Care for Creation: Fall Edition
"The burning bush is the symbol for the Season of Creation 2022 (September 1st - October 4th).
Today, the prevalence of unnatural fires are a sign of the devastating effects that climate change has on the most vulnerable of our planet. Creation cries out as forests crackle, animals flee, and people are forced to migrate due to the fires of injustice.
On the contrary, the fire that called to Moses as he tended the flock on Mt. Horeb did not consume or destroy the bush. This flame of the Spirit revealed God’s presence. This holy fire affirmed that God heard the cries of all who suffered, and promised to be with us as we followed in faith to our deliverance from injustice.
In this Season of Creation, this symbol of God’s Spirit calls us to listen to the voice of creation." (Laudato Si Movement, 2022)
Below are some resources to help you engage in this Season of Creation at our parish, in our city, and throughout the world.
Let Us Pray:
Creator of All,
From your communion of love your Word went forth to create a symphony of life that sings your praise. By your Holy Wisdom you made the Earth to bring forth a diversity of creatures who praise you in their being. Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they reveal knowledge. You called human beings to till and keep your garden. You placed us into right relationships with each creature so that we could listen to their voices, and learn how to safeguard the conditions for life.
In this Season of Creation, we pray that you would call to us, as from the burning bush, with the sustaining fire of your Spirit. Breathe upon us. Open our ears and move our hearts. Turn us from our inward gaze. Teach us to contemplate your creation, and listen for the voice of each creature declaring your glory. For “faith comes from hearing.” Give us hearts to listen for the good news of your promise to renew the face of the Earth. Enlighten us with the grace to follow the Way of Christ as we learn to walk lightly upon this holy ground. Fill us with the hope to quench the fires of injustice with the light of your healing love that sustains our common home.
In the name of the One who came to proclaim good news to all creation, Jesus Christ.
Amen.
Adapted from Season of Creation Prayer 2022 (Access the full prayer and Celebration Guide for the 2022 Season of Creation HERE)
Celebrate the Season of Creation in our Diocese
Check out the website HERE for more event details. These are a few of the events you can participate in:
August 31st: Looking for ways to use your art skills to Care for Creation? Register for the Laudato Si Art Contest! Categories for both Youth and Young Adults. Art submission deadline is Sept 23rd. More details HERE.
September 1st: Laudato Si Panel Discussion with Environmental Justice Leaders. Online event 7-8:30pm. Register HERE.
September 1st - October 4th: Support communities in need of clean water by making a donation to Water with Blessings. More details HERE.
October 4th, 7:00 pm: Worship Service Celebrating Earth, Our Common Home -- join us virtually for a time of worship, celebration of funds raised for Water with Blessings, and the announcement of the art contest winners! Register for the event HERE.
Celebrate the Season of Creation at Our Parish!
Mark your calendars for our annual Blessing of the Pets & Plants! This year, the blessing will take place on October 2nd, the Sunday before the Feast Day of Saint Francis of Assisi. Bring your pets and plants for a special blessing at our 5:30 youth & young adult mass. More details coming soon!