Ecological Education
Laudato Si' Action Platform Goal
Ecological Education is what the phrase implies and more. It fosters literacy of the natural world and its wondrous processes, as well as awareness of environmental issues and ways to address them. But it also aims for something deeper – education of the heart. It’s there that the roots of new insight, attitudes and behaviors begin.
Affirming that we are part of the natural world—not separate from it—ecological education stresses the interconnectedness of all things. How we live individually impacts the whole, for better or for worse. From this origin point—the understanding that all things, including ourselves, rely on and benefit from each other—we can develop empathy and more ethical ways of living. These qualities allow us to let go of our blind self-interests so we can collectively pursue a greater good for all.
“If the laws are to bring about significant, long-lasting effects, the majority of the members of society must be adequately motivated to accept them, and personally transformed to respond. Only by cultivating sound virtues will people be able to make a selfless ecological commitment.”
—Laudato Si' 211
It is especially important that children receive this knowledge, so they may apply and grow such ideals in their personal practices, their culture and societal structures throughout their lifetimes. By nurturing children in natural habitats and introducing them to the workings of the world and the grave issues that stem from its neglect, they will come to recognize and appreciate their precious relationship and responsibility.
Along with curricula, ecological activities, such as visiting an organic farm or rainwater collection, as well as service learning and project-based learning that bring light to human rights and environmental issues, further instill these ideals and a conscience-driven perspective.
“How we educate the mind will change with the times; how we cultivate the heart is and will remain timeless.”
—Blessed Basil Anthony Moreau
Learn. Pray. Discern.
Sisters of the Holy Cross invites you to continue the journey with us as we respond to the ecological education lifestyles and lean into what we can each do to better care for our common home.
You can download a copy of Laudato Si' for free or purchase a copy from your favorite bookseller.
Suggested readings from Laudato Si':
Take the time to read the paragraphs listed below from Laudato Si' (on care for our common home). These readings are an opportunity for you to connect with your own experiences and reflect on where you are being called to act.
- paragraphs 209-215: Ecological Education
- paragraphs 216-221: Ecological Conversion
Ecological Education
Workshop
Ask Yourself
What about each reading stands out to you?
What challenges would you need to overcome for your own ecological conversion?
How is your local church and/or family involved in ecological education?
How can governments/community organizations create better ecological citizens and motivate people to care for creation?
A Holy Cross Prayer
It is important to reflect on how our actions affect the planet as we look for strength and guidance to restore balance and address our climate crisis.
Prayer for Transformative Action
Provided by Holy Cross International Justice Office
Creator God, you have called us to a new moment in time,
A time for cultivating hearts and minds and embracing new perspectives, that we might develop new ethics and habits for the restoration of ourselves and Mother Earth.
In your compassion, O God, inspire our generosity for one another and for all creation,
That we might rise to the challenge of our time and bring about a future of hope and mutual belonging.
Amen.
Prayer Service from HCIJO
Holy Cross International Justice Office prayer service, “Ecological Education: Educating Hearts & Minds"
is available on the website.
Learn More About the Laudato Si' Action Platform Goals
Continue this Journey with Us
Consider inviting others by sharing these resources, leading group discussions, or share on social media.
We invite you enter your own commitment as an individual, a family or a community, and to join us in this seven-year mission on care of our common home. To stay up to date and receive additional resources, please sign up below.
Together, we can journey toward a better future.
A Holy Cross Prayer
It is important to reflect on the beauty of our planet as we look for strength and guidance to restore balance and address our climate crisis.