The Season of Creation is an annual ecumenical observance that calls all Christians to live in peace with creation and to take up the mantle of stewardship for our common home. This year’s theme is “Living Water” based on Ezekiel 47:9, 12. Rema Celio, Event and Program Coordinator for the Office for Ecumenical and Interfaith Relations, discusses how to celebrate this season.

1. Water is an important part of the geography of the archdiocese. Of the calls to action, which ones do you think are most relevant to us here?

Water is elemental to life and to all of creation. Without it, we cannot live. Water is a gift of beauty and sustenance, for life as well as our faith: we are baptized into Christ with flowing water, forming a community of faith called to be stewards of creation for our salvation and the life of the world. This vocation is reflected in Ezekiel 47:1–12, which conveys a distinct environmental message: one of global healing, renewal and transformation of life. It also highlights the interdependence between humanity and the natural world and offers a vision of hope expressed through active care for the earth, our common home.  Among the many calls to action, one of the most important is protecting water for food security. If water is life-giving, we all have a responsibility to safeguard it so that everyone can have access to safe, nourishing food.

2. Pope Francis adopted the Season of Creation in 2015, and Pope Leo XIV has reaffirmed its importance. How has this movement influenced your department’s work with other Christian churches?

The Season of Creation has opened new avenues for dialogue with other Christians, particularly around shared environmental concerns. In fact, Pope Leo XVI framed our common responsibility in terms of justice:

“Environmental justice–implicitly proclaimed by the prophets–can no longer be regarded as an abstract concept or a distant goal. It is an urgent need that involves much more than simply protecting the environment. For it is a matter of justice–social, economic and human. For believers it is also a duty born of faith, since the universe reflects the face of Jesus Christ, in whom all things were created and redeemed.”These conversations have created opportunities for receptive ecumenism, inviting us to learn from one another while building on what we already hold in common. Rooted in our common baptism and in the conviction that every person is created in the image and likeness of God, this work has fostered a deeper sense of unity among Christians.

3. How can people celebrate this season in their homes and parishes? Are there any prayer services or events to attend?

The Season of Creation can be adapted to local circumstances. The Celebration Guide 2026 offers meaningful options for parishes, small groups, families, and individuals. It begins on September 1 and closes on October 4. These symbolic dates will be marked by two global online events:

• September 1: Season of Creation Opening Prayer Service with global faith leaders, 9:00 m. ET. Several Christian traditions observe September 1 as the World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation, and some celebrate it as the Feast of Creation. The Laudato Si’ Movement will host this online gathering on YouTube. You can access the service on the Season of Creation website.
• October 4: Season of Creation Closing Event featuring youth voices from around the world, 9:00 m. ET. The event falls on the Feast of Saint Francis of Assisi, which is celebrated by many Christian communities. You can access the service on the Season of Creation website.

Other activities for parishes, families, and small groups include praying the Season of Creation Prayer 2026 or the Care of Creation Rosary, gathering for a Holy Hour with Eucharistic Adoration, and praying a Novena to Saint Francis. Each offers a simple, prayerful way to deepen gratitude for creation and renew our commitment to caring for our common home. For further reflection, see the magisterial resource Integral Ecology in the Life of the Family.

This post is a collaboration between the Office of Social Care and Community Outreach and the Office for Ecumenical and Interfaith Relations.