After a hiatus of over 12 months, Catholic Earthcare is now fully operational with a new Director, Bernard Holland.
Due acknowledgement must be given to our previous Director, Jacqui Remond, for her years of quality engagement work across Australia, inspirational animator courses, and the significant NEEN project, and last but not least, the profound contribution Jacqui had and is still having towards the Global Catholic Climate Movement.
Vision for the Future
The re-boot of Catholic Earthcare will see the re-establishment of the network and an evaluation of its needs. Contact lists are being collated into a database and communications established once again across the network.
With the Plenary decision to downsize the number of Bishop Commissions from 14 to 8, Catholic Earthcare is now incorporated under the umbrella of the Caritas National Council which reports to the Bishops Commission for Social Justice.
The distinctive Catholic Earthcare brand and identity have been retained and the Director operates with a high degree of autonomy with the added bonus of being part of Caritas Australia.
The Advisory Group which formed for just one meeting in early 2017 is being reconstituted as a Reference Group responsible for supporting the Director on matters of planning and program management.
You are encouraged, if you have not already done so, to log your contact details through this survey:
Transforming Parish Communities
On Saturday 15 September, more than 30 people from 12 parishes gathered at St Francis Xavier and St Clare combined Parish of Greater Box Hill to share ways parishes might respond to Pope Francis’s encyclical Laudato Sí
Fr Tony Kerin, Parish Priest, hosted the forum jointly with Catholic Social Services.
Fr Joe McKay OFM and three students Cosmas, Gerald and Nelson led us in liturgical celebration and thanksgiving.
Pat Long, took us to the heart of the encyclical, while Sr Bernadette Keating PBVM, led “Laudato Sí A workshop on personal and parish engagement”
Bernard Holland, Director of Catholic Earthcare Australia also spoke about his role.
Denis Fitzgerald, Catholic Social Services concluded the forum by exploring the external supports that may be helpful to parishes.
Everyone attending rated the forum very highly, and agreed the forum should become an annual event.
Resources
OUR COMMON HOME : Caritas Resources
Caritas Australia has been developing justice resources for parishes and schools for quite some time with a sample linked below. You are encouraged to us these for discussion groups and program implementation in parishes, school and workplaces.
Global Healing
A resource for parish Discussion
Global Healing is designed primarily as an easy to run parish/group event although Individuals will benefit too.
The event should Ideally begin with an ‘international shared supper’ hosted by the different cultures in the parish (it would be a very positive statement if the ingredients were as ecologically friendly as possible).
Cafe-style tables with cloths, flower and a glass of wine would make a welcoming environment.
After the supper (or lunch) there are three short film clips (between 12-15 minutes each).
Following the first two clips are on-screen questions for table discussion and the third clip could finish with a prayer from Laudato Si Pope Francis.
There are optional additional events – Event 2 – Screening of the Film ‘Before the flood’ and Event 3 – Practical Responses
‘Joined-up thinking’ the go forward for new Catholic Earthcare Director
By Matthew Lau eRecord
Building on the ecological work already underway within each diocese, the new Director of Catholic Earthcare Australia has pledged to act as a conduit for the good of Our Common Home
Photo: Nicole Clements/Caritas Australia.
Bernard Holland brings a wealth of experience from both Catholic education and environmental organisations to the Sydney- based office, and aims for the Church to operate with a lower environmental footprint.
Ecological agency Catholic Earthcare functions as its own organisational identity under the auspices of Caritas Australia.
Mr Holland has begun engaging with Australia’s Catholic community to promote awareness and action based on the principles of Laudato Si, Pope Francis’ 2015 encyclical.
Catholic Earthcare’s new lDirector– who is qualified in religious education and business administration – was a school principal for two decades in Qld and NSW, was Director of the international EcoSchools program.
As there was a considerable period of hiatus in the role prior to his appointment, Mr Holland’s initial focus is to cultivate links across the Catholic Earthcare network as well as learning about the work of many Catholic dioceses and agencies specific to this area.
He is reaching out to Catholic agencies or individuals to share Catholic Earth-care’s focus on living our Laudato Si through Tree of Life activities which sup-port Pope Francis’ call for urgent action against the injustice of climate change and the ecological crisis, to protect the poor and future generations.
Earthcare at Youth Ministry Convention
An amazing and very professionally organised Australian Youth Ministry Convention was held 21-23rd of September at Rooty Hill RSL.
Catholic Earthcare joined with other Catholic Social Justice agencies to present on our mission of Caring for Our Common Home.
Catholic Earthcare Director, Bernard Holland threw red heart shaped squeeze balls to the gathering to underline the Franciscan theological aspects of Laudato Si, highlighting that we need to focus on Caring for Our Common Home “Ex Amore” …out of love.
The Convention hosted over 350 youth ministry leaders from across the nation from Parishes, schools and movements.
