The Season of Creation 2026 offers JP2 Award participants, schools, parishes and youth groups an opportunity to reflect on our responsibility to care for creation and to consider practical ways in which we can respond through prayer and action.
This year’s theme is “Living Water”, inspired by the vision of the prophet Ezekiel:
“Where the river flows everything will live.”
(Ezekiel 47:9)
The image of living water flowing from God’s sanctuary is one of hope and healing – renewing the land, water and all living things. It also invites us to reflect on our own responsibility for the world which God has entrusted to our care.
For those involved in the Pope John Paul II Award, the Season of Creation can provide opportunities to connect faith with practical service within the parish and wider community.
Resources for 2026
The Laudato Si’ Working Group of the Irish Catholic Bishops’ Conference and Trócaire has brought together a range of resources for the Season of Creation 2026.
Some which may be particularly useful include:
The Season of Creation Prayer 2026
A prayer for this year’s Season of Creation which can be used individually or as part of a school, parish or youth gathering.
A River Ritual
A prayer resource designed to be celebrated beside a river or stream. It offers an opportunity to gather outdoors, pray together and reflect on the importance of water and our responsibility for creation.
Brother River Meditation
A short three-minute reflection using the sights and sounds of nature. This could be used to begin a class, Award gathering, prayer service or meeting.
Rubbish Graveyard
A practical activity demonstrating how long everyday items take to biodegrade. This could form the basis of an environmental awareness activity in a school or parish.
An Ecological Rosary
A resource combining prayer of the Rosary with reflection on our responsibility to care for our common home.
Creation Walk Moments
A series of moments which can be placed around a church, school or parish grounds to help young people explore the story and wonder of God’s creation.
Tree Planting Resource
Practical guidance and prayers to help a school, parish or Award group organise a tree-planting initiative.
Other resources include Sunday liturgy notes, prayers and readings for the Mass for the Care of Creation, a Blessing for Animals and resources for families and communities.
From reflection to action
The Season of Creation also encourages JP2 Award participants to think creatively about how they contribute to their parish and community.
This might include helping with a parish Season of Creation prayer or liturgy, organising or supporting an environmental activity, taking part in a creation walk, helping to care for parish grounds, supporting a local environmental initiative, or raising awareness of care for our common home.
The important question is not simply “What activity can I do for my Award?”, but:
How can I use my gifts and my time to serve my faith community and care for the world God has given us?
The Season of Creation is celebrated each year from 1 September to 4 October, the Feast of St Francis of Assisi.
The full collection of Season of Creation 2026 resources, compiled by the Laudato Si’ Working Group of the Irish Catholic Bishops’ Conference and Trócaire, is available from the Irish Catholic Bishops’ Conference.
