The Season of Creation is an annual ecumenical celebration of prayer and action to protect our common home. It takes place from Sept. 1 – the World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation – to Oct. 4 – the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi.
Water is a sacred gift, central to both creation and our faith, and its protection is vital to the well-being of people and the planet. As environmental challenges intensify, “Living Water” invites us to recognize the urgency of safeguarding this resource and to renew our commitment to care for our common home and for those most affected by water insecurity.
Visit www.SeasonofCreation.org for information and resources to celebrate the season.
Read Pope Leo XIV’s Message for the 11th World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation 2026
Share CHA Resources on Water – Caring for a Life-Giving Resource
Share the following resources to help raise awareness of the Catholic health ministry’s call to protect access to clean water for all.
Reflect
Review and reflect on the questions posed in “A Safe Water Supply Reflects Justice and Health Issues.” The author raises the following important questions about use of water in terms of justice and rights to basic resources.
- Health care facilities use a lot of water for the multiple functions they carry out, the many people who need hydration there and high standards of sanitation that need to be maintained. Can you think of ways your ministry can do a better job conserving its water resources? Planning for water recycling? And building a long-term water strategy within your community?
- As anchor institutions, how can hospitals participate in partnerships to more equitably distribute healthy water for drinking, cleanliness and recreation? How does your ministry and community ensure that the voices of the poor and marginalized are part of the conversations about safe, accessible and affordable water?
- Water is actually and symbolically associated with life itself. How does your ministry use signs, symbols, fountains and pools to reflect the spirit of healing to those who are ill, to the families and friends who love them and to the health professionals who care for them?
This audio reflection adapted from prayers from Sr. Beatrice Hernandez, OSF, Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation Coordinator for the Wheaton Franciscans can also be used to reflect on our relationship with creation.
Join a Synodal Conversation During the Season of Creation
CHA invites members to participate in Cry of the Earth, Cry of the Poor Synodal Conversations. These gatherings offer an opportunity to prayerfully listen, reflect, and share experiences on how we can respond to the interconnected challenges facing our common home and our most vulnerable brothers and sisters. Join Catholic communities across the country in fostering dialogue, discernment, and action rooted in care for creation and integral human development.
CHA celebrates the Season of Creation as part of our commitment to this prophetic call of hope to heal our earth and to the Laudato Si' Action Platform.