Laudato Si Animators' Course

Image - Laudato Si Animators - We can all do something!

A synopsis for those considering enrolling on the Global Catholic Climate Movement's Laudato Si Animators Course. The following article is based on my experience of taking the course in 2020.

The first part was an introduction and a welcome. The course syllabus was introduced, and we were told what we will have accomplished by the end of the course. For example, we will have learned how the Laudato Si (LS) Encyclical fits into Catholic Social Teaching, we will have understood the causes and consequences of climate change and we will have entered into a personal ecological conversion to enable action for the planet.

The course requirements were weekly readings including chapters from the LS Encyclical, some discussion groups, some videos to watch, four webinars and some homework such as writing reflections. The course takes around three to four hours each week, though greater engagement is possible if desired.

With the aid of a prayer, quotes from the Encyclical, simple images and colourful photos, the LS message and how to live it was described - we live it through an ecological conversion, through living more simply and through lobbying the power holders. We then are enabled to take the message out to others, animating our community to live Laudato Si.

The Modules for Weeks 1-4 more or less followed the same format, while focusing on different themes.

Week 1 looked at the Causes and Consequences of Climate Change. The IPCC Special Report on Global Warming was presented in an easy-to-read manner.

Week 2 explored Laudato Si and Catholic Social Teaching. The LS Chaplet was introduced.

Week 3 was concerned with a Commitment to Personal Ecological Conversion. We were encouraged to make an Ecological

Examen (a traditional Christian technique of prayerful reflection on our lives, here with reference to creation).
The Module for Week 4 addressed Action in the Light of our Faith. We were asked to prepare an action plan for LS Week.

Week 5's Module was for those who want to organise an online event for their final project. It gave helpful information and tools on how to present their Project online.
The last Module gave examples of the sort of events / activities which could be counted as a Capstone or Final Project, with instructions on how to register the project.

I got a lot of fulfilment from doing the Course. It felt good to be learning about the LS Encyclical and the environmental problems we are facing, knowing that I would be putting all this knowledge and skill towards tackling these problems, and encouraging others to be active in tackling them. I urge anyone who cares about our common home to register. You'll enjoy it!

The next Animators Course starts 28th July 2021. Enrol here: https://laudatosianimators.org/