Kathleen Hoenke and William Jacobs, professional ecologists at the St. Catherine Conservation Centre, are promoting the integration of faith and ecology through their upcoming book, “God Made That!” aimed at encouraging children to explore nature while deepening their faith. The book will introduce Catholic perspectives on ecology, featuring accessible explanations of how biblical teachings promote care for creation. It will include interactive elements like Nature Journal prompts, prayers, and practical activities.
The St. Catherine Conservation Centre also runs several programs to help Catholics strengthen their connection to nature and biodiversity. Notably, the Parish Ark Program encourages parishes to preserve 30% of their open land for biodiversity, inspired by the Ark of Noah and the Virgin Mary. This program aims to restore local habitats and integrate ecological education into parish and school curricula.
Hoenke emphasizes the importance of involving children in these initiatives, stating that teaching them to appreciate creation fosters both ecological understanding and faith. She encourages families to create gardens and engage with nature through prayer and reflection, linking scientific knowledge with spiritual awareness. Overall, the Center aims to cultivate harmony between faith and ecology in communities across the U.S.
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