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The Season of Creation is a month-long observance that calls upon Catholics to join with others worldwide to pray and care for God’s Creation. It starts September 1st and ends October 4th. It’s a time to reflect on our relationship with the environment, how we live, and how our lifestyles impact the natural world, humans and other creatures inhabiting it. This “ time for creation,” in the words of Pope Francis, offers “individual believers and communities a fitting opportunity to reaffirm their personal vocation to be stewards of creation, to thank God for the wonderful handiwork which he has entrusted
to our care, and to implore his help for the protection of creation…”.
The US Conference of Catholic Bishops reminds us that “we show our respect for the Creator by our stewardship of Creation”. Pope Francis urges us to recognize our connectedness with the natural world saying, “Nature cannot be regarded as something separate from ourselves or as a mere setting in which we live. We are part of nature, included in it and thus in constant interaction with it.” (LS 139). Advocating for Creation Care helps safeguard the inheritance the Creator has given us, … an inheritance essential
to our well-being. Pope Benedict XVI told us that protecting this inheritance is a way of fulfilling our role as stewards of Creation.
As we witness these days the devastating conditions of hurricanes, floods, wildfires, droughts in addition to conflicts, war, forced migration, and pandemic, we strive to listen to the words of today’s scriptures. In Isaiah the Lord tells us to be strong and not frightened. The Psalmist speaks of the saving power of God who heals the sick, loves the just, and welcomes all. The apostle James reminds us to love and to have faith in Jesus Christ, showing no partiality.Here at St. Catharine’s Parish we will observe this Season of Creation in two very special ways:- Mass on the Grass at noon on Sunday, September 26th
- Blessing of the Animals on Monday, October 4th on Feast of St. Francis of Assisi
