Laudato Si’ – Caring for Our Common Home
Caring for God’s Creation
At St Mary’s Catholic Primary School, our faith inspires us to care for the world around us. We believe that the Earth is a precious gift from God and that we all have a responsibility to protect it, respect all living things and care for one another.
Our work is inspired by Laudato Si’, the encyclical written by Pope Francis in 2015. In it, Pope Francis reminds us that we share a common home and that caring for creation is an important part of living out our Catholic faith.
Through our learning, prayer and everyday actions, we encourage our children to become responsible stewards of God’s creation, recognising that even small changes can make a meaningful difference.
What is Laudato Si’?
Laudato Si’ means “Praise be to you” and takes its name from a prayer by St Francis of Assisi, who praised God for the beauty of creation.
Pope Francis calls on everyone to care for our common home, protect the environment and recognise the connection between people, animals, plants and the natural world.
At St Mary’s, we explore what this means for us as individuals and as a school community. We help children understand that caring for creation is not simply about protecting the environment; it is also about showing compassion, acting justly and looking after those who are most affected by poverty, pollution and climate change.
How do we live out Laudato Si’ at St Mary’s?
Our school mission is “Living and learning inspired by our faith.” Laudato Si’ gives us an opportunity to put these words into action by helping children recognise their responsibility to care for God’s creation.
Through our curriculum, collective worship and everyday school life, we aim to develop children who appreciate the beauty of the natural world and understand the importance of protecting it for future generations.
Caring for nature
Encouraging children to appreciate the beauty of creation, explore the natural world and understand the importance of protecting plants, animals and habitats.
Reducing waste
Helping children make thoughtful choices by reusing materials, recycling responsibly and avoiding unnecessary waste.
Taking action together
Inspiring pupils, staff and families to work together to make positive changes in our school, local community and wider world.
Learning through faith
Exploring the wonders of creation through RE, science, prayer and reflection, and considering how our faith calls us to be responsible stewards of the Earth.
These are suggested themes for the page. Add examples and photographs of activities that St Mary’s actually undertakes.
Our Laudato Si’ Pledge
We encourage every child to think about the difference they can make through small, everyday actions.
Our Common Home
At St Mary’s, we promise to:
- Respect and care for all of God’s creation.
- Reduce waste and use resources wisely.
- Protect plants, animals and their habitats.
- Show kindness and compassion towards others.
- Work together to make our world a better place.“Living and learning inspired by our faith.”
Laudato Si’ and Catholic Social Teaching
Laudato Si’ is closely connected to Catholic Social Teaching. Pope Francis reminds us that caring for creation cannot be separated from caring for people, particularly those who are poor or vulnerable. Our actions should reflect our commitment to human dignity, solidarity, the common good and the protection of our shared world.
At St Mary’s, we want children to understand that looking after our planet is an expression of love for God, our neighbours and future generations.