After this summer in Ireland, we don’t have to imagine burnt earth, dry and cracked soil, desert and depleted resources of water. If we were lukewarm before about ‘Care for our Common Home’ or cynical about ‘Laudato Si’ we have an opportunity to revisit those views by immersing ourselves in the celebration of the Season of Creation in our liturgies and our communities (everything doesn’t happen inside the church building) from September 1 to October 4 (Feast of St Francis of Assisi).
These resources for 2026 were compiled by the ‘Laudato Si’ Working Group of the Irish Bishops’ Conference & Trócaire. The theme is ‘Living Water’ inspired by Ezekiel 47:9,12. They are rich and diverse – on a plate for Celebrants and Liturgy Groups. The Homily Notes are refreshing for each week. Reflections are drawn from a variety of sources and can be used on the Sundays (and daily Masses) or at other liturgies inspired by the Season. I’m looking forward to the Daily Meditations by Richard Hendrick OFMCap and the irresistible Harvest Samba.
On the weekend of 29/30 August we will pray Psalm 62 – Like the Deer That Yearns.
We can link thirsting for God with the reality of those who are deprived of clean water. Could this be a prelude to alert people about the Season of Creation and encourage them to watch out for notices about events? Invite parishioners to do a ‘leak’ audit during the week and repair where necessary. The Taizé song – Let All Who Are Thirsty Come – would be a great opening chant.
Music
The Laudate 2027 programme for Primary Schools in Dublin Diocese begins with 4 songs for use during the Season of Creation: All the Nations of the Earth (Michael Cockett) – All Things Bright and Beautiful (Cecil F. Alexander) – Canticle of the Sun (Marty Haugen) – The Splendour of the Earth (Bernard Sexton). Encourage your local school to participate in Laudate!!
Laudate’s older sibling Emmanuel 2027, the music programme for Second Level Schools, includes For the Beauty of the Earth (John Rutter) another creation song.
It is important for adult choirs/cantors to use the music from these programmes to create an inclusive atmosphere in our gatherings for younger people who attend.
Enjoy the Season of Creation from LitMus, Archdiocese of Dublin
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