1. RESPONSE TO THE CRY OF THE EARTH
2. RESPONSE TO THE CRY OF THE POOR
3. ECOLOGICAL ECONOMICS
4. ADOPTION OF SUSTAINABLE LIFESTYLES
5. ECOLOGICAL EDUCATION
6. ECOLOGICAL SPIRITUALITY
7. COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT AND PARTICIPATORY ACTION

Here are the seven goals the Church asks us to consider in our journey towards ecological conversion. This is a call to action to you and to me—to every Christian—to every woman and man of “good will”.

Canada’s election is over. The nation’s leadership has the uphill battle of guiding our country out of the pandemic to a society with a better “normal” than pre-COVID. But Pope Francis has spoken tirelessly about committing to building a better world after COVID. The election campaigning of all the major parties echoed our call to conversion: care for the climate, the vulnerable, the economy, the physical and mental health of people and families. The election results demonstrate that voters expect cooperation amongst parties for the good of the entire population.

While factions prevent positive developments in any sector, everyone benefits from community wellbeing.  Remember the Ubuntu story? (See our website: https://holytransfigurationkw.com/2017-bulletins/ and press on 2019.08.25) “How can I be happy when another is sad?” Just as the country needs every member to act responsibly, so too the human community needs every member to reflect Christ’s image in order to literally ‘make the world a better place’ for every individual.

Before we plan the steps of our personal and parish journey towards integral ecology, please take time to reflect on your current actions: at home, at work, at church, at play, how does what I do respond to the needs of our world today? Do my actions correspond to the 7 goals guiding us towards more holistic living? Once I recognize where I stand now in my conversion course, I’ll be able to see my direction more clearly.

Prayer for action (from Laudato Si Action Platform):

All-powerful God, you are present in the whole universe and in the smallest of your creatures. You embrace with your tenderness all that exists. Pour out upon us the power of your love, that we may protect life and beauty. Fill us with peace, that we may live as brothers and sisters, harming no one. O God of the poor, help us to rescue the abandoned and forgotten of this earth, so precious in your eyes. Bring healing to our lives, that we may protect the world and not prey on it, that we may sow beauty, not pollution and destruction. Touch the hearts of those who look only for gain at the expense of the poor and the earth. Teach us to discover the worth of each thing, to be filled with awe and contemplation, to recognize that we are profoundly united with every creature as we journey towards your infinite light. We thank you for being with us each day. Encourage us, we pray, in our struggle for justice, love and peace. Amen.