Opening Prayer
A prayer for our earth
All-powerful God, you are present in the whole universe
and in the smallest of your creatures.
You embrace with your tenderness all that exists.
Pour out upon us the power of your love,
that we may protect life and beauty.
Fill us with peace, that we may live
as brothers and sisters, harming no one.
O God of the poor,
help us to rescue the abandoned and forgotten of this earth,
so precious in your eyes.
Bring healing to our lives,
that we may protect the world and not prey on it,
that we may sow beauty, not pollution and destruction.
Touch the hearts
of those who look only for gain
at the expense of the poor and the earth.
Teach us to discover the worth of each thing,
to be filled with awe and contemplation,
to recognize that we are profoundly united
with every creature
as we journey towards your infinite light.
We thank you for being with us each day.
Encourage us, we pray, in our struggle
for justice, love and peace.
Scripture Reading – 1st Reading of the Easter Vigil
Catechesis Video
Grades 7-12
- Where in scripture can we find the foundation for the principle of Caring for God’s Creation?
- What does it mean to Care for Creation?
- How does this principle impact your daily life?
Parish Leaders/Committees
- Where does the principle of Caring for God’s Creation originate?
- How do parish activities help/harm God’s creation?
- What can parishes do to address the principle of Caring for God’s Creation?
Faith Sharing/Parishioners/Bible Study
- Where does the principle of Caring for God’s Creation originate?
- What can you do in your daily life to live out this principle?
- How are we connected to God’s Creation?
Witness Video
Witness Video Reflection Questions
Grades 7-12
- Catholic Relief Services are working with people in Afghanistan to help their communities deal with the effects of climate change. What steps were important in working with the people of Afghanistan?
- How is climate change affecting the people in the video?
- What can we do to help slow/reverse climate change?
Parish Leadership/Committees
- Catholic Relief Services are working with people in Afghanistan to help their communities deal with the effects of climate change. What steps were important in working with the people of Afghanistan?
- How is climate change affecting the people in the video?
- What can we do to help slow/reverse climate change?
Faithsharing/Parishioner/College Students
- Catholic Relief Services are working with people in Afghanistan to help their communities deal with the effects of climate change. What steps were important in working with the people of Afghanistan?
- How is climate change affecting the people in the video?
- What can we do to help slow/reverse climate change?
Action Steps
Grades 7-12
- Study the impact of climate change on communities near you. Learn about what the underlying causes of climate change.
- Advocate for laws and policies that protect the environment, maintain clean air, water, and soil, and reduce pollution that contributes to climate change.
Parish Leadership/Committees
- Review practices at the parish and consider implementing ways that activities can reduce the impact on environment.
- Hold a prayer service to Care for Creation
Faithsharing/Parishioners/College Students
- Study Pope Francis’ letter “Care for Our Common Home” found in the additional resources section.
- Contact legislators to act on policies that address climate change.
Closing Prayer
Prayer for the Care of the Earth
God our Father and Creator, we give you thanks
for the wonder of creation which inspires us,
the fruit of the Earth which feeds us,
the beauty of nature which grounds us,
and the joy of life which gives us hope.
Heal the places where your creation has been marred,
and restore all creatures to the splendor of your glory,
that all may delight once again in your goodness.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.
Amen.
From The Work of Your Hands by Diana Macalintal.
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