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Catholic Worship and the Environment
Catholic teaching speaks of a “sacramental
universe”: a world that communicates the
glory, wisdom, and goodness of the Creator. Sacramental
elements such as water, bread, wine, and oil;
the earthly imagery of the Psalms and the parables
of Jesus; nature symbolism in sacred art and architecture;
liturgies of blessing at planting time and thanksgiving
at harvest time — over the centuries, the
traditional components of worship have expressed
the spiritual significance of the natural world
as the creation of a loving God.
In the context of current environmental concerns,
the affirmation of creation in worship has taken
on new dimensions.
- New liturgical forms stress our interdependence
with one another in the whole web of life.
- Worship that expresses Church teachings about
justice and care for creation raises parishioners’
awareness of environmental problems in their
own communities.
- Art and architecture in worship spaces demonstrate
respect for creation in their treatment of natural
settings and materials.
- Shared experiences of prayer and spiritual
reflection renew bonds of religious community
among those divided by their perspectives on
resource issues.
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While environmental
concerns may be lifted up in worship at any time,
some days in the church calendar have taken on
special significance:
- The Feast Day of St.
Francis on October 4. Often called the “patron
saint of ecology,” St. Francis’
love for the poor as well as for the whole creation
makes him a fitting symbol of Christian commitment
to environmental justice.
- Rogation Days (in the spring), a traditional
time for blessing fields, gardens, and orchards.
- Assumption Day (August 15), when the produce
of the land may be blessed.
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