Teachers from California, Louisiana, Ohio, Oklahoma, and Washington State gathered in Tucson, Arizona at Salpointe Catholic High School (SCHS) for a one-day workshop on the use of the “Laudato Si’ Curriculum for Secondary Schools.”
Kate McGarey-Vasey and Peggy Riehl, from Salpointe High School, Tuckson.
The Laudato Si’ Curriculum is a tool teachers can use to include the teaching from Pope Francis’ encyclical Laudato Si’ as part of the their lesson plan for all subjects in their core curriculum. The faculty of SCHS began their work on the Laudato Si’ Curriculum in 2016-17 with only a few lesson plans for a few subjects. At the workshop participants were exposed to a lesson plan for each subject taught at SCHS for each grade level.
Three teachers from Monroe, Louisiana.
The workshop began the evening of February 4th with a liturgy celebrated by the Very Reverend William Harry, O.Carm., Prior Provincial of the Most Pure Heart of Mary Province. Following the liturgy, teachers and participants gathered to greet and meet each other and members of the administration and faculty of SCHS for a zero waste dinner. A zero waste dinner uses no disposable glasses, dishes, forks, knives, spoons, napkins, and all the ingredients for the meal are produced locally within 100 miles of the event.
Opening Liturgy.
Ellen Fisher, a teacher from SCHS.
The workshop day began with a liturgy celebrated by Fr. Emanuel Franco-Gomez, O.Carm chaplain of SCHS. The opening activity was an opportunity for teachers to tell “what’s happening” at their schools regarding environmental studies and activities. Afterwards participants were given a presentation by several members of the faculty on the use and results they found from other faculty members and students on using the Laudato Si’ Curriculum. Following the presentation, participants were able to visit classrooms to see for themselves how the Laudato Si’ Curriculum is being used in an active classroom setting. Throughout the day teachers were given the opportunity to ask questions and/or give comments on what they learned. Closing the day, students presented a panel discussion on their experience with the Laudato Si‘ Curriculum. Students stated they incorporate Laudato Si’ into their lives and are not fearful of the future, but hopeful. They also stated they are more deeply rooted in their faith based on caring for creation.
Art for the event (artist – Fr. Emanuel Franco-Gomez, O.Carm.).
The workshop ended with food, music, and conversation at a local Mexican Restaurant.
