Catholic Church observes Season of Creation for environmental stewardship

The Catholic Church observes the ‘Season of Creation’ from September 1, the World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation, until October 4, the feast of St. Francis of Assisi. Established by Pope Francis, this period calls for individual believers and communities to reaffirm their vocation as stewards of the natural world and to seek ecological conversion.

In the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, various communities have implemented practical sustainability programs. For example, St. Ursula Academy has partnered with organizations like Go Zero and Plastic Free Campus to manage cafeteria recycling, composting, and the transition from single-use to compostable containers. These efforts align with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals.

Broader discussions regarding environmental stewardship emphasize that care for creation requires more than seasonal actions or small gestures like using reusable bags. It demands courageous leadership, responsible national planning, and personal responsibility in resource conservation to address the ongoing ecological crisis.