Season of Creation 2026

Examination of Conscience

From the Laudato Si Movement inspired by Dilexit nos (“He Loved Us”) by Pope Francis and Dilexi te exhortation (“I Have Loved You”) by Pope Leo XIV.

1.      How does the truth that I am a child of God influence the way I look at nature and at other people?

2.      When was the last time I truly realised that the world is a gift, and that in its purposeful order and beauty I can recognise the Creator.

3.      When I contemplate the heart of God, this heart-to-heart reflection invites me to respond to others from the heart, with a humility that comes from a “revolution of tenderness” to be entirely open to God and others. How do I evaluate my own needs within this lens? Before increasing my own comfort do I ask myself whether it comes at the expense of another person, the common good, or the suffering of wild, domestic or farm animals?

4.      How often do I judge myself and others through the lens of possessions? Do I buy and consume only what I truly need?

5.      Am I aware that the way I live affects all of God’s creation? How do I free myself from greed and avoid wastefulness and extravagance?

6.      Do I use energy, water and living nature responsibly, remembering that they are a common good also meant for future generations?

7.      How do I seek to understand the teaching of the Church and the findings of science regarding humanity’s shared responsibility for the condition of the natural environment – our common home.

8.      Through my choices, do I try to harm the environment? How do I heat my home? How do I travel? What food do I buy? How long do I use my clothes and equipment? How many chemicals do I consume? How much waste do I produce, and what do I do with it afterwards?

9.      To what extent do I feel responsible for my surroundings – their order, safety, and accessibility for the weak and vulnerable?

10.  Do I try to notice and help those in need? To what actions does attentiveness to others’ situations lead me? How do I respond to evil while bearing witness to my faith? Do I engage in social initiatives?

11.  How do I seek harmony in my life between prudent care for myself and respectful self-giving love towards my neighbour, animals and all creation?

 The source of this year's theme, Living Water. Before it becomes a river that renews the world, it first renews us.

Overview of the Theme

The Season of Creation is celebrated from September 1 to October 4, and in 2026, With this year’s theme “Living Water”, we are reminded that if we receive and accept the water from the Temple - God’s healing grace - then ‘rivers of living water’ will also flow within us. As we are healed and renewed - living water will also flow from us for the healing of others and of creation itself. We are called more than ever to bear witness to our Christian vocation to care for God's creation and restore right relationships with one another and the Earth.

Another page of interest is from the Catholic Bishops in England and Wales

As a Live Simply parish , every parishioner, young or old, male of female, busy or not busy, should always be finding ways of living simply. Two good ways would be :

• to support the events that are being planned in our parish to celebrate the Season of Creation. There may be other events announced later. The Laudato Si Circle are organising the events and if anyone wants to help them, please contact Brother David of St Timothy’s .

• or to learn more about creation via various resources. Some resources will help you focus on different aspects of Creation (briefly or at length) each day during the Season of Creation. We realise that many of you have little spare time so we will suggest some simple resources below. If you have more time, you can search on Laudato Si websites for more resources and decide for yourself which ones you want to follow.

Resources for the Season of Creation

The following are introductory and should help to motivate you.

If you are a busy person, then you could spend a couple of minutes each day on some intercessions from CAFOD.

For people who have a little more time on their hands, then we suggest

Prayers on the Care of Creation | CAFOD - this includes a Novena to St Francis | CAFOD

If you are parents who want to interest your children. then look at Creation: Family Prayer Resources (CAFOD)

There are many suggestions on the internet. This one is done by Catholic Climate Covenant

Another one which has been recommended is one called Faith leaders invite you to the 2026 Season of Creation