By The Catholic Week SELMA — Sr. Mary A. Cashman, C.D.P., the director of Edmundite Missions’ New Possibilities Youth Program in Selma, and her fellow students observed the “Season of Creation” in a special way. In 2015, Pope Francis established the period from Sept. 1-Oct. 4 as the “Season of Creation” and his message this year was titled "Hope and Act with Creation." Sr. Cashman and her students started a community garden made up of raised beds. Students learned how to build the raised beds with the help of local carpenters who volunteered their time and the students built every bed located in the community garden. Students also learned about gardening, with Sr. Cashman leading them through the process of planting the entire garden. Plants that grow in colder weather were chosen so students can see the beauty of creation even as winter approaches. Each afternoon, the students take pride in weeding and watering the beds, doing their part to truly make this time a Season of Creation. Once the garden bears fruit, they’ll use the produce in recipes that students will prepare and serve to their families at a monthly family dinner night. Chad McEachern, president & CEO of the Edmundite Missions said, “I love to see our students taking part in brightening their communities in the same way we are helping to brighten their futures. We are all about creating new possibilities for these students and I pray their lives serve as a never-ending "Season of Creation," cultivating a brighter tomorrow the way they’ve cultivated this beautiful community garden.”