Bending the Arc

The Letter is a film that captivates audiences, evokes emotions, brings an overwhelming call to action, and a perfect fit for an Earth Day celebration - or any time of the year

Emmaus Ecumenical Catholic Community in Oshkosh, WI is an inclusive parish in the Catholic tradition where CSA Associate Pat Belongie attends. In honor of Earth Day and motivated by Pope Francis’ encyclical, Laudato Si', Pat presented the film The Letter to members of her church on April 28, 2024. She shares:

“It was a cool and rainy spring day, perfect for staying indoors and watching a movie, and that’s what the community of Emmaus did. The Earth Day event was a first for this small community. Following the morning prayer service and a light meal we returned to the chapel of the church to view the film. Prior to the movie, several people told me they would not be able to stay for the entire film (the film is 1 hour and 20 minutes long). However, the story has a way of drawing the audience in and only one person actually left before the end.

Pat goes on to say, “The film bears witness to the devastation caused by an ever-changing climate and those most affected: the poor, creation, the rain forests,,our oceans and waterways, and our very selves. Our hearts were broken open, tears were shed, but most importantly, everyone felt called to do something to protect the planet.”

The presentation concluded with an Earth Day prayer read by Mary Beth Petesch, written by Jane Deron, Ph.D. Jane writes: “We are called to experience, with mind and heart and soul, that all is communion through an ecological conversion, that we are all necessary to play a passionately informed role as we embrace our responsibility to ourselves, our neighbors, Creation, and the Creator. Amen”

As participants left, they were able to take home a variety of environmental resources and actions they could take to protect the planet. Reverend Mimi Maki expressed, “Let’s do this again!“ Pat agrees and says, “I am sure we will, for there is much to do and the call will remain. I was honored to participate in this endeavor in living out the mission of CSA in the protection of our common home Mother Earth.”

Associate Shannon Meagher also showed The Letter to members of her congregation earlier this year. Like Pat, her audience was small, but if only one more person becomes aware of our climate crisis it is worth showing again and again!

The film can be accessed for free at www.theletterfilm.org. A study guide is also available. Please consider a screening for your church or organization and let us know how it goes! For help in obtaining additional resources, please contact Tracy at tabler@csasisters.org

For more information about Laudato Si’ visit any of these websites: 
CSA’s Cosmology & Creation 
Laudato Si Movement
Laudato Si Action Platform
Catholic Climate Covenant
God’s Plan(et)