Read Pope Francis' 2020 message for the WORLD DAY OF PRAYER FOR THE CARE OF CREATION See other messages from the Vatican, U.S. Bishops and Diocese of Arlington by clicking HERE.
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2020 SEASON OF CREATION ACTIVITIES
Creation Calls Video. Utilizing footage from the BBC Planet Earth Series, we take a look at the wonder and majesty of God’s creation. Set to the song, “Creation Calls” by Brian Doerksen, this stunning glimpse of God’s masterpiece is meant to glorify God and draw the mind to new places of intimacy with God.
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Virtual World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation. We invite you to join us virtually in a 17-minute outdoor prayer service celebrating the Season of Creation filmed outside behind St. John Neumann. As we have come to learn, it takes a special effort to be spiritually present in a virtual service and to overcome the stance of being a casual observer of a production. Please begin by centering yourself, taking a few deep breaths and asking for the graces to participate prayerfully. Watch the video HERE and use this GUIDE for reflection.
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Prayer Flags Along the SJN Prayer Loop. All are invited to help decorate the SJN Prayer Loop behind the church. A temporary prayer flag line has been installed along the lower edge of the 0.1 mile prayer loop. The instructions are simple:
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Contempation at the SJN. Visit the Gardern on the east end of the SJN grounds and use this GUIDE or materials in the prayer card box to prayerfully relect on God's creations. The Garden was built in 2017 as an Eagle Scout project, benches were added by our Work Camp crew in 2020, and the prayer card box was painted by a Work Camp participant.
Contemplative Walk through the SJN Prayer Loop and Reston Association Trails. Enjoy a contemplative walk through the SNJ Prayer Loop and adjoining Restion Association trails. Here is a Trail Map Prayers and meditations, as well as a Nature Trail Checklist, are available for use and are located in the prayer box located at the entrance to the Prayer Loop.
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Learn More About Laudato Si' and Integral Ecology. The Franciscan Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation Office in Rome is offering a wonderful virtual opportunity to celebrate the Season of Creation and put into practice Laudato Si' at home and everywhere. It has 10 sessions and can be done according to your own schedule starting Sept 7 2020.This course is for everyone who wants to gain insights into the major themes of Pope Francis’ groundbreaking encyclical and who desires to become a part of the global Franciscan movement towards ecological conversion and systemic change. REGISTER HERE.
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Design and Build a Home "Mary Garden". Creating a Mary Garden has been an activity dating back hundreds of years, originally in Europe. Many plants have legends and symbols associated with them that represent Mary, or some aspect of scripture. One major threat to the planet is the decline in biodiversity. We, as humans, depend on healthy ecosystems for our survival. This includes clean air to breathe, clean water to drink, and ecosystems that can adapt to a changing climate. We know that the more biodiverse an ecosystem is, the better able it is to provide these ecosystem services. See https://www.kateri.org/mary-gardens-for-a-spiritual-experience/
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