Hope would have us recognize that there is always a way out… that we can always do something.”
Laudato Si’, 61
Laudato Si’ Week is a global moment when Catholics turn hope into action for our common home. Whether you are an individual, parish, school, religious community, or institution, you are invited to take one concrete step for integral ecology and make it count through the Laudato Si’ Action Platform.
Choose one action that fits your context and begin this week!
Responding to the Cry of the Earth
1. Reduce your community’s energy use this week
Identify one immediate way to reduce energy consumption. Examples:
• Turn off unnecessary lighting in unused spaces • Adjust heating or cooling slightly • Launch a commitment to reduce electricity use for the next month
Parishes, schools, and institutions can begin reviewing energy usage and setting a reduction goal.
2. Restore local biodiversity
Organize a small ecological restoration effort.Examples:
• Plant native trees or pollinator gardens • Replace sections of lawn with native plants • Invite parishioners or students to plant together
Even a small garden can become a sign of ecological renewal.
Responding to the Cry of the Poor
3. Support a community affected by poverty or environmental harm
Identify a concrete act of solidarity. Examples:
• Partner with a local charity serving vulnerable families • Organize a parish collection for communities affected by environmental disasters • Volunteer time with a local service organization
Integral ecology always includes care for people most affected by the ecological crisis.
4. Open parish or institutional spaces to serve the community
Look for unused spaces that could support those in need. Examples:
• Offer meeting space to local service organizations • Host a free tutoring or digital access space • Provide gathering space for community groups
Sometimes the most powerful action is simply opening the doors of the Church.
Ecological Economics
5. Support local and ethical producers
During Laudato Si’ Week, commit to supporting businesses that promote human dignity and care for creation. Examples:
• Buy food from local farmers or cooperatives • Organize a parish market featuring local producers • Encourage parish or school purchasing policies that prioritize ethical suppliers
Economic choices shape the world we live in.
6. Review investments and purchasing policies
Institutions and communities can begin examining whether financial decisions support or harm creation. Examples:
• Begin exploring fossil fuel divestment
• Review suppliers for environmental responsibility • Commit to purchasing recycled or sustainable materials where possible
Even beginning this conversation is an important step.
Adoption of Sustainable Lifestyles
7. Reduce plastic and waste in your community
Conduct a simple audit of single-use plastics. Examples:
• Replace disposable cups and plates at parish events • Encourage reusable water bottles • Introduce recycling stations in community spaces
Small habit changes can quickly reduce waste.
8. Try a plant-forward meal
Food choices affect both people and the planet. Examples:
• Organize a vegetarian parish meal • Encourage meat-free Fridays during Laudato Si’ Week • Share plant-based recipes rooted in local traditions
This simple action connects personal habits to global ecological care.
Ecological Education
9. Host a Laudato Si’ conversation
Create a space to reflect together. Examples:
• Read a short passage from Laudato Si’ after Mass • Organize a discussion group or school classroom activity • Invite youth to share ecological initiatives
Education is a key path toward ecological conversion.
Ecological Spirituality and Community Empowerment
10. Pray and witness publicly for creation
Let prayer inspire action. Examples:
• Include prayers for creation in Mass or community gatherings • Organize a Laudato Si’ prayer service outdoors • Share your community’s ecological action through parish communications
Faith communities can be powerful witnesses of hope.
Make Your Action Count
Once you have chosen your action, mark it on the Laudato Si’ Action Platform so it becomes part of the Church’s shared ecological response. Your step joins thousands of others across the world.
During Laudato Si’ Week: Take one concrete action for integral ecology and make it count through the Laudato Si’ Action Platform.
