Pope Francis’ encyclical, Laudato Si’: On Care for Our Common Home was the first encyclical to be entirely dedicated to the topic of environmental issues. Inspired by Saint Francis of Assisi’s Canticle of the Creatures, “Praise be to you, my Lord, through our Sister, Mother Earth, who sustains and governs us,” the encyclical demonstrates that environmental issues are a priority of Pope Francis’ papacy. Written to "every person living on this planet," Pope Francis has asked citizens of the world to acknowledge, discuss, and take personal responsibility in meeting environmental challenges. (For more information about Laudato Si’ or to access an electronic version of the encyclical, visit the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops web site.)
Explore and download the printable stewardship resources below and encourage every member of your parish, school, faith formation program, etc. to use them throughout the month and all year. These resources will help children and families understand, reflect on, and answer the call to be stewards of the environment.
Care for God’s Creation Printables for Catholics
#1 Stewards of God’s Creation Lesson
Switching off an unnecessary light, recycling a newspaper, and utilizing public transportation are all acts of stewardship. These acts – done by us and by others– add to a collective commitment that can make a difference in our vast and beautiful world. By participating in the care of creation, we can feel a sense of empowerment that comes from contributing to the greater good. Although originally designed for children, the Stewards of God's Creation Lesson can be used by participants of any age to reflect on ways to care for God’s gifts of creation. Download this colorful lesson and prayer celebration and complete the activities with children, your family, or as a personal exercise to see how to better care for our natural environment!
#2 Caring for God’s Creation eBook
Download a FREE printable eBook that contains ideas to teach and inspire children to care for creation. The activities outlined in this eBook can be done at home by families or in classroom settings. Grab this printable download and start reading the Book of Genesis or going on a litter hunt today!
Looking for more ways to care for Creation? Here are additional ideas you can take part of once you complete the activities in the Caring for God’s Creation eBook!
#4 Canticle of Creation Prayer Card
Saint Francis’ Canticle of Creation is a hymn in praise of creation. It reflects his deep respect for nature and animals. Pope Francis’ encyclical letter Laudato Si’: On Care for our Common Home, is named from this canticle. The Canticle of Creation Prayer Card can be colored and prayed by disciples of all ages.
#5 Reflection on Psalm 148
Care of creation entails a deep respect for the natural world and a commitment to safeguarding the environment. It is also important to increase our love for all of God’s creation and take delight in the marvels around us. Psalm 148 is often referred to as a hymn of praise for creation. Use the Reflection on Psalm 148 to nurture a reverence for creation and perceive the divine mystery in the beauty of creation. Reflect on parts of this psalm with your class, family, or as a personal exercise.
#6 Fall Activities for Families
Share this resource with the families in your religious education program to inspire the time their family shares together this fall. Or, as a variation, plan a parish event in which you incorporate some or all of the suggestions in the fun fall activities for families resource. Families within your program will form bonds while family members do.
#7 Springtime Activities for Families
Encourage families to enjoy God’s creation together as winter begins to fade into warmer weather! The Springtime Activities for Families handout especially includes four simple activity suggestions that connect family members to God, to nature, to each other as they experience the beauty of the spring season.
#8 Our Faith and Earth Sustainability Article
The Our Faith and Earth Sustainability Support Article reviews Pope Benedict XVI’s call for a commitment to care for creation and examines the particular effect that environmental changes will pose to the poor. This article challenges us to commit to care for God’s creation and to care for those who are poor. It includes suggestions for implementation in class and at home.
Download and share the Our Faith and Earth Sustainability Support Article with the families in your religious education program in conjunction with any timely opportunities and alongside Laudato Si resources and conversation.
#9 In Thanksgiving of God’s Creation Prayer Card
Download a In Thanksgiving for the Gifts of God’s Creation Prayer Card and use it in the classroom or parish to enhance your children's appreciation of nature’s bounty.
#10 Community Caring for Creation Article
Renewing the Earth, the U.S. Bishop’s pastoral letter on environmental justice states, “At its core, the environmental crisis is a moral challenge. It calls us to examine how we use and share the goods of the earth, what we pass on to future generations, and how we live in harmony with God’s creation.” This call speaks to children’s intrinsic and intuitive understanding that care for creation is fundamental.
Today’s children recognize that if we teach respect for life, then we need to respect nature and the interconnectedness of all life. Educators and parents must nurture children’s vision of the sacramentality of the whole universe, which was blessed into being by God.
Download a Caring for Community Support Article that addresses the issue of environmental justice and includes suggestions of ways that young people can show care for creation both at home and in school.
#11 Go Green! Planner and Presentation
Families can plan a multi-day event around the care for creation with the help of the Go Green! Planner and Presentation. This downloadable PowerPoint™ Presentation allows you to prepare for a whole community event and provides the slides needed for the leader to implement the event. Once downloaded, it is customizable.
In the event, participants will learn how the call to care for God's creation is part of Catholic Social Teaching. They will expand their understanding of stewardship that includes respect for and protection of the natural environment. Finally, they will identify ways to “go green” through the practice of stewardship at home and in collaboration with others.
In Summary
These free printable resources can be used in the classroom or at home to explore the call to care for God’s creation. As Catholics, we must all commit to safeguarding the environment and strive to increase our love for all of God’s natural wonders.
“Our very contact with nature has a deep restorative power; contemplation of its magnificence imparts peace and serenity. The Bible speaks again and again of the beauty of creation, which is called to glorify God.” Saint Pope John Paul II
