Francis suggests that we all need is an “ecological conversion”, whereby the effects of our encounter with Jesus Christ become evident in their relationship with the world around them. Living our vocation to be protectors of God’s handiwork is essential to a life of virtue; it is not an optional or a secondary aspect of our Christian experience. (217)1 Pope Benedict XVI believed ‘”The Church has a responsibility towards creation and she must assert this responsibility in the public sphere. In so doing, 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.”2

Care for God's creation and schools An education in ecological responsibility is urgent: responsibility for oneself, for others, and for the earth. This education cannot be rooted in mere sentiment or empty wishes. Its purpose cannot be ideological or political. It must not be based on a rejection of the modern world or a vague desire to return to some "paradise lost . Instead, a true education in responsibility entails a genuine conversion in ways of thought and behaviour. Churches and religious bodies, non-government and government organisations, indeed all members of society, have a precise role to play in such education. The first educator, however, is the family, where the child learns to respect his neighbour and to love nature.3

Responding to the call In responding to the call for education 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.” 4 In response Catholic Education South Australia has asked schools to demonstrate a commitment to ecological conversion and sustainability. 5

Scriptural reflection Come, let us sing joyfully to the LORD; cry out to the rock of our salvation. Let us come before him with a song of praise, joyfully sing out our psalms. For the LORD is the great God, the great king over all gods, Whose hand holds the depths of the earth; who owns the tops of the mountains. 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… [Psalm 95:1‑8]6

Doing theology See What are we doing as a school to to care for the earth and how are we providing an ethical framework for the community? What are our successes? Judge What is your current view on the idea of ecological conversion? “Oh, that today you would hear his voice: Do not harden your hearts…” where might our hearts be hardened when we consider ecological conversion? Act In considering our successes in this area, what might we do to enhance our commitment to care for the earth? What steps might you and or the board take to increase your understanding of ecological conversion? Conduct an audit to identify environmental areas of the school that do and do not reflect the beauty of creation?

References Caritas In Veritate [On Integral Human Development in Charity and Truth] 2009 Pope Benedict XVI, n.51 Laudato Si (On Care For Our Common Home) Pope Francis 2015, n.14 CESA, 2010, On Holy Ground: An ecological Vision for Catholic Education in South Australia Psalm 95:5-8a (The New American Bible, Revised Edition)