September 1 – October 4, 2026
The Season of Creation is celebrated annually by tens of thousands of Christians around the world. During the Season of Creation, we pray and act to protect God’s creation.
The Season of Creation is celebrated by Christians across the ecumenical spectrum, as wellthe leaders of many faiths traditions.
The season begins on September 1, the Day of Prayer for Creation, and runs through October 4, the Feast of St. Francis, who is the patron saint of ecology in many traditions.
This season is a special time for the Creator and each other. Some of us pray, some of us do hands-on projects, some of us advocate. We all work to protect creation.
Celebrating the Season of Creation
We know how to celebrate Advent, observe Lent, rejoice at Easter. But how might we observe the non-liturgical Season of Creation? As a parish, we have planned our liturgies around this beautiful Season when we celebrate all of God’s creation. As individuals and families, we can create our own traditions too. Plant a tree. Help preserve a forest. Take walks in nature. Support national parks. Shrink our carbon footprint. Remember, creation isn’t simply around us. We are part of it.
About this year’s theme:
Our Biblical text for this year is drawn from Ezekiel 47: 1- 12, which portrays God’s life-giving water flowing from the temple of God. The river grows deeper and deeper restoring barren land, reviving waters, and sustaining flourishing ecosystems. The vision invites human responsibility: recognising ecological damage, embracing interconnectedness, we are called to immerse ourselves in the water, and actively safeguarding and working for the renewal of creation so that environmental healing and human well-being may flourish together.
In the letter of Paul the apostle to the Romans, the biblical image pictures the Earth as a Mother, groaning as in childbirth (Rom 8:19-22). Francis of Assisi understood this when he referred to the Earth as our sister and our mother in his Canticle of Creatures. In our times we are not relating to the Earth as a gift from our Creator, but rather as a resource to be used.
And yet, there is hope and the expectation for a better future. To hope in a biblical context does not mean to stand still and quiet, but rather groaning, crying, and actively striving for new life amidst the struggles. Just as in childbirth, we go through a period of intense pain, but new life springs forth.
Season of Creation—Questions for Contemplation
- How will we, as individuals, and as the Church, Recognize God’s ownership of the whole Earth, and all our “possessions,” and release what we have back to God, both spiritually and practically? Recognize our total dependency on God and his creation? Receive God’s provision, in patience and trust?
- How can we glorify God for the hope we have in Christ, who restores and redeems the Earth?
- What changes will we see for those who are poor, and the land we enslave?
- How will we practice auditing our own mistreatment of the Earth, and committing to new practices individually and as worshipping communities?
Prayer and Action
- Born of grace, we pray that the Lord who is our Creator, Sustainer, and Redeemer will touch our hearts and that of the human family during this Season of Creation.
- Look for celebration opportunities this Fall and specially-selected liturgical prayers and music drawing attention to this very special season. In the meantime, here are some suggestions for what you can do today and throughout the year to respond to this important vocational call:
- Read Pope Francis’ Laudato Si’: On Care for Our Common Home. It challenges us to “hear the cry of the earth and the cry of the poor” through ecological conversion, changes in lifestyle and society, and strong political action.
- Take the Laudato Si’ Pledge to (1) pray for and with creation, (2) live more simply, and(3) advocate for protection of our common home.
- Join The Madeleine’s Laudato Si’ Circle. Laudato Si’ Circles are small groups meeting regularly to deepen their relationship with God as Creator and all members of creation, and operates from a model of Prayer, Reflection, and Action. Contact: Bill Hunter, wjhunterjr@gmail.com.
- Participate in The Madeleine’s expanded recycling program. Open to the larger community—invite and encourage friends and neighbors to join in our collection efforts.
To help out contact Jenny Hunter, jennyhunterjr@gmail.com or Mark Bargovan, mark.bargovan@gmail.com