Starting September 1, we will be having month-long series of events to honor the 5th anniversary of Pope Francis’ encyclical, Laudato Si’. This month-long event is called “The Season of Creation.” It occurs every year from September 1 to October 4. The Season of Creation is a time to slow down and focus on what matters. During this special time each year, we repair and restore our relationships with each other and with all creation.
This year, the theme for the season is “Jubilee for the Earth”, where we are all invited on a pilgrimage to better care for creation. We are all invited to ponder the integral relationship between resting for the Earth and how we live ecologically, economically, socially, and politically. Jubilee is a time to renounce overconsumption and economic systems based on constant economic growth at the cost of the Earth and the poor. Jubilee is a time when those who have consumed the most must make restitution to those who have suffered the most. Finally, jubilee is a time of rest for the land from constant exploitation, to restore ecosystems and people.
For more information on the Season of Creation, check out https://seasonofcreation.org/
Below are the weekly challenges to help you deepen your care for creation.
Week 1 ~ Learning More
Week 2 ~ Looking Closer
Week 3 ~ Letting Go
Week 4 ~ Living It Out
Week 5 ~ Loving More Deeply
Week 5’s Challenge - Living it Out
Week 4’s Challenge - Letting Go
Week 3’s Challenge - Letting Go
Week 2’s Challenge - Simplify Your Life
Laudato Si’ - Why Care for the Environment?
Laudato Si’ Introduction
Please watch our Newman kick off video to inspire you to engage in this jubilee Season of Creation.
Week 1’s Challenge - Learning More
Please share your reflections on this week’s challenge with us.
If you would like to help with Newman plan for the upcoming Season of Creation campaign toward ecological stewardship and environmental responsibility, please contact: Brett Furnas or Alden Moss.
Below are further resources
to help you engage in this Season of Creation
Pope Francis video asking everyone to pray that we learn to respect the planet’s resources.
Hope for Creation - video highlight prayers, art, meditations of the Season
The 2020 Feast of St. Francis Program, "The Healing Power of Love in Action: Creation Care in a Time of Pandemic and Partisanship” is available to celebrate the Season of Creation and the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi with your family, small group, parish or community. The program contains prayers, readings, a short video, and suggested activities.
See more national and partner Season of Creation events here.