Canticle of Creation-A Catholic Response to Creation

Diocese of Lansing, MI

The Diocese of Lansing project organized six to ten parishes in the city of Lansing to participate in a year-long environmental justice leadership program for parish youth and adults. Day-long sessions conducted during each season of the year helped Catholics understand the Church’s approach to the environment based on Scripture, theology and the Church’s social teaching. The emphasis was on the connection of spirituality to our moral commitment to care for God’s creation. The training sessions used Catholic sacramental theology to explore themes of the beauty and grace of Creation (Baptism); the wounds of Creation (Reconciliation); the transforming power of Creation (Confirmation); and a new vision of Creation (Communion). The intent after this initial organizing was to expand the program to other regions in the diocese.