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BLESSING OF THE ANIMALS IN GRATEFUL THANKSGIVING FOR SAINT FRANCIS OF ASSISI
This little turtle was one of many animals receiving a blessing today at San Juan del Rio Catholic School in Switzerland, Florida. How wonderful that its family felt strongly enough about their connection to it as one of the "lesser brethren" that they brought him to not only be blessed, but to remind us all that stewardship of creation is not a choice, it was and continues to be a mandate from the Creator!
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The Good News
National Parks Conservation Association
www.npca.org
The National Parks Conservation Association (NPCA) works every day to ensure that our national parks get the vital care and support necessary to be protected and perpetuated. For more than 90 years the NPCA has addressed environmental and wildlife issues and has launched key restoration initiatives.
The NPCA's creation in August, 1916, started the mission of "To protect and enhance America's National Parks for present and future generations."
At present, years of underfunding to the National Park Service (NPS) and external threats such as air pollution and climate change are taking their toll. The National Parks Conservation Association is working on key initiatives as the NPS moves towards its centennial anniversary of the National Park Service in 2016. Those initiatives are: National Parks Wildlife, Clean Air, Reinvesting in America's Heritage, Local Park Protection, Climate Change threats and Disrepair of National Park roads.
It is imperative that now is the time that the citizenry gets serious about supporting and advocating for our national natural treasures and its creatures. CLICK HERE to visit the NPCA's advocates web page to begin.
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Father Ron's Column
O Jesus, My Love...
Father Ron returns from Pittsburgh with a gratuitous spirit in sharing the experience of having received his SILVER MEDAL AWARD among so many wonderful military writers.
READ MORE...
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Artfully Speaking
A Place of Peace-"Welaka"
Some weeks are better than others. Rick was in one of those "other" weeks this past week, and brings the experience home in word and in the beautiful art work which is truly a "respite for the mind." His artwork makes you think of that perfect cabin get-a-way in a National Park!
READ MORE...
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Inspiration Blooms by Sister Marie Rene, SSJ
The Habit of Being
Sister Marie Rene has a friend, Susanne Marie, who shared a thought from the letters of Flannery O'Connor. Sister would like to pass it along.
READ MORE...
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Susi's Commentary
The Great Smokies
National Parks and in particular The Great Smokey Mountains have always been a source of not only our family vacations, but of finding sacred spaces in which to praise God!
READ MORE...
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In the Key of "G" by Mary Galvano-Bajohr
The Gift of Giving
Mary and a couple of her golf professional friends visited a retirement home recently, which yielded a tremendous, loving moral lesson!
READ MORE...
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Steward Alerts
America the Beautiful: The National Parks and Federal Recreation Lands Annual Pass
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Leave No Trace: Center for Outdoor Ethics
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New Reasons to Visit a National Park
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Steward Activities
Kids, be a Junior Ranger
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Environmental Contaminants Encyclopedia Listing
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National Park Service Students & Teachers Web Page
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Wellness & Nutrition
Healthy Eating While on the Trail
Visiting our national parks can bring out the best in trailblazers and hikers. So, we have put together a few websites we felt would be conducive to healthy eating while on the trail.
Top Ten Hiking Foods
Homemade Trail Mix for Hikers
Backpacking Foods
The Backpack Gourmet
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Stargazing
Hiking the Night Skies
Getting out into creation in our national parks isn't just for daytime recreation. What better place to view the splendor of the night sky than "on the trail" in a national park. It doesn't take a big telescope and all kind of equipment to give you a great experience. Because the surrounding area is free of infracting city lights, the views with just the naked eye or a pair of binoculars can really be extraordinary. The best viewing of course is high up and in an open space. Don't forget to take along a copy of The Guide to the Night Sky to help you establish the identity of the celestial bodies you will see.
We would like to recommend a few great places to see the night skies where you could get lost in the ethereal cloud of our Milky Way:
Bryce Canyon Astronomy & Night Sky Programs
Stargazing and Night Hiking Resources in the San Francisco Bay Area
Moonlight Hikes at Maricopa County Parks
Trail Maps at Trails.com
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Share a Link.Night Sky With Google Earth
CLICK HERE to view the Night Sky With Google Earth where you can "zoom" in on photographs taken by powerful telescopes like the Hubble. ___________________________________________ Our Beautiful Universe
CLICK HERE to lean back and watch space "take it's effect."
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