Catholics across Australia are being invited to come together this September for a national online gathering exploring how faith can inspire action for people and the planet.
The Catholic Earthcare Season of Creation Gathering 2026: Listen, Reflect, Act is an endorsed Caritas Australia initiative, supported by the Bishops Commission for Social Justice, Mission and Service and delivered in partnership with Catholic Religious Australia.
The gathering will be held online on the 3rd and 4th of September, bringing together participants from dioceses, parishes, schools, religious institutes, health services and social ministries from across the country.
The two-day event aims to deepen understanding of integral ecology and Catholic Social Doctrine, strengthen a shared Catholic response to environmental and social challenges, and inspire practical action in local communities.
Chair of the Bishops Commission for Social Justice, Mission and Service, Bishop Timothy Harris, said the gathering comes at a critical time.
“In a time when our common home faces unprecedented challenges, the Season of Creation Gathering offers a grace-filled opportunity to come together to listen, reflect and act with hope. I warmly encourage all to participate, so that we may deepen our faith, strengthen our unity, and respond with love and responsibility to care for all creation. Let us listen, reflect, and act together; embracing our vocation to care for creation with hope, faith, and courage.”
Day one of the gathering will feature keynote presentations and formation sessions exploring the theological, pastoral and practical dimensions of caring for our common home.
Confirmed speakers include Archbishop Peter Loy Chong of Fiji, Bishop Timothy Norton SVD of Broome, Shirley Quaresimin, Julie Edwards, Fr Anthony Doran, Dr Anne Jennings and Alwin Macalalad from the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development.
Day two will offer practical workshops focused on environmental challenges and opportunities for action in parishes, schools, organisations and local communities.
Caritas Australia CEO Kirsten Sayers said the gathering's strength lies in bringing together diverse voices from across the Church and wider community.
“One of the strengths of the Season of Creation Gathering is the opportunity to learn from people working across faith, education, social services and environmental care. We are grateful to our speakers and partners for helping create a space where Catholics from across Australia can come together to learn, connect and be inspired to act.”
The gathering is expected to attract more than 300 participants and coincides with the global Christian celebration of the Season of Creation.
To register or find out more, visit www.caritas.org.au/soc-gathering or email catholicearthcare@caritas.org.au.
Media contact: Tara Harvey 0484 002 021 tara.harvey@caritas.org.au or caritasmedia@caritas.org.au
