Learning to Live Laudato Si’
Join Us for an Eco-Spiritual Lenten Series on Caring for Our Common Home
Presented in partnership with the School Sisters of St. Francis & St. Francis Center for Renewal
In 2015, Pope Francis wrote an encyclical — a lengthy letter that popes write — called Laudato Si’: On Care for Our Common Home. It encourages us to see how “everything is connected.” The way we treat the Earth, our common home, is a reflection of how we treat each other. Caring for each other means caring for the home we share.
As part of our 10th Anniversary Season, Monocacy Farm Project has partnered with the School Sisters of St. Francis and St. Francis Center for Renewal on Learning to Live Laudato Si’, a series of eco-spiritual programs throughout Lent. We will explore, consider and share the concerns and challenges presented in Laudato Si’, as well as the opportunities and responsibilities we have to take action.
Our series begins on March 3, with a free screening of The Letter: A Message for Our Earth, which tells the story of the journey to Rome by frontline leaders to discuss Laudato Si’ with Pope Francis. Exclusive dialogue with the Pope offers revealing insight into his personal history with stories never seen since he became the Bishop of Rome. No matter your faith, the film is a visually-stunning call to action.
Laudato Si` will serve as our anchor for subsequent session topics, as we gather to share our experiences and ideas on the invitation to “Care for our Common Home.” Each program is set for 7 to 8:30 p.m. You may attend any or all sessions. Freewill offerings are welcome and appreciated. Donate in person or online by clicking here. Please register for each program you wish to attend. A free study guide will be provided to the first 25 registrants.
Join us from wherever you live, as most sessions will be available in person and online.
All events will take place in the first-floor conference room of St. Francis Center for Renewal,
located adjacent to the farm at 395 Bridle Path Road, Bethlehem PA 18017.
Six Thought-Provoking, Action-Inspiring
Sessions for All Faiths
“The Letter: A Message for Our Earth” Movie Screening
7 to 8:30 p.m. on Friday, March 3, 2023
The series kicks off with a free movie screening of The Letter: A Message for Our Earth, which follows the journey to Rome by frontline leaders to discuss Laudato Si’ with Pope Francis. Regardless of faith, the film is a visually-stunning call to action. In Person Only
What Is Happening to Our Common Home?
7 to 8:30 p.m. on Tuesday, March 7, 2023
The encyclical is addressed to all people living on this planet. Our first session will examine what is happening to our common home — pollution, waste, climate, throwaway culture, loss of biodiversity, decline in the quality of human life, and global inequality. Led by Anton Shannon, co-manager and farmer with Monocacy Farm Project. In Person or Online
The Gospel of Creation
7 to 8:30 p.m. on Tuesday, March 14, 2023
We will explore the possibility of a fruitful dialogue between science and religion and discuss the light offered by faith, the wisdom of the biblical accounts, the mystery of each creature in the harmony of creation, a universal communion, and the common destination of goods. Led by Rev. Dr. Steve Simmons. In Person or Online
The Human Roots of the Ecological Crisis
7 to 8:30 p.m. on Tuesday, March 21, 2023
What are the effects of technology on human life? In this fourth installment of our Learning to Live Laudato Si’ series, we will discuss technology’s creativity and power, globalization of the technocratic paradigm, as well as the crisis and effects of modern anthropocentrism. Led by Rev. Dr. Pam Payne of Trinity Episcopal Church. In Person or Online
Integral Ecology
7 to 8:30 p.m. on Tuesday, March 28, 2023
Because of the interrelationship of everything, an integral ecology is needed. Discussions will examine the environmental, economic and social ecology; cultural ecology; ecology in daily life; the principal of the common good; and justice between generations. Led by Father Kevin Nadolski, vice president of mission and assistant professor of education at DeSales University. In Person or Online
Avenues of Approach & Action
7 to 8:30 p.m. on Tuesday, April 4, 2023
Led by Laudato Si’ animators Marie North and Maryann Kearns, our final session will examine the last two chapters of Laudato Si’ and outline paths for action, education and spiritual engagement. In Person or Online
Need more information? Email Sister Bonnie Marie Kleinschuster
at bkleinschuster@monocacyfarmproject.org or call 610-865-9753.