Our Mission
To encourage a deeper awareness of our duties to God’s creation and to take action at the individual, state, national and global level with a focus on prayer, ecological conversion, energy efficiency, conservation, and advocacy efforts.
From Pope Francis, June 14, 2019
"Dear friends, time is running out! Deliberations must go beyond mere exploration of what can be done, and concentrate on what needs to be done, starting today. We do not have the luxury of waiting for others to step forward, or of prioritizing short-term economic benefits. The climate crisis requires 'our decisive action, here and now' (Laudato Si’, 161) and the Church is fully committed to playing her part."
Upcoming Activities
Celebrate the Season of Creation 2020 with St. Matthew's
We are excited to announce a series of discussions, presentations, and liturgies in celebration of the Season of Creation!
We will meet virtually on the dates and times listed below, and the sessions will include prayer, listening, conversation and discussion:
September 1: GCCM Global Opening Prayer Service Season of Creation 2020 - 9:00am - Please join St. Matthew's Care for Creation Team here. Meeting ID: 878 3238 0969. Call in: 301 715 8592.
September 6: Sustainability: The Living Chapel - Inspired by Saint Francis of Assisi and Pope Francis’ Laudato Si’. The First Living Chapel synthesizes natural, artistic, and recycled elements to create a sacred space of serene harmony. 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM - Please join St. Matthew's Care for Creation Team here. Meeting ID: 841 1546 6160. Call-in: 301 715 8592.
September 12: Laudato Si' Retreat: An Introductory Immersion - Hosted by the Global Catholic Climate Movement. Register here, via Zoom, 9:00am - 12:00pm
September 13: Laudato Si' Special Prayer Service from the Cathedral St. Matthew the Apostle in Washington, D.C., - 3:00pm - 4:00pm, to be aired on our parish YouTube Channel.
September 20: Laudato Si': Pollution-Climate Change-Water-Biodiversity-Inequality - 3:00pm - 4:00pm - Please join St. Matthew's Care for Creation Team here. Meeting ID: 849 5211 2926. Call-in 301 715 8592.
September 27: Laudato Si': Listening to the Cry of the Earth and the Cry of the Poor: People - Planet - Prosperity - Partnership - Peace. Climate Hope in 2020 - 3:00pm - 4:00pm - Please join St. Matthew's Care for Creation Team here. Meeting ID: 851 1590 9339. Call-in: 301 715 8592.
October 1: A Just Recovery for North America
Hosted by the Global Catholic Climate Movement. Register here, via Zoom, 9:00am - 12:00pm.
October 4: Feast of St. Francis of Assisi
Let us celebrate St. Francis of Assisi and Laudato Si' - 3:00pm - 4:00pm - Please join St. Matthew's Care for Creation Team here. Meeting ID: 845 4372 9864. Call-in: 301 715 8592.
If you have further questions, please feel free to contact our Co-Chairs of the Care for Creation Team, Simone Seym and Phil Downey. You may also contact Cathedral staff for the Social Justice Ministries, Norma Canedo or Fr. John Benson.
Take Action
- Sign the Catholic Climate Declaration (St. Matthew's Parish has!)
- To join our parish Creation Care Team, email the co-coordinators: Phil Downey and Simone Seym.
Some members of the Creation Care Team at the 2019 AWS Earth Day Clean Up.
