Reverend Joseph E. Kurtz, D.D. Bishop | Archdiocese of Louisville

In observance of the Season of Creation, Archbishop Shelton J. Fabre will celebrate a special Green Mass at 6:30 p.m. on Oct. 2 at St. Francis of Assisi Church, located at 1960 Bardstown Road. This event marks the Archdiocese of Louisville’s first Green Mass, organized by the Archdiocesan Creation Care Team.

The liturgy “will celebrate the wondrous common home God has created for all his children,” stated an announcement from the Creation Care Team. “It will also present a unique opportunity to pray and reflect on how individuals can best live in concert with the appeal of Pope Francis presented in his encyclical, Laudato Si’.”

The Season of Creation is observed globally from Sept. 1 through Oct. 4, coinciding with the feast of St. Francis of Assisi and highlighted by Pope Francis.

“We look forward to initiating a ‘green tradition’ with this first Green Mass,” said Joan Shanahan, a member of the Creation Care Team. “Activities such as this can be an opening to have the spirit of ‘Laudato Si’’ come alive for those who don’t yet have the sense of urgency that Pope Francis has tried to impart to all of us.”

“Laudato Si’” is Pope Francis’ encyclical on creation, in which he issues an urgent appeal to care for “our common home,” Earth.

To mark the season, various activities are being hosted by the team, including a Season of Creation poster contest inviting students from kindergarten through eighth grade to submit original artwork promoting care for God’s creation.

Following the Mass, a reception with light refreshments will be held in the school’s cafeteria where winners of the poster contest will be announced.

Individuals from all faith traditions are invited to attend the Mass.

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