Creation Care Bulletin Blurbs (July 2026)

Care for all creatures this summer with a few smart heat safety tips! Importantly, never leave dogs in hot cars. Dogs left in hot cars are vulnerable to dying from heatstroke because they do not cool themselves like humans do, and because temperatures can rise rapidly. On a 70-degree day, the temperature inside a car can rise to 89 degrees in just ten minutes. Now just imagine how hot it can get during the peak of summer. Stay vigilant and ensure vulnerable creatures are protected.

Stay hydrated this summer, and keep our local wild neighbors hydrated too. Simply leaving a shallow, clean bowl of water out can be a life-saver for small animals surviving the heat. Ensure the bowl stays clean and away from your house. During summer’s hottest days, this simple gesture of kindness cultivates a culture of consideration for God’s creatures.

July 14th is the Feast Day of Saint Kateri Tekakwitha. Saint Kateri is the patron saint of ecology and the environment. You can honor her legacy right in your own backyard! By planting native flowers, you can turn your yard into a sanctuary for God's creatures. (Bonus: Learn about Saint Kateri-certified habitats and create one this summer!)

Looking for a simple summer activity to become a better steward of God’s creatures? The Saint Francis Institute for Animals offers a free downloadable 30-Day Harmony with All Creatures Journey, which features daily readings and reflections. Visit saintfrancisinstitute.org/30dayjourney to get started!