“Together with our obligation to use the earth’s goods responsibly, we are called to recognize that other living beings have a value of their own in God’s eyes: “by their mere existence they bless him and give him glory”,[41] and indeed, “the Lord rejoices in all his works” (Ps 104:31). By virtue of our unique dignity and our gift of intelligence, we are called to respect creation and its inherent laws, for “the Lord by wisdom founded the earth” (Prov 3:19). In our time, the Church does not simply state that other creatures are completely subordinated to the good of human beings, as if they have no worth in themselves and can be treated as we wish.”
We're All Part of God's Planet
Ways you can help
- Volunteer to be a Care for Creation Ministry parish contact
- Educate self (see resources below)
- Attend Care for Creation events or sponsor your own event
Upcoming Events
Care for Creation Mass – The Office for Life & Dignity will host its annual Care for Creation Mass on Sunday, October 4, 2026 at 10:30 a.m. at Our Lady of Hope, Coal Township. Bishop Senior will be the celebrant and homilist. A light reception will follow. For more information, please contact Marianne Weltmer at mweltmer@hbgdiocese.org or 717-657-4804 ext. 322.
Past Events
Seton Shrine Retreat
Pilgrims Travel to Seton Shrine to Reflect on Care for Our Common Home – You could not have asked for a more perfect day to make a pilgrimage to the St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Shrine in Emmitsburg, Md., to reflect on how, as Catholics, we are called to care for our common home.
The October 12 pilgrimage was a joint venture between the Diocese of Harrisburg and the Archdiocese of Baltimore and focused on care for creation, inspired by Laudato Si’, the 2015 encyclical from Pope Francis. Following Mass celebrated by Father Anthony Dill, pastor of St. Francis of Assisi Parish in Harrisburg, those attending heard from Taylor Nutter, PhD and Sister Mary Jo Stein. READ MORE
