From Fractured to Fulfillment: Care for Creation Centered on Christ

Join Fr. Justin Weber at the Catholic Ecology Center for a day of reflection on our call to be good stewards of the Earth.

Celebrate Earth Day by taking time to reflect on your relationship with the environment as a disciple of Jesus Christ. The day will include talks, time for personal prayer, daily Mass, the Sacrament of Reconciliation, and time to explore the grounds. See the full schedule below.

From Fractured to Fulfillment: Care for Creation Centered on Christ

With presenter Fr. Justin Weber

The theme of "integral ecology" was popularized by the late Pope Francis' encyclical, Laudato Si, and has continued to be explored at all levels of the Church. This day of reflection will help us to take a step back and appreciate creation and reintegration as principally a work of God. Throughout the day, we will explore the themes of God's creative act in calling forth the world out of nothing, the disintegration of His creation due to sin, and the reintegration of creation in Jesus. Coming to grips with this broader picture, we will see "integral ecology" as the goal of God's work in and through us.

Schedule

9:30 am Arrival. Coffee and tea provided.

9:45 am Where to begin? Creation from Nothing (Fr. Weber)

10:30 am Personal reflection. Optional small group sharing.

11:00 am Mass: Bread Once Scattered as Grain: Reintegration in Christ and in the Eucharist (Fr. Weber)

11:45 am Break for lunch (provided) and exploration. Sacrament of Reconciliation available. Lunch: Cousins subs, fruit, chips, cookies, and beverages.

1:00 pm Integral Ecology: God's Work in and through us (Fr. Weber)

1:45 pm Personal reflection. Optional small group sharing.

2:15 pm Living the Call: Intro to the CEC, building tour, and guided hike* (CEC staff)

3:30 pm Formal conclusion. Participants welcome to stay and explore. Trails open until dusk.

* Hike will be approximately 0.8 miles on mostly flat grass and wood-chipped trails.

Meet the Speaker

Father Justin Weber was born and raised in Hartford. Early on, he developed a passion for science and, in particular, meteorology. He received his B.S. in Atmospheric Science from the University of North Dakota and M.S. in Mathematics from U.W Milwaukee. He was engaged in research including topics such as cloud microphysics, computer modeling of severe storms, and the representation of clouds in climate models. In the midst of graduate work, Fr. Weber discerned a call to the diocesan priesthood and received a Bachelor's and Licentiate in Sacred Theology from the Gregorian University. He was ordained to the priesthood for the Archdiocese of Milwaukee in 2020 and currently serves as pastor of St. Jude the Apostle in Wauwatosa.

Catholic Ecology Center

The Catholic Ecology Center sits on 60 acres, part of a 225-acre preserve complex of diverse habitats, including prairies, forests, the Rubicon River, Otter Creek, a pond, and organic gardening areas. Located in Neosho, WI, approximately 20 minutes west of Holy Hill. The mission of the CEC is to deepen faith and foster a stewardship ethic through hands-on encounters with the natural world. Laudato Si Project/Catholic Ecology Center is a tax-deductible, 501(c)3 non-profit. Learn more at www.CatholicEcologyCenter.org

This day of reflection is offered in conjunction with the Lumen Christi Care for Creation Committee.

Registration

Space is limited. Reserve your spot today!

Early bird pricing: $55/person through March 15th

Beginning March 16th: $65/person

Registration deadline: April 22nd

Refunds are available up to 2 weeks before the event.

Questions? Contact info@catholicecologycenter.org or 262-419-8558