As a Common Grace community, we welcome Pope Francis’s call to care for God’s earth. Whether we come from the Catholic tradition or not, we celebrate his Christian leadership on this most critical justice issue of our time.
To support our Catholic brothers and sisters, and in witness to our unity as the body of Christ in Australia, would you take the time to encourage your local Catholic community?
You will need:
1. To find your local Catholic community: Use this website - the search tool on the right hand side of the page (Search by Location) and enter your postcode. The name of your local Priest will appear.
2. To choose a card or some nice paper to write on. We've prepared a downloadable card that you can print and write a personal message on, or just write your own hand written letter or card. PDF in black & white is here. PDF in colour is here.
3. Get writing! for those who feel a little daunted by what to write, here’s some tips and a sample letter suggestion from Byron and Bill on our Climate Justice team.
4. Get walking - drop your letter into your local community over this weekend to highlight your enthusiasm for the Pope's Encyclical!
Let us know if you’re in by signing on the right!
You can find out more about the Encyclical below.
Want to read the Encyclical for yourself? Have a look here.
Want to get more of an overview on what is an Encyclical and what it says? Have a look at Catholic Earthcare's Resources here.
The Encyclical ends with a moving prayer written by the Pope - you can find it in full form below.
A Christian prayer in union with creation
Father, we praise you with all your creatures.
They came forth from your all-powerful hand;
they are yours, filled with your presence and your tender love.
Praise be to you!
Son of God, Jesus,
through you all things were made.
You were formed in the womb of Mary our Mother,
you became part of this earth,
and you gazed upon this world with human eyes.
Today you are alive in every creature
in your risen glory.
Praise be to you!
Holy Spirit, by your light
you guide this world towards the Father’s love
and accompany creation as it groans in travail.
You also dwell in our hearts
and you inspire us to do what is good.
Praise be to you!
Triune Lord, wondrous community of infinite love,
teach us to contemplate you
in the beauty of the universe,
for all things speak of you.
Awaken our praise and thankfulness
for every being that you have made.
Give us the grace to feel profoundly joined
to everything that is.
God of love, show us our place in this world
as channels of your love
for all the creatures of this earth,
for not one of them is forgotten in your sight.
Enlighten those who possess power and money
that they may avoid the sin of indifference,
that they may love the common good, advance the weak,
and care for this world in which we live.
The poor and the earth are crying out.
O Lord, seize us with your power and light,
help us to protect all life,
to prepare for a better future,
for the coming of your Kingdom
of justice, peace, love and beauty.
Praise be to you!
Amen.