Care for Creation Spring 2026 Activity Book

CARE FOR CREATION

This book is inspired

by Pope Francis, who helped the Church care for God’s creation in a special way and now rests in heaven with the Lord.

God made the heavens and the earth and it was good.

Genesis 1:1-31

Laudato Si’ means “Praise be to You.” In this special message, Pope Francis reminds us that the Earth is a gift from God—our common home.

God made a beautiful world for us.

We are called to love it, care for it, and protect it.

Look around you...

What is something beautiful in God’s creation?

Draw or write your answer below:

Care for Creation

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God loves and cares for all of creation.

Matthew 6:25-34

Everything in nature is a gift from God. When we notice these gifts, we grow in gratitude.

Draw or write three things in nature you are thankful for: 1

2

3

Say a short prayer: “Thank You, God, for…”

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Creation reveals the nature of God. Romans 1:20

Small actions can make a big difference!

I turn off the lights when I leave a room.

I don’t waste water.

I throw trash in the right place.

I recycle when I can.

I take care of plants and trees.

I am kind to animals.

Check the ones you will do today!

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Creation and all created things are inherently good because they are of the Lord.

1 Corinthians 10:26

God made a beautiful world for us to enjoy and protect.

Color the picture below!

As you color, think about this: How can you take care of God’s world?

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Humans are commanded to care for God’s creation.

Genesis 2:15

We can all help care for the Earth —one small step at a time.

I promise to:

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All the earth is the Lord’s.

Psalm 24:1-2

God calls us to care for His creation.

Can you find the hidden words? Circle the words hidden in the puzzle below.

Words can go across, up and down, diagonal—and even backward!

CREATION EARTH WATER TREES

LOVE CARE GOD THANKFUL RECYCLE PLANT

P LANT

SUN

Q P S E A R T H V U G S L M R P B O E N Z F A C L J P B E Z G N K L E R I A O D G U E L P O I B F F M H A T R O W U M Q D E V I V B L O V E K A G H J P T N V A L F G B C N T X I M N A D E K O Z U F H E N S T G H O A Q V A U W R W T H A N K F U L I S P E A F J D C R T K X O M E S U N O I T A E R C Z U I B P S N L O B C W F V A D R A Q U C E P S D Y H J V K N O R S I P X F O R E C Y C L E B

SE ERT

ANIMALS

ERAC

Word List:

Which word was the hardest to find?

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The land itself must be given a rest and not abused.

Leviticus 25:1-7

The Earth is our common home.

Let us protect it with love.

What is one way you will care for our common home this week?

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Who Was Saint Francis?

Saint Francis of Assisi was a man who loved God, people, and all of creation. He saw the world as a gift and treated animals, nature, and others with kindness and respect. He reminds us to live simply, share generously, and care for our common home.

What is a Jubilee Year?

A Jubilee Year is a special time in the Church to celebrate, give thanks, and grow closer to God. It’s a time for: • Forgiveness and fresh starts • Helping others in need • Renewing our faith During a Jubilee connected to Saint Francis, we remember his life and try to follow his example of peace, humility, and love for creation.

Did you know that the Pope chose the name “Francis” for Saint Francis of Assisi?

When Pope Francis became pope, he chose the name Francis after Saint Francis of Assisi. He chose this name because: • Saint Francis cared deeply for the poor and forgotten • He lived a life of simplicity and humility • He called people to care for God’s creation Pope Francis wanted the Church to reflect these same values, especially caring for the poor and protecting the Earth.

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Try This! Draw or write one way you can follow Saint Francis this week: Help someone in need

Spend time in nature and thank God

Be kind to animals

Choose to live simply

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Lord, make me an instrument of your peace: where there is hatred, let me sow love; where there is injury, pardon; where there is doubt, faith; where there is despair, hope; where there is darkness, light; where there is sadness, joy.

O divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console, to be understood as to understand, to be loved as to love.

For it is in giving that we receive, it is in pardoning that we are pardoned, and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.

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We thank God for the life and example of Pope Francis, whose love for creation continues to inspire us, and who is now being followed by Pope Leo XIV, who continues to care for the Church and all of God’s creation in his pastoral leadership.

Pope Leo XIV | September 1, 2025 For the 10th World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation 2025

“For believers it is also a duty born of faith, since the universe reflects the face of Jesus Christ, in whom all things were created and redeemed. In a world where the most vulnerable of our brothers and sisters are the first to suffer the devastating effects of climate change, deforestation and pollution, care for creation becomes an expression of our faith and humanity.”

CARE FOR CREATION

archny.org/care-for-creation

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