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

Archbishop Shelton J. Fabre is scheduled to celebrate the first Green Mass for the care of creation using a new set of prayers and biblical readings that were added to the Roman Missal in June. The Vatican issued a decree on June 8, which outlined these updates, as reported by OSV News.

The event will take place at St. Raphael Church, located at 2141 Lancashire Ave., on September 25 at 6:30 p.m. It is being organized by the Archdiocesan Creation Care Team.

“Participants in the Mass will find that the readings featured provide new insights into the importance of seeing God through his creation,” stated an announcement from organizers. “Drawn from Biblical sources such as the Book of Wisdom, the Psalms and the New Testament, the readings reinforce the role we all have in living in harmony with all God’s creatures.”

Last year, Archbishop Fabre celebrated a special Green Mass on October 2, 2024, at St. Francis of Assisi Church in observance of the Season of Creation. That celebration was also organized by the Creation Care Team and was noted as a first for the archdiocese.

A reception is planned after this year's Mass in St. Raphael School’s cafeteria.