Youth Leading the Way: Stewardship and Solidarity
Foundational principles in Catholic Social Teaching and thought are stewardship and solidarity. As committed Catholics, and disciples of Jesus Christ, our faith commits us to act and advocate for the least ones among us. The call to solidarity requires that we consider how our individual and collective attitudes and actions impact our care for the poor. Being good stewards of all that we have received from the Lord: individual gifts and talents and well as the Earth and its resources, is a fundamental Catholic value. As a Catholic community we have been challenged by the U.S. Catholic Bishops to embrace three core principles: prudence, poverty, and the common good in relationship to the ongoing concern of climate change.
“My dear friends, God’s creation is one and it is good. The concerns for non-violence, sustainable development, justice and peace, and care for our environment are of vital importance for humanity.”
—Pope Benedict XVI at World Youth Day, June 2008
The Catholic Youth Ministry Connection
Catholic youth ministry has always taken seriously the need to form young disciples in Catholic Social Teaching. 
Social justice is one of seven components of a comprehensive ministry with young people. Apprenticing youth in both direct action (charity) and social change (justice) is a powerful means and holistic lens to view the many ills of our world including climate change.
Teens and the Climate: The EPA's Initiative
The EPA is urging teens to Learn, Act, and Lead as key players in addressing climate change and children's health.
Earth Day 2011: Tread Lightly
As Earth Day approaches (April 22, 2011), 
Catholics are reminded of the sacredness of God's creation and of our role as stewards of the Earth. Call young people and all in our parish and school communities to Tread Lightly and connect their actions to the well-being of others, especially the poor. Tread Lightly/Lift Up the Lowly key chains available through NFCYM.
Turn Off Your Lights for One Hour— Earth Hour 2011
People in more than 5,000 cities in 135 countries and territories around the world participated in "Earth Hour 2011" by turning off their lights for sixty minutes on March 26, 2011. Earth Hour is just the beginning. Learn how to take the next step toward a sustainable future. Go Beyond the Hour.
The St. Francis Covenant
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The Catholic Climate Covenant: The St. Francis Pledge to Care for Creation and the Poor was launched in 2009, the day before Earth Day. Since then, thousands of Catholic individuals, families, schools, parishes and organizations have pledged to Pray, Learn, Assess, Act, and Advocate as part of their commitment. As Earth Day 2011 approaches, you are encouraged to spread the word about the Catholic Climate Covenant and to help generate thousands more pledges. Download and share these "Resources to Promote the St. Francis Pledge" with your family, friends, fellow parishioners, classmates and others.
Catholics and Creation: Why We Care
Learn about the connection . . . .
Stewards of Creation
by Bishop William Skylstad
Why Catholics Care for Creation
By Joan Brown, O.S.Fh
Resources
Lenten Resource From CRS
Confront Global Poverty During Lent
During the weeks of Lent, Catholics Confront Global Poverty invites you to join CRS' Operation Rice Bowl and learn about the efforts of the U.S. Catholic Church, working on your behalf to confront poverty in Ethiopia.
- Watch a short video to learn about CRS' work assisting communities to assist farmers in Ethiopia who are struggling in the face of long term drought.
- Learn more about the Church's teaching (PDF) on global climate change and the environmental challenges affecting the world's poor.
- Pray for our brothers and sisters in Ethiopia and around the world, and support of CRS' work in reducing hunger and poverty.
Don't forget to submit your activities this Lent with CRS' Operation Rice Bowl so your group can earn a star on the Catholics Confront Global Poverty Solidarity Map.