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Download a free ebook offering practical inspiration, thoughtful reflection, and simple ways to connect as a family. 

In 2015, Pope Francis published his landmark encyclical Laudato Si’: On Care for Our Common Home. This encyclical letter, addressed to the Catholic faithful and people of good will around the world, is an urgent call for humanity to take swift action in response to the unfolding ecological crisis that is causing so much harm to God’s creation. Recognizing the urgent nature of the crisis and the Church’s obligation to be the light of the world in every generation, the Holy Father’s message is simple: people of faith must act now to protect our common home from further destruction.

 

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Laudato Si’ (which means in Latin “Praise be to You”) was the first papal encyclical to address the ecological crisis as its primary focus, providing Catholics with a reminder that our faith comes with strong ecological commitments. In it, Pope Francis demonstrates that concern for the environment is not at all opposed to the convictions of Christian faith, but is rather informed and enriched by them. At the heart of ecological message is the biblical revelation that God has given the earth to the human race as a gift that He has called us to preserve and steward in His name. As disciples of Jesus, Christians have a special obligation to protect life, to care for God’s creation, and to ensure that our common home is stewarded and preserved for our children and grandchildren.

 

What's In This Booklet

This booklet is divided into four sections. The first section, The Gospel of Creation, explores the theology and spirituality at the heart of Laudato Si’s message, helping your family understand why care for our common home is an important commitment of our Catholic faith. The second section, The Spiritual Roots of the Crisis, takes a look at Laudato Si’s understanding of the deeper problems that lie at the heart of the ecological crisis. The third section, The Call to Integral Ecology, explores Pope Francis’ proposed solution to the ecological crisis. Finally, the last section, Your Family’s Contribution: Stewardship, Service, and Spirituality, explores the ways that your family can respond to Laudato Si’s call to action, with a special emphasis on how joining together for stewardship and service can unite your family, strengthen your spiritual lives, and provide unexpected opportunities for family prayer.

 

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While this booklet is designed for parents, we hope that its core messages will be shared with children in a way that is appropriate to their age. And if they are old enough, encourage them to read it, too! All of the activities recommended can (and should) be done as a family. It is our prayer that this booklet will inspire your family to a deeper appreciation of God’s creation and the ways that stewardship of our common home can unite your family in faith and service. The Lord has blessed us with a beautiful home to share with each other and with His other creatures. Let’s take care of it together so our children and grandchildren can enjoy the beauty of God’s handiwork.  

 

Download Your Copy of our Free Ebook

Download our free ebook offering practical inspiration, thoughtful reflection, and simple ways to connect as a family. 

 

Download free ebook: Laudato Si' and Your Family

 

 

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Copyright 2026 Holy Cross Family Ministries (Father Fred Jenga, C.S.C., president, and Meigs Turgeon, special assistant)
Images: Holy Cross Family Ministries

About the Author

Fr. Fred Jenga, C.S.C.

Fr. Fred Jenga, C.S.C.

Fr. Fred Jenga, C.S.C., is President of Holy Cross Family Ministries. He previously served as a corporate member on the board of directors for 5 years. He also served in a pastoral role as Regional Director of Holy Cross Family Ministries in East Africa for 7 years where he helped lay the foundation for the dynamic growth in ministry outreach to families and youth. He introduced digital and in-person mission events to help families pray and grow spiritually. He built several teams of lay people, teams that have helped the ministry grow in East Africa. He also creatively educated and helped the members of Holy Cross in East Africa to learn about and embrace the ministry as an important part of the Congregation’s efforts. The first Peyton Prayer Guild Chapters for children were formed under Father Jenga’s leadership. He developed a program that brought children in schools and parishes together to learn the Rosary, pray for their families and learn about the life of Father Patrick Peyton. This program has grown and now thousands of children are participating. Father Jenga has multiple degrees in Communications, including San Francisco State University, Makerere University, Kampala, as well as a Bachelor of Theology from the Catholic University of Eastern Africa, Nairobi, and a Bachelor of Philosophy from the Pontifical Urban University in Rome. Father Jenga recently completed a Doctorate in Communication from the University of Texas. He is an active researcher in the area of Communication and Religion; and he has published and presented several papers at academic conferences. Father Jenga was born in Uganda, where he grew up on the banks of the River Nile and Lake Victoria, in the Ugandan district of Jinja. Father Jenga speaks several languages, including his ethnic language, Lusoga, as well as Luganda, Rutooro, Swahili, and Kinyarwanda.