Grounded heavily in Pope Francis’s encyclical Laudato Si’, which urges integral ecology and care for our common home, September 1, “International Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation,” through October 4, the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi, is designated as a “Season of Creation.” This ecumenical effort has the theme of “Living Water” for 2026. More information can be found on the website, https://catholicclimatecovenant.org/resources/season-of-creation-2026/
A video introduction by Cardinal Pizzaballa from the Holy Land and others around the world has been posted on YouTube at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xVVZ8LSpcRk&t=45s
Parish Liturgical Coordinators and prayer group leaders are encouraged to pray for persons facing challenges, as well as for vocations to lay ministry, in upcoming meeting and event prayers, and in the Universal Prayers at weekend Liturgies (or include in your parish bulletin):
- We pray for the Church: that she may be a beacon of hope throughout the world, reminding us all of our responsibility to care for and protect God’s precious gift of creation. Lord, in your mercy…
- We pray for the world, our common home: that through God’s grace we may hear its cry of the damage done and be moved to protect it for future generations to enjoy. Lord, in your mercy…
- We pray for those people who are already facing droughts, floods and storms: that God may grant them strength and hope for the future as they work to adapt to the changing climate. Lord, in your mercy…
- We pray for our parish and our local community: that through the grace of God we may hear the urgent cry of the earth and of the poor and be inspired to respond at this crucial time. Lord, in your mercy…
- We pray for the world we live in: that God may open our eyes to recognise the goodness of all creation and help us to do what we can to restore and care for the wonderful gift that we have been given. Lord, in your mercy…
- We pray for world leaders: that God may grant them wisdom to make just decisions which respect the earth and all that lives in it, especially those who are poorest and most vulnerable. Lord, in your mercy…
- We pray for our local community: that through God’s grace we may be good neighbours to each other and to the whole of creation, restoring and caring for all that God has made. Lord, in your mercy…
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Adapt as needed.
Thank you for praying along with the Office of Faith Formation and Lay Ecclesial Ministry staff.
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