Environment (Caring for God’s Creation)

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 2022

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 “Listen to the Voice of Creation.”

Resources

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

Laudato Si Movement - Season of Creation

Liturgical Resources

Novena to St. Francis

Testimony

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