Laudato Si’ Week:
10 Concrete Ways to Care for Our Common Home
“Hope would have us recognize that there is always a way out… that we can always do something.” — Laudato Si’, 61
Read Related Article: Laudato Si’ Action Platform
Each year, Laudato Si’ Week invites Catholics around the world to turn prayer into action for our common home. Inspired by Pope Francis and his encyclical Laudato Si’: On Care for Our Common Home, this global movement encourages individuals, parishes, schools, and communities to take meaningful steps toward caring for Creation and one another.
As Franciscans inspired by St. Francis of Assisi, we recognize that even small acts of care can become signs of hope. During Laudato Si’ Week, consider choosing one concrete action that helps protect Earth, support vulnerable communities, and strengthen our shared commitment to integral ecology.
1. Reduce Energy Use
Look for simple ways to conserve energy at home, in parish spaces, or within your community. Turning off unnecessary lights, adjusting heating or cooling, or committing to reduce electricity use over the next month are meaningful first steps.
2. Restore Local Nature
Plant native flowers or trees, create a pollinator garden, or replace part of a lawn with native plants. Even small restoration efforts can nurture biodiversity and bring beauty to shared spaces.
3. Support Vulnerable Communities
Care for Creation also means caring for people most affected by environmental harm and poverty. Volunteer with a local service organization, support a food pantry, or contribute to disaster relief efforts.
4. Open Spaces for Community Use
Consider how parish, school, or community spaces can serve others. Hosting tutoring programs, support groups, or local organizations can strengthen community connections and outreach.
5. Support Local and Ethical Businesses
Choose products and food from local farmers, cooperatives, and businesses committed to ethical and sustainable practices. Our purchasing choices help shape a more just economy.
6. Review Everyday Purchasing Habits
Communities and institutions can begin exploring more sustainable purchasing decisions by reducing waste, choosing recycled materials, or supporting environmentally responsible suppliers.
7. Reduce Plastic and Waste
Switch to reusable cups, plates, and water bottles whenever possible. Adding recycling stations or reducing single-use plastics at events can make a lasting impact over time.
8. Share a Plant-Forward Meal
Food choices connect us to care for Earth and one another. Consider trying a vegetarian meal, participating in meat-free Fridays, or sharing recipes rooted in local traditions.
9. Create Space for Conversation
Gather together to reflect on care for Creation through discussion groups, classroom activities, or shared readings from Laudato Si’. Education and dialogue help deepen ecological awareness.
10. Pray for Creation
Include prayers for creation in liturgies, organize an outdoor prayer service, or reflect quietly in nature. Prayer reminds us that caring for Earth is a spiritual responsibility rooted in gratitude and hope.
During Laudato Si’ Week, we are reminded that meaningful change does not begin with perfection — it begins with participation. Every small action, rooted in faith and love, becomes part of a larger movement of healing for our beautiful and wounded world.
