Environment (Caring for God’s Creation)

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Environment (Caring for God’s Creation)

The eucharistic form of life can thus help foster a real change in the way we approach history and the world. The liturgy itself teaches us this, when, during the presentation of the gifts, the priest raises to God a prayer of blessing and petition over the bread and wine, "fruit of the earth," "fruit of the vine" and "work of human hands." With these words, the rite not only includes in our offering to God all human efforts and activity, but also leads us to see the world as God's creation, which brings forth everything we need for our sustenance. The world is not something indifferent, raw material to be utilized simply as we see fit. Rather, it is part of God's good plan, in which all of us are called to be sons and daughters in the one Son of God, Jesus Christ (cf. Eph 1:4-12). The justified concern about threats to the environment present in so many parts of the world is reinforced by Christian hope, which commits us to working responsibly for the protection of creation.

Pope Benedict Post-Synodal Apostolic Exhortation Sacramentum Caritatis (s.92) (2007)

World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation

Pope Francis has called for an annual World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation. . . on September 1, marking the beginning of the "Season of Creation," which lasts through the Feast Day of St. Francis of Assisi on Oct. 4. Resources are available to help families and communities renew their commitment to care for our common home.

For more resources visit the USCCB.

We show our respect for the Creator by our stewardship of creation. Care for the earth is not just an Earth Day slogan, it is a requirement of our faith. We are called to protect people and the planet, living our faith in relationship with all of God’s creation. This environmental challenge has fundamental moral and ethical dimensions that cannot be ignored.

Season of Creation 2023

Each year from September 1 to October 4, the Christian family unites for this worldwide celebration of prayer and action to protect our common home as caretakers of God’s creation. This year’s theme is “Let Justice and Peace Flow.”

Resources

Pope Francis' Encyclical Laudato Si  - Care for Our Common Home

Pope Francis, Apostolic Exhortation Laudate Deum

Laudato Si Movement - Season of Creation

Liturgical Resources

Novena to St. Francis

Testimony

SB 496 - Climate and Health Protection Program Within NH DHHS - January 24, 2024

HB 1228 - Climate Change Awareness Day - February 18, 2020

Theological Resources

Caritas in Veritate (ns. 43-52)

Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI’s 2010 World Day of Peace message, If You Want to Cultivate Peace, Protect Creation

Saint John Paul II’s 1990 World Day of Peace message, The Ecological Crisis: A Common Responsibility

Caring for God’s Creation: Resources for Liturgy, Preaching, and Taking Action from the USCCB

Background Information

Primer on Care for Creation from the USCCB

Background on Global Climate Change from the USCCB

Why Does the Church Care About Global Climate Change

Global Climate Change and Our Catholic Response – educational resources from Catholic Relief Services

Parish Resources

Pastoral Aids and Homily Helps for Catholic Social Teaching on Care for Creation/Stewardship

Discussion Guide on Laudato Si' from the USCCB - English Español

Resources from Catholic Relief Services including stories of how our brothers and sisters overseas are impacted by climate change and lesson plans for K-8

Protecting Human Life and Caring for Creation: Why Protecting Unborn Children in Their First Environment Matters – A Discussion and Study Guide

Additional Resources

Resources for Taking Action from the USCCB

Catholic Climate Covenant (resources to advocate on issues of climate change)

What Can You do to Ensure a Safe and Healthy Environment

At Risk in the Womb