Laudato Si' Project

The Laudato Si' Project is a tax-deductible, 501(c)(3) non-profit organization in the United States. It was founded in 2016 in response to Pope Francis's encyclical Laudato Si': On Care for Our Common Home, which emphasizes care for the environment and social justice.

Mission and Activities

The organization's mission is to reconnect humanity with the natural world through faith, education, stewardship, and recreation. It achieves this through educational programs, stewardship projects, retreats, and recreational activities. The Laudato Si' Project collaborates with schools, parishes, and landowners to promote ecological awareness and practices.

Educational Programs

The organization offers educational programming aimed at integrating environmental education with Catholic faith principles. These programs help build a sense of responsibility among participants to serve as stewards of the natural world.

Stewardship Projects

Laudato Si' Project encourages community involvement in environmental stewardship. This includes activities that promote sustainable land use, environmental protection, and community engagement in caring for the Earth.

Partnerships

The organization partners with Catholic institutions and community groups to leverage resources and ideas. This collaborative approach enhances the impact of its initiatives across different sectors.

Leadership

The organization is led by Joe Meyer, who serves as its executive director. Meyer is deeply rooted in Catholic faith and has a background in environmental science education. He has taught extensively in environmental education centers and has been actively involved in youth ministries.

Projects and Initiatives

One of the notable projects is the establishment of the Catholic Ecology Center, which reflects the organization's commitment to ecological stewardship and faith. The center fosters dialogue and action on environmental issues within a spiritual framework.

Conclusion

The Laudato Si' Project contributes to a growing movement within the Catholic community to address environmental challenges as part of its faith practice. By integrating education, stewardship, and recreation, the organization seeks to inspire a deeper connection between people and the natural world, echoing the themes of Pope Francis's encyclical Laudato Si'.