ICC will host four-part live broadcast on “Laudato Si’ ”

Criterion staff report

The Indiana Catholic Conference (ICC) will host a four-part live broadcast on Pope Francis’ encyclical, “Laudato Si’, On Care for Our Common Home,” via Facebook from noon-1 p.m. on Aug. 12, 19, 26 and Sept. 2.

The Catholic Church’s principles of social doctrine, based in sacred Scripture and natural law, are the primary lens through which the ICC evaluates public policy.

In an effort to uncover the richness of the Church’s social tradition, the ICC is hosting a series of discussions on the core documents of this doctrine and its implications for the lives of Catholics in Indiana.

“We hope to have a meaningful conversation on care for creation,” said Angela Espada, executive director of the ICC.

“We hope everyone sees the right to clean air and a clean environment. … So many focus on if climate change is real and/or, if it’s real, I’m only one person and the feeling of helplessness.

“We want to talk about what we as individuals can do to care for the planet so it’s here for us, our children, our grandchildren and our great-grandchildren.”

Each session will address certain chapters of the encyclical; it is suggested that participants read the short chapters before the broadcast.

The first topic, “The Gospel of Creation,” will take place on Aug. 12 and discuss chapters 1 and 2 of the encyclical. Phil Sakimoto, Ph.D., of the University of Notre Dame will lead the discussion, with participation by Archbishop Charles C. Thompson.

The next topic, “Integral Ecology,” will take place on Aug. 19 and will cover chapters 3 and 4. It will be led by Benedictine Sister Sheila Fitzpatrick and Sarah Mundell.

Next, on Aug. 26, the live broadcast will address “Ecological Education and Action,” covering chapters 5 and 6, with Redemptorist Father Terry Ehrman leading the discussion.

The final session, on Sept. 2, will address “Laudato Si’ in Indiana,” led by archdiocesan Catholic Charities-Social Concerns special projects coordinator Laura Sheehan and Father Christopher Droste of the Diocese of Evansville.

Register for each desired live broadcast for no charge at cutt.ly/ICCLaudatoSi.

The broadcasts will be recorded and available later at www.facebook.com/Incatholicconf. †