On April 4, representatives from six local Catholic schools gathered at Georgetown Prep to learn, share, and reflect on how to better care for our common home. The event was rooted in the teachings of Laudato Si’, Pope Francis’ encyclical on the environment and integral ecology.

Student leaders Billy Bass, Brendan Kozak, and Tom Tang helped organize the day to build connections, share learning, and collaborate on future environmental initiatives to care for our creation.

Mr. Ian Mitchell from the Archdiocese of Washington shared a presentation on Laudato Si’: Caring for Our Common Home. He encouraged participants to consider how Pope Francis’ vision for ecological responsibility applies to our lives here in the Washington, D.C. area. “What can our schools and communities do to make a difference in our own neighborhood?” he challenged the group.

The students and faculty participated in roundtables to discuss environmental initiatives that have worked at their schools, barriers they confront, and goals to move forward to help the environment.

Dr. Chris DeFeo, a GP science teacher, presented on his local organic farm, DeFeo Family Farms. He shared his hands-on experience in sustainable farming and the connections between science, stewardship, and faith.

The gathering also included a Mass celebrated by Fr. Van Dyke.

Billy Bass shared “The day was a huge success! We learned a tremendous amount from one another and established a strong network that will greatly serve all of our school communities for the years to come”

AMDG!