Catholic Diocese To Host Environmental Conference In Burke

BURKE, VA — The Catholic Diocese of Arlington’s Peace and Justice Commission is hosting an environmental protection conference on Saturday at Nativity Catholic Church in Burke.

The conference, “Why Should I Care for Our Common Home?” will provide examples of how attendees can carry out Pope Francis’ call to care for the whole human family and all of creation as laid out in his encyclical "Laudato Si′: On Care for Our Common Home," published in 2015.

The Saturday event will begin with mass celebrated by Bishop Michael F. Burbidge, Diocese of Arlington, at 5 p.m., followed by dinner at 6 p.m.

Starting at 6:45 p.m., Dan Misleh, founder of Catholic Climate Covenant, will give a keynote presentation on the responsibility of Catholics to care for creation. Misleh’s speech will be followed by a panel discussion.

The event also will launch a seven-year effort to teach and implement the encyclical throughout the Diocese of Arlington.

“We are pursuing many opportunities to lower energy consumption, reduce emissions, and improve the quality of air and light in our buildings,” Burbidge said in a statement Tuesday. “As stewards of the natural world, may we join with renewed intention in ensuring all people have the resources necessary to fulfill their God-given purpose.”

The panel will discuss steps the Arlington Diocese is taking to increase sustainable practices in its parishes and teach care for all creation in its schools, and practical ways people can protect the environment.

Panelists include Andrew Shulman, director of the Diocese of Arlington’s Office of Planning, Construction and Facilities; Lonnell Battle, assistant principal for academics at Bishop Ireton High School; and Meghan Goodwin, associate director of government relations, for the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops.

Registration to attend the conference in person is still open. Nativity Catholic Church is located at 6400 Nativity Lane in Burke.

The conference will be available for viewing by livestream on the diocesan YouTube channel.