Top photo caption: A tornado-damaged home is seen in Menasha, Wis. Climate change has contributed to the rising frequency and intensity of storms. OSV News photo/Deacon Don Schultz, courtesy St. John and St. Mary Parishes
By David Karas, correspondent
Motivated by the landmark encyclical of Pope Francis and driven by statewide collaborations, the New Jersey chapter of the Laudato Sí Movement (LSM-NJ) is inviting faithful throughout New Jersey to come together for a special gathering featuring fellowship and talks related to the care for creation.
Open to all, the Oct. 17 program in Georgian Court University, Lakewood, will include talks on ecological conversion, the theory of creation and ethics for a changing planet. Attendees will hear from faith leaders and share ideas with one another about how to advocate for the values outlined by Pope Francis in his 2015 encyclical – “Laudato Sí: On Care for Our Common Home.”
Terrence Thompson, coordinator of the state’s chapter and a member of St. Anthony of Padua Parish, Hightstown, authored a letter along with Dr. Elizabeth Cerceo, a member of Christ Our Light Parish, Cherry Hill (Diocese of Camden), to share more about their chapter and encourage participation from other faithful throughout the Garden State.
“New Jersey Catholics have a particular opportunity,” Thompson and Dr. Cerceo wrote. “We live in a small, densely populated state with serious environmental challenges and rich networks of parishes, schools, health systems and community organizations.”
The state’s chapter of the Laudato Sí Movement was launched in October 2025 through a partnership among parishioners from the Dioceses of Trenton and Camden and the Archdiocese of Newark. According to Thompson and Dr. Cerceo, the chapter aims to advance the tenets of Catholic social teaching as they apply to climate science and public health by engaging with the faithful and encouraging action.
“It connects Sunday liturgy with weekday choices about energy, transportation, food and advocacy, so that what we profess at Mass shapes how we live the rest of the week,” the pair wrote about the encyclical. “It [links] well-resourced communities with frontline neighborhoods that bear the heaviest environmental burdens.”
The essential truths in Laudato Sí were examined in a homily September 6, 2025, given by Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., as part of the Diocese’s observance for World Day of the Care of Creation. The Bishop also emphasized the need for all Catholics to recognize the issue and do their part.
“Climate change, deforestation, pollution, ecological loss, they’re not merely scientific or political issues. No, they’re spiritual ones,” he said. “They’re a summons to faith and to hope. The earth is not our possession. It is our sister and our brother. It is our home. It is our hope.”
In their letter, Thompson and Dr. Cerceo also reflected on the encyclical and the invitation it offers to Catholics.
“Laudato Sí is a vision of hope, inviting people of faith to see the natural world as God’s gift, to live more simply and sustainably, and to work together in building communities that are healthier, more just, and more resilient,” they wrote. “Since its publication, Laudato Sí has inspired a movement of individuals, parish ministries, schools, health systems, religious communities, and grassroots organizations around the world to integrate care for creation into worship, education, service, and advocacy.”
The goal of the state’s chapter, they explained, is to engage with parishes and diocesan ministries through study groups, retreats, preaching and youth programs. Organizers hope to work with parish communities and families to find ways to reduce emissions, improve energy efficiency, cut waste and protect vulnerable communities through everyday actions – all while amplifying voices supporting environmental justice. They also hope to involve young Catholics.
“The ecological crisis can feel overwhelming, but ‘Laudato Sí calls us to a hope that is honest about the damage and yet refuses to give up on conversion and renewal,” Thompson and Dr. Cerceo wrote. “LSM-NJ seeks to connect and support these local efforts, creating a statewide network of parishes, schools, health ministries, and community partners committed to caring for our common home and advancing environmental justice throughout the Garden State.”
Brenda Rascher, executive director of the diocesan Office of Catholic Social Services, also noted that Care for Creation is included among the seven themes of Catholic social teaching.
“I read this theme as one that identifies us as caretakers of this beautiful world we have been given by our Father,” she said. “We are called to care for it, not to just consume it at any cost . . . in ways that destroy our world and the least of our brothers and sisters.”
All are welcome to attend the October 17 gathering. For more information and to register, contact newjersey@lsmchapter.org.
