This ministry team was formed in 2017 with the sponsorship and support the Diocese of Worcester
to help increase awareness about Catholic social teaching concerning our relationship with the environment and the impact of environmental degradation on the poor of the world.  Our work is guided by Pope Francis's encyclical Laudato Si': on Care for Our Common Home.  Through raising awareness, we are hoping to inspire action in all aspects of the Catholic community including the operations of the institutions such as parishes and schools as well as in the lives of every family and individual in the diocese.  Pope Francis challenges us to examine our lifestyle.  He urges us to work together and educate each other on these issues.

Ministry Team - email - environmentworcester@gmail.com

• Pete Dunbeck - Chair - St Luke's, Westborough
• Fr. Paul O'Connell - Associate Judicial Vicar, Diocese of Worcester
• Deacon Bill Bilow - Diaconate Director, Diocese of Worcester - St Anne's Shrewsbury
• Deacon Brian and Nissa Gadbois - St. Francis of Assisi, Barre
• Deacon Colin Novick - St. Paul Cathedral, Worcester
• Matt Canfield - St. Mary's, Shrewsbury
• Gail Hickey - St. Denis, Douglas
• Gina Kuruvilla - St Mary's, Shrewsbury
• Roger Mombourquette - St Patrick's, Whitinsville
• Madeline Colon-Usowicz - Sacred Heart, Webster
• Matthew Traceski - St. John Guardian of Our Lady, Clinton
• Kevin Maldarelli - Co-Chair - Sacred Heart, Hopedale

We are highly indebted to the Archdiocese of Atlanta who created a beautiful and informative Laudato Si' Action Plan in 2015 only months after the encyclical was issued.  Archbishop Wilton D. Gregory commissioned the action plan for parishes, schools and families to implement environmentally sound practices. Susan Varlamoff, retired UGA environmental scientist assembled a group of scientist friends from UGA to build the plan, a 48-page document in English and Spanish.  In addition to inspiration, Susan and the Archdiocese have supported our efforts with a great deal of content and ongoing advice.  The Atlanta Action plan and history of their efforts are reported here.
                                       

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