The language of Ecology (the science of environmental systems, their interconnectedness and interdependence) is easily apprehended by Catholics. We are familiar with the language of community, communion, mutuality, transformation.
Bringing Ecology and Faith together allows us to humbly go beyond a mere human focus and place ourselves within Earth itself. In the communal celebration of the Eucharist we profess our relationship and connectedness with each other in God. The bread and wine, "the fruits of the earth", call us to be the body of Christ to the world, to view all life as sacred. Such a faith position enables us to see the Earth as God’s first revelation, God’s gift to all, rather than seeing it from a position of power, domination and exploitation.
"The universe is a communion of subjects, not a collection of objects." (Thomas Berry)
eConnections Newsletter
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Explore the Columban eConnections newsletter archive featuring articles based on themes of Peace, Ecology and Justice. |
Enhance Newsletter
The Enhance Newsletter assists teachers to bring to life Laudato Si' the Pope's Environment Encyclical. It aims to link, educate and bring together the ecological vision for NSW Catholic schools as they join the NSW Sustainable Schools Community. The newsletter features a prayer and reflections on ecology, news on NSW and national events, stories about school activities, helpful links to significant organisations, celebrations and resources.
First published in 2007, Enhance was an eNewsletter written and edited by environmental educator, Sue Martin and published through the Columban Mission Institiute.
- Read the latest edition of Enhance Newsletter (Term 1, March 2017)
- Read Back Issues
Columban Resources
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Stations of Forests This prayerful resource laments the stages in the death of part of God’s Creation. It incorporates issues related to rainforest destruction: extractive industries, loss of biodiversity and climate change. |
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Lenten Reflection (Year A) - The Grace of Earth The Grace of Earth consists of six worksheets relating to the Gospel readings that focus on six aspects of Earth's life support systems: Atmosphere, Oceans, Fresh Water, Land, Plant Life, Animal Life. |
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Lenten Resource (Year B) - The Grace of Forests |
Video Resource
Resources to support Pope Francis' Laudato Si'
"Laudato Si’, mi’ Signore (Praise be to you, my Lord)"
In the words of this beautiful canticle, St Francis of Assisi reminds us that our common home is like a sister with whom we share our life and a beautiful mother who opens her arms to embrace us. In 2015, Columban Missionaries welcomed and celebrated the release of Pope Francis’ Encyclical on the Environment, Laudato Si’ (published 18 June 2015).
- Listen to the Columban Laudato Si' audio podcast via SoundCloud (narrated by John Doherty)
- Explore other Columban Resources that support Laudato Si'
Book Resources
By Fr Sean McDonagh SSC:
(Visit Good Reads to view the book listing below)
- Climate Change: The Challenge to All of Us
- Dying for Water
- Fukushima, The End of Nuclear Energy?
- Passion for the Earth
- The Death of Life: The Horror of Extinction
- The Greening of the Church
- To Care for the Earth
By Fr Charles Rue SSC:
Books from Columban Conferences:
Related Links
Faith Ecology Network (FEN) is an interfaith network of people connecting faith with ecological awareness and care.
Australian Religious Response to Climate Change (ARRCC) is a multi-faith, member-based organisation of people from around Australia who are committed to taking action on Climate Change.
Edmund Rice Centre (ERC) is involved in a range of projects and activities across four areas of operation in Research, Community Education, Advocacy and Networking. To learn more about the Pacific Calling Partnership (PCP) and the serious threat that climate change poses to our low-lying island neighbours in the Torres Strait and the Pacific please visit: www.erc.org.au/pcp
Catholic Earthcare is the ecological agency for the Catholic Church in Australia to enable a loving and sustainable relationship with the natural world through Environmental Education, Research, National Networks, Advocacy and Transformation.
