World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation: September 1st

 

   When I reflect on God’s love for creation, I often think back to the very first time my husband and I met our daughter. The moment we held her in our arms, our world completely changed—along with our perspective on what truly mattered in life. All we wanted was to offer every ounce of love and care we had to this tiny human being. Either of us would have given anything for her. Reflecting on that special moment still brings tears to my eyes because of the immense joy she has brought into our lives.

    What I struggle to fully wrap my mind around at times, though, is that the love my husband and I have for our daughter is only a sliver of God’s love for her. This intimate, beautiful love is the same love He holds for every single Human being. While humanity uniquely bears His image and likeness, all of creation reflects His glory.   As we learn to love as He loves, we are drawn into greater communion with His Church. 

    In 2015, Pope Francis instituted the World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation.   To help us honor this day, Pope Leo XIV added a special Mass for the Care of Creation to the Church calendar. It calls us to reflect on how we have failed to cherish God’s gifts—whether through abortion, ignoring the poor, or using people for profit. This day is an invitation to stop, pray for those in need, and remember who God created us to be.

Pope Leo giving his homily at the first Mass for the Care of Creation in the papal residence 

Photo from Vatican News and Media

    Celebrated annually on September 1st, this date marks the beginning of the Season of Creation (September 1st – October 4th), an observance shared across many Christian denominations.   This is a wonderful opportunity in your home or classroom to work together and explore practical ways to better care for creation.

How to Incorporate World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation into 

Your Learning Circle

Attending Mass: Check parish Mass schedules in your area to see if they are celebrating this Mass. Celebrations will vary among local parishes, though this Mass is typically offered on September 1st during Ordinary Time. Although it is not a Holy Day of Obligation, it is a wonderful opportunity to immerse your children in God’s plan for creation and allow them to reflect on it through Eucharistic prayer.

Reflect on God’s Word: This Mass features specific readings that focus on God’s design for creation and how we were created through Him and for Him (Colossians 1:16). A great way to celebrate this in your learning circle is by reading these passages together. You can break down the passages to discuss them with your children, or practice Lectio Divina together. Linked below are the liturgical readings for this Mass along with instructions on how to pray Lectio Divina. A coloring page is also linked below for younger children to reflect with during family prayer!

• Official Liturgical Texts of the Mass

• How to Pray Lectio Divina

World Day of Prayer for The Care of Creation Coloring Page Free:

 Click To Download From Teachers Pay Teachers

Praying the Rosary: One person we know who cares so deeply for the care of creation would be our Blessed Mother Mary. Her intercession is a beautiful gift, and I know that I need to lean more deeply into it. Praying the Rosary in your home, at the abortion clinic, in areas of need, or even with a group of people like another class or co-op is filled with so much grace and reward. Consider focusing on a part of creation that is in need for each decade and pray for the intercession of our Blessed Mother. Below is a coloring worksheet that can be used for this specifically.

World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation Rosary Free:

 Click To Download From Teachers Pay Teachers

Teaching Children How to Defend Creation: In modern-day society, we have a very sick and cruel view of what the human person is. We have lost sight of many things, especially our image in Christ. Teaching children of all ages what the Church teaches about creation and how to defend it is an important skill in this secular world. These talks will help equip children to keep Christ’s teachings in a world that has fallen far from them. Below are activities that include specific teachings from the Church on creation and our treatment of it.

The Genesis Blueprint: Catholic Apologetics for Middle Schoolers: Click Here To View Product

Donate to Your Local Homeless Shelter: One of the biggest things we struggle with as a society is overconsumption. We think we need way more than we already have. We have stacks of clothes that will never be worn or are set aside because they aren't in style anymore. One of the greatest ways to teach your kids to be selfless and to develop the ability to detach from things of this world is to donate old clothes and toys. There are so many things in our homes that we go weeks, maybe even months, without touching. A way to care for the poor is by giving to those in need, and this would be a great hands-on way for your children to do this. It is also a great opportunity to learn to let go of earthly things.

Write Cards for a Nursing Home: The elderly are among the most vulnerable members of our society, especially those in nursing homes who receive few or no visitors. A wonderful way to teach your children how to care for the elderly is by taking time to make cards for them, sharing the love of Christ. This simple act can make someone who feels abandoned feel deeply cared for. Call your local nursing home to see if they accept mailed or dropped-off cards. Some facilities may even welcome you to lead activities with the residents!

Sources

World Day of Prayer for Creation – Liturgical Resources. Global Catholic Climate Movement / Care for Creation, https://worlddaycreation.com/en/. Accessed 27 Aug. 2026.

 Vatican News. "Pope Leo XIV Celebrates Mass for the Care of Creation at Borgo Laudato Si'." Vatican News / Holy See Press Office, July 9, 2025. https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2025-07/pope-leo-xiv-mass-care-creation-borgo-laudato-si-castel-gandolfo.html.