Parishes across the Archdiocese can mark the fifth anniversary of Laudato Si' by setting up an online reflection group to learn more about the encyclical.
Published by Pope Francis in 2015, it highlights how environmental damage impacts most greatly on the poor and that there must be social, economic and environmental justice to help care for "Our Common Home".
The Archdiocesan Caritas, Justice & Peace commission has set up a working group on Laudato Si' which is preparing ways to help raise awareness and celebrate the Pope's message.
One parish already involved in promoting the encyclical is Ss Ninian and Triduana in Edinburgh, which has set up a weekly online meeting over six weeks.
This programme of study is based on material from the Earthbeat section of the National Catholic Reporter, titled 'Digging into Laudato Si'.
Rab Burnett, a parishioner at SS Ninian & Triduana, helped put a version of the programme together and is encouraging people to become Laudato Si Animators. The role, highlighted by the Global Catholic Climate Movement, involves helping bring Laudato Si' to life in parish communities.
"I decided to become Laudato Si' Animator since I felt strongly that as a follower of Jesus, responding to 'the cry of the earth and the cry of the poor' is the fundamental challenge for the Church and indeed for all humankind. The programme helped me to gain new insights into the climate challenge and how it is impacting on the poor and then, based on prayer and discernment, seek ways to take action."
Fr Basil Clark, Vicar Episcopal for Caritas, Justice & Peace, has been highlighting the encyclical's anniversary year (24 May 2020- 24 May 2021) to priests in our diocese and has shared the anniversary year programme with them.