We invite you to personalize (anything in italics and bold will need editing) this letter/email to your pastor. Remember to CC LDaction@catholicclimatecovenant.org in your email communication. You will need to copy the text and paste it on your document/email. Thank you!
Dear Father NAME,
I hope this letter finds you well. I/We, as a parishioner of Parish Name, am writing to express my/our sincere appreciation for your guidance and leadership. Your homilies and pastoral care are a source of spiritual nourishment for me and my family and help us navigate life with faith and love.
I/we have been reflecting on Pope Francis’ new apostolic exhortation, Laudate Deum. It inspires me/us to step into our role as Catholics to be stewards of God’s creation and address the climate crisis.
In Laudate Deum, Pope Francis cites the Bishops of the United States, who said “our care for one another and our care for the earth are intimately bound together. Climate change is one of the principal challenges facing society and the global community. The effects of climate change are borne by the most vulnerable people, whether at home or around the world.” He feels “that our responses have not been adequate, while the world in which we live is collapsing and may be nearing the breaking point.” He implores that we no longer dismiss the science and impacts of the climate crisis, and have the courage to produce substantial changes in our lives on the personal, cultural and political levels.
So many of us are experiencing unprecedented environmental challenges right now: heat waves, massive downpours and flooding, wildfires, severe storms, deforestation, pollution, and loss of biodiversity. They cause societal instability, affect our poor and vulnerable neighbors most, and threaten the well-being of all future generations. These are not only ecological issues but moral ones, upon which our Church can and should lead by example.
In light of all this, I/we encourage you to incorporate the theme of care for creation more prominently in your service and leadership to our parish community. Your voice can be a powerful instrument in raising awareness and leading to a culture shift about these issues within our Church community and beyond. I/we would love to hear more faith-filled teachings about the topic of caring for creation in your homilies, writings, columns, and other formation programs in our parish – including lifting up personal and systemic changes you believe we could make.
Thank you for considering my request and I/we am happy to discuss it more with you. I/we look forward to continuing to learn from you and to work together to care for our common home. May God bless you and guide you in your ministry.
Name/s
Phone, email, address