Living The Season of Creation
So as the Season of Creation comes to an end this Feast Day of St Francis, 4 October 2026, we pray that the Holy Spirit may renew in us all a sense of wonder, curiosity and gratefulness.
In a recent edition of the British Catholic publication, The Tablet, (September 2026), Bishop Bosco MacDonald outlined what a simple response to the Season of Creation for us all could be:
- “Give thanks for food rather than taking it for granted,
- Waste a little less,
- Teach children to marvel at the natural world,
- Walk a little more slowly and notice what is around us. The world does not belong to us. It belongs to God. We receive it as a gift, hold it in trust for a little while, and hand it on to those who come after us.”
We would do well to heed these wise words and reflect on what a blessing this year’s Season of Creation has been.
Ref: The Tablet | September 2026
Prayer to Become Stewards of God's Creation
Creator God,
As we feast our eyes on autumn reds and yellows, we sense your creative power.
As we marvel at the uniqueness of each winter shower, we rejoice that you know us each by name.
As we hear the songs of birds of spring, we yearn to sing your praises.
As we breathe the delicious scents of summer flowers, our souls rest in your love.
Forgiving God,
We have not lived out our responsibility to be faithful stewards of creation. For this, we seek your pardon.
Our over-consumption has impacted the poorest members of our human family most of all. For this, we ask your mercy.
Our actions have endangered both the lives of our children today as well as those yet to be born. For this, we seek your forgiveness.
Living God,
As we meet you in nature, inspire us to see anew our place in the web of life.
In our daily lives, help us to make daily choices that reflect global solidarity.
As we reflect on the teaching of our faith, equip us to advocate for laws and policies that reflect your call to faithful stewardship.
We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, God for ever and ever. Amen.
From USCCB handout for World Day of Peace 2010
Living St Francis of Assisi's Legacy
St. Francis devoted his life to living in harmony with nature. He saw the natural world and all its creatures as sacred gifts from God, each possessing intrinsic value to be loved, respected and cherished.
In following the teachings of St. Francis, Christians believe that God is generous, loving and that we are all created in God’s image. A simple description of St. Francis’ life and legacy might describe him as:
- A saint of peace and the poor
- A saint with a great love for all God’s creatures
- Respectful of each person’s God-given uniqueness
Across our DOBCEL school communities, we can still continue to honour St Francis' legacy through activities to promote compassion for animals, care for creation, peace, and service to others.
1. Care for Animals (Patron Saint of Animals)
- Wildlife Protection: Encourage students to build bird feeders, plant pollinator-friendly gardens, or install insect "hotels" around school grounds to support local wildlife.
2. Environmental Stewardship & Creation
- Schoolwide Cleanup or Eco-Day: Organize a litter cleanup around the school grounds or local community, emphasizing St. Francis’s reverence for nature.
- Tree or Garden Planting: Plant native trees, shrubs, or a school vegetable garden to promote sustainability and respect for the earth.
- Waste Reduction Challenge: Run a "Zero Waste" lunch day to encourage students to reduce single-use plastics and food waste.
3. Prayer, Liturgy & Reflection
- Liturgical Service or Mass: Focus liturgical readings, songs, and prayers on peace, humility, and gratitude for creation.
- The Prayer of St. Francis: Reflect on the prayer ("Lord, make me an instrument of your peace...") in religion classes or morning announcements, prompting students to write down ways they can be peacemakers at school.
- Outdoor Prayer Walks: Lead students on a reflective walk through a natural area near the school to appreciate nature through prayer or journaling.
4. Service, Charity & Peace
- Food & Coat Drives: In the spirit of St. Francis's dedication to the poor, collect non-perishable food or warm winter coats for local charities or St. Vincent de Paul societies.
- Acts of Peace & Kindness: Create a "Peace Wall" where students write down acts of reconciliation, kindness, or peace they carried out during the week.
- Living Simply: Host a simplified meal or "frugal lunch" day to learn about St. Francis’s choice of voluntary simplicity and solidarity with those in need.