b'ABOUT THEfrom the editorPUBLISHERSaint Marys Press is a nonprofit, Lasallian Catholic publisher administered byIt is a new school year, one that looks the Christian Brothers ofvery different from anything we have the Midwest District. Ourknown before. Modifications to schedules focus is a contemporaryand classroom practices in schools and expression of the Catholicchurches in response to COVID-19 vary Churchs mission to proclaimgreatly across the nation, ensuring that the Good News of Jesusthere is very little left that feels normal.Christ and the LasallianNonetheless, as teachers and catechists, mission to provide a humanwe need to help establish a new normal and Christian education forfor our students in any way we can. Our experience in young people, includingthe spring reminded us of students needs for schedules, those who are economicallyroutines, clear expectations, and personal connections. deprived. With our partnersWe also need to help our students reflect on all that has in schools, parishes, andhappened and the many ways it has impacted their lives. families, we share the Good News of Jesus Christ withFall brings the Season of Creation, a season that provides Catholic Christian childrenspace for reflection and connection for children and adults and young people throughalike. This issue of Inspire! provides resources that help publications and services.children reflect on and deepen their relationship with the Earth. Activities and crafts that honor creation are CONTRIBUTORS included, as well as materials that develop a familiarity with Saint Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of animals Joanna Dailey, Steven Ellair,and the environment. Activities that encourage reflection Jill Johnson, Sigrid Lindholm,on the gift of creation itself are also offered.Julie Mickler, Laurie ZiliakReflecting on Gods creation asks each of us to look beyond ourselves, to see a bigger world and find the beauty in it. A @SaintMarysPress Whether you are teaching remotely, face-to-face, or some combination of the two, it is our great hope at Saint Marys Press that the material in this issue facilitates meaningful B Saint Marys Press moments of reflection and peace as we all continue to process our new normal, whatever that looks like at the moment. F Saint Marys Press Live Jesus in our hearts.forever!Copyright2020 by Saint Marys Press, ChristianSteven EllairBrothers Publications, 702 Terrace Heights, Winona, MN 55987-1320, www.smp.org. All rights reserved. Permission is granted to reproduce the materials intended for distribution to the children. No otherpart of this magazine may be reproduced by anymeans without the written permission of the publisher. Subscribe today! smp.org/inspire 5'