The H.O.M.E. (Honoring Our Mother Earth) Team for Creation Care is an action ministry committed to educating, advising, and working to answer the call of Pope Francis outlined in his inspiring encyclical, Laudato Si'. H.O.M.E. engages Ascension and St. Edmund parishioners, along with our wider community, in being loving, responsible stewards of God's gifts.
> Learn More about Laudato Si' Action Platform

History of our Group

The St. Edmund Green Team, as a subgroup of the Peace and Justice Committee, started in October 2014. St. Edmund was the first Catholic parish in Oak Park to do a comprehensive energy audit. The group advocated for Archdiocese divestment from fossil fuels and filed an annual report to the Human Concerns Commission.

Ascension's Creation Care Ministry was created at the launch of Laudato Si’ in 2015 and functioned under the umbrella of the long-standing and vibrant Ascension Peace and Justice Committee. Over 20 members, led by Gina Orlando, fostered parish support, an impressive Advisory Committee, and many successful and ongoing initiatives. The group is proud to associate with the Interfaith Green Network and won a state award from Faith in Place several years ago for its Green Team Creation Care.

The St. Edmund and Ascension team members have united in their common cause!

Current Committees

• Chemical Reduction
• Community Garden
• Education and Publicity
• Environmental Book Club
• Native Garden Prayer
• School Green Club
• Solar
• Zero Waste

For more information, please contact Laura Kelley at [email protected].