Webinar explores eco-grief and intergenerational hope amid climate crisis

As the climate crisis continues to impact communities worldwide, many people struggle with eco-grief—the deep emotional and spiritual distress caused by environmental destruction. To address this growing concern, a coalition of faith-based organizations is hosting a virtual event, “Eco-grief: Finding Hope Across Generations,” on March 27, from 6:30-8 p.m. CST.

This engaging webinar will feature author and eco-theologian Victoria Loorz, along with a panel of young climate activists from Catholic Climate Covenant and Franciscan Action Network. Together, they will explore the emotional and spiritual toll of climate change while offering pathways to hope and resilience through faith, advocacy, and intergenerational solidarity.

Victoria Loorz, eco-theologian and author of Church of the Wild: How Nature Invites Us into the Sacred, inspires communities to reconnect with the sacred through nature. As founder of the Wild Church Network, she reimagines spirituality in harmony with creation. Drawing on her experience as a pastor and environmental advocate, Victoria addresses eco-grief with faith, offering hope and healing amid environmental challenges.

Kayla Jacobs is a passionate leader in the Catholic climate movement. As the Program Manager at Catholic Climate Covenant, she supports Catholic institutions in integrating environmental care into their missions. Kayla brings expertise in advocacy, youth engagement, and faith-based solutions to the ecological challenges we face. A dynamic speaker and advocate for Pope Francis’ encyclical, Laudato Si’, she inspires individuals and communities to act boldly for climate justice.

Gabriela Martinez is a rising voice in the intersection of faith and environmental justice. Formerly of the Franciscan Action Network, Gabriela works to amplify the voices of young people in advocating for ecological sustainability and social justice. With a deep commitment to the Franciscan values of care for creation and solidarity with the marginalized, Gabriela brings a fresh and compelling perspective to the conversation on eco-grief and intergenerational action.

The event is organized by the Tri-State Network, a coalition of congregations of Catholic women religious from Illinois, Iowa, and Wisconsin dedicated to peace, justice, and spirituality. Participating organizations include: Benet House Retreat Center; Dominican Sisters of Sinsinawa; Franciscan Peace Center; Franciscan Spirituality Center; Marywood Franciscan Spirituality Center; Our Lady of the Prairie Retreat Center; Prairiewoods Franciscan Spirituality Center; Shalom Spirituality Center; Sisters of Charity of the Blessed Virgin Mary; Sisters of St. Francis, Dubuque; and Sisters of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

A $15 suggested donation is encouraged to support future programming.

Register here: https://tpr.retreatportal.com/calendar/event?programid=1969 or http://bit.ly/3DZtGtR