July/August Theme

God gave us dominion over the earth for its well-being.  Pledge to be a steward of the earth.

Prayer

Maker of all things, Creator of heaven and earth, we thank you for the wonder and beauty of nature.
May we be ever vigilant and responsible with the world that have given us, keeping mindful not only that we are your stewards, but also that your creation is a gift for all generations.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.

Amen

Pope Francis in his Inauguration on 3/19/2013 challenged us as follows:
“I would like to ask all those who have positions of responsibility in economic, political and social life, and all men and women of goodwill: let us be ‘protectors’ of creation, protectors of God’s plan inscribed in nature, protectors of one another and of the environment.”

Sacredness of Water

1. The recent decision to roll back regulations on water in our streams.
2. Water in Mexico City
3. Cracks in the Ice Shelf in the Antartic
4. Water in Minnesota
5. Governor Dayton’s Year of Action on Water, August 2016-August 2017
6. Dayton’s $500 Million Deal to Protect Rural Water
7. Metropolitan Area Water Supply Advisory Committee outlines the challenges facing the region’s long-term water supply and a framework for planning to ensure clean drinking water indefinitely. The report proposes a regional goal to reduce average daily water consumption from 125 gallons per day per person to 90 gallons per day.More about the report and MAWSAC’s key role in the region.
   • “Water Supply Now and for the Future” (pdf)
8. Water with Blessings

Here are a number of things you can do to care for creation:

Study and Prayer

• Read Pope Francis’ Encyclical Laudato Si
• Notable Quotes from Laudato Si
• 10 Things You Should Know from Pope Francis “Laudato Si”, Video
• Catholic Social Teaching 101, Care for God’s Creation, Video
• Join the World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation Facebook event.
• Pray a prayer composed by Pope Francis for his encyclical, Laudato Si’.
• Pray the Rosary using this guided rosary that emphasizes caring for creation, provided by the Franciscan Action Network.
• Host an hour of Adoration using a prayer resource from the Vatican.
• Host an ecumenical celebration using a guide provided by the Franciscans for Ecology.
• Read and reflect on the Holy Father’s Letter establishing the World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation.
• Begin and end meetings with prayers for creation from Earth Ministry.
• Pray with the following Scripture texts that focus on God’s creation.
  • Genesis 1:1-28, Creation Story
  • Genesis 9:8-17, God’s Covenant with Noah and All Creation
  • Psalm 8, The Majesty of God
  • Psalm 65, Thanksgiving for God’s Blessings
  • Psalm 104, Praise of God the Creator
  • Psalm 146, Trust in God Alone
  • Psalm 147, Zion’s Grateful Praise to Her Bountiful Lord
  • Psalm 148, Hymn of All Creation to the Almighty Creator
  • Daniel 3:52-90, Praise of God; Praise of God’s Creation
  • John 1:1-5, In the Beginning Was the Word
  • Revelation 21:14, New Heavens and New Earth

                            From Loyola, Catechist’s Journey.

Witness

• “10 Catholic Ways to Celebrate Earth Day.”
• Learn more about the Global Catholic Climate Movement
• Catholic Climate Covenant
• Sign the Catholic Climate Petition.
• Read and discuss the Eco-Parish Guide from the Global Catholic Climate Movement.
• Join a Creation Care Team.
• Check out resources from the Jesuits of Canada.

• Video: Catholicism and the challenge of ecology – Catholic News Service
• Steps to improve energy efficiency at home: EPA’s Energy Star program that the Minnesota Catholic Conference advocates.
• Take action in our community. From the Minnesota Catholic

• Safe Water for all

Patrons:  Saints Kateri Tekewitha and Francis of Assisi are patrons of ecology, nature and the environment.