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Laudato Si Resource Center

 Caring for Creation Through Catholic Stewardship

Laudato Si invites us to recognize God's gifts, care for creation, and serve future generations through practical, faith-filled stewardship.

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What is Laudato Si?

In 2015, Pope Francis published Laudato Si’, a letter to the Church and the world about our relationship with God, one another, and creation. The title comes from the words of St. Francis of Assisi, who praised God for the gift of creation and called the earth our common home.

At its heart, Laudato Si’ is an invitation to gratitude and stewardship.

As Catholics, we believe that everything we have is a gift from God. Our time, talents, material blessings, relationships, and even the world around us are entrusted to our care. Because these gifts come from God, we are called to use them wisely and responsibly.

This understanding is not new. It is rooted in Scripture and has always been part of Christian stewardship.

In southwest Kansas, many people already practice this kind of stewardship every day. Farmers care for the land. Families work to avoid waste. Communities conserve water and think about future generations. These actions reflect a recognition that what we have today is a gift to be cared for and passed on.

Laudato Si’ invites us to see care for creation as one expression of discipleship. It reminds us that the choices we make—large and small—affect our neighbors, our communities, and future generations.

The Diocese of Dodge City approaches Laudato Si’ through the lens of stewardship. We are not asking parishes to adopt complicated programs or costly initiatives. Rather, we encourage practical, local, and sustainable actions that reflect gratitude for God's gifts and concern for the common good.

Whether it is conserving water, reducing waste, improving energy efficiency, planting trees, maintaining parish grounds, or teaching future generations to be grateful for creation, these simple actions can become meaningful expressions of faith.

Ultimately, Laudato Si’ is not about environmental programs. It is about recognizing that all of creation is a gift from God and responding with gratitude, responsibility, and love.

Care for Creation is Part of Stewardship

Stewardship begins with gratitude. Because all we have comes from God, we are called to care for our families, communities, parish resources, and the natural world entrusted to us.

The Diocese of Dodge City Approach ~ Practical. Local. Sustainable.

The Diocese encourages simple actions that:

  • Respect local realities. There are areas in the Diocese of Dodge City where water conservation is necessary. A parish can lead by creating a conservation plan and supporting families in the same endeavor.
  • Save resources. Not only does a Laudato Si plan make good sense for water conservation, recycling, and saving electricity, practically speaking, making an effort to conserve resources affects the bottom line on each balance sheet. A welcome byproduct when costs for insurance and utilities continue to rise.
  • Strengthen parish life. Laudato Si efforts build community. This can be through planting trees, maintaining gardens,  or even community gardens. 
  • Support future generations. It is the goal of each parent to pass on a world better than we have received it. Living a Laudato Si plan passes on a healthy, vibrant planet all the while living the gospel. We will teach the gospel by living it. 

We are not asking parishes to do everything. We are encouraging each parish to take reasonable steps that fit its circumstances.

Parish Action Toolkit:

Easy First Steps

  • Reusable cups and tableware
  • LED lighting
  • Water conservation
  • Recycling
  • Programmable thermostats

Intermediate Projects

  • Parish gardens
  • Tree planting
  • Pollinator areas
  • Energy audits

Long-Term Projects

  • Solar feasibility studies
  • Major efficiency upgrades
  • Water management improvements
Laudato Si Goals
  1. Response to the Cry of the Earth - Protecting God's creation through responsible use of resources.
  2. Response to the Cry of the Poor - Supporting those most affected by environmental and economic challenges.
  3. Ecological Economics - Using resources wisely and avoiding waste.
  4. Sustainable Lifestyles - Making thoughtful daily choices.
  5. Ecological Education - Learning how faith and stewardship connect.
  6. Ecological Spirituality - Growing closer to God through creation.
  7. Community Involvement - Working together for the common good

Deeper study of the seven goals here.

Resources

Parish Leaders

Parishioners

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this political?

No. Our approach is rooted in Catholic teaching and stewardship.

Do we have to do everything?

No. Each parish responds according to its circumstances.

Does this cost money?

Many recommended actions save money or require little investment. In many cases, parishes have implemented activities directly related to Laudato Si. 

How does this relate to stewardship?

Stewardship recognizes that all we have is a gift from God, including creation. Read: Stewardship, A Disciple's Response

Prayer and Reflection

 Stewardship in Southwest Kansas