Overview of Services

Our services include: collaborations with those committed to similar ideas; research, writing, lecturing, teaching and advocacy in environmental issues; and presentations on the relationship between ecology and spirituality, including retreats, days of prayer, high-school programs and parish missions. We have worked with a variety of clients:

Churches
Retreat Centres
Schools
Universities
Religious Institutions
Community Groups
Individuals

The Ecology Project is uniquely positioned to not only educate and inform but also transform.

James Profit, S.J., is widely recognized for his work in directing spiritual transformation. An authority on the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius of Loyola, he has contributed to Ignatian spiritual retreats and conferences across Canada.

A forest research scientist and director of Arborvitae, Marianne Karsh brings more than 10 years of experience in retreat work, group facilitation, writing and speaking to her role as Coordinator of the Ecology Project. She delivers the majority of the Ecology Project's on-site programs and gives retreats and talks throughout North America, South America and Asia.

Research associate John McCarthy, S.J., is currently working on a variety of research and writing projects, including a book on ecology and Catholic social teaching. He also serves on numerous government-appointed committees on protected areas in his native Newfoundland.

Actuating Change

The Ignatius Jesuit Centre of Guelph and the Ecology Project seek to actuate change by example. The centre is home to a number of community projects and environmental initiatives that address the ecological challenges of today:

Sharing Thoughts

At the origins of the ecological crisis is denial — in deed even more than in word — of the relationship with God. To cut with God is to cut with the source of life, it is to cut with the fundamental
love and respect for life.
— Peter-Hans Kolvenbach, S.J.

General Interest

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Keynote Address

We welcome speaking engagements and requests to lead retreats and workshops. Please consider including us in your retreat or work group agenda.

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Please be aware that some information is in pdf file format and requires Adobe Acrobat to view. You can download this popular program free of charge at the Adobe Acrobat site.

Our Services

Rooted in both science and Christian faith, the Ecology Project strives to engage individuals, faith-based groups, government and organizations in integrating spiritual insight with ecological sustainability. To facilitate this, the Ecology Project extends full use of its resources and expertise.

Lectures & Presentations

We do public speaking and lectures to help institutions, community groups and governing bodies make informed choices relating to biodiversity, climate change, water, food, sustainable agriculture, forest conservation, bio-technology, and the role of Christianity in shaping an ecological ethic.

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View Recent Engagements
Protected Areas as Foundations of Rural Stability, Newfoundland and Labrador
Presentation to Clyde Jackman, Minister of Environment and Conservation, Deputy Minister Bruce Hollett, and Basil Cleary, Assistant Deputy Minister, St. John’s, NL, April 17, 2007. Ecology as a Constitutive Dimension of our Life and Mission.
Social and International Commission, Jesuits of English–speaking Canada, Toronto, Ontario, November 10, 2006. Catholic Social Teaching.
Hamilton Diocese Ministries Program, Kitchener, Ontario, February 28, 2006. A Priest in the Forest: Combining Ecology and Spirituality.
6th Annual St. Paul’s College – University Affiliation Lecture, St. Paul’s College, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, March 14, 2005. Forest Ecology of Great Northern Peninsula.
Great Northern Peninsula Forest Reserve Planning Workshop (Sierra Club of Canada), Memorial University of Newfoundland and Labrador, St. John’s, Newfoundland, April 15, 2004. Catholic Frontiers of Faith and Ecology.
Newman Association of Vancouver, St. Mark’s College, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC., April 30, 2000.
View Media Appearances
Great Canadian Rivers: The Main.
TV documentary on Discovery Channel, Good Earth Productions Inc., April 8, 2002. The Voice of the Forest.
TV documentary on Vision TV (Insight Magazine), October 11–12, 2001. Producer: Andrew Younger, Whalesong Productions. Kidd, Monica
“A walk through Newfoundland’s old–growth forest with ecologist Father John McCarthy”
CBC Radio Tapestry, June 24, 2001, St. John’s, Newfoundland. Pratt, John
“A man with a mission: Father John McCarthy is on a quest to save Newfoundland’s old–growth forests.”
Nature Canada, Spring, pp. 36–37. Somerville, J.
“Lively Global Forum outshines Governments in Rio.”
Interview with Janet Somerville, editor, Catholic New Times, June 21, 16(3): 8. Catholic Frontiers of Faith and Ecology.
Newman Association of Vancouver, St. Mark’s College, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, April 30, 2000.

Research, Writing, Teaching & Advocacy

Ecological Issues
Catholic Social Teaching on Ecological Issues
Agriculture and Food Security Issues
Climate change
Biodiversity
Water
Forest Conservation and Sustainable Management

Courses, Workshops, Parish Missions & Days Of Prayer

We provide courses and other programs to develop ecological and theological reflection, including:

Four-Day Parish Missions
Youth Training Programs in Ecology and Eco-Spirituality
Ignatius Farm Tours
Cosmic Camp For Kids and other programs for children
Courses in Ecology, Theology and Spirituality
The Greening of the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius
Celebrate Earth: An Inspiring Visual Meditation and Slide Presentation

Retreats & Experiences of Nature

Our retreats enable participants to experience the profound mystery and wonder of Creation and help foster respect, gratitude, listening and open-heartedness.

Their foundation and underlying inspiration is the sacred land upon which the Ignatius Jesuit Centre of Guelph is located: 240 hectares of green space that, for much of its history, has been a place of prayer and worship.

Immersed in the beauty and diversity of the Centre's surroundings, individuals of all faiths and backgrounds can renew a dialogue with the mystery of creation — with God. Imagine a full-day, weekend or eight-day retreat centered around your spiritual development, complemented by a serene and peaceful backdrop with a comfortable room, nutritious, healthful meals, communal small-group sharing, spiritual direction and fantastic trails and places to discover.

An experienced facilitator is available to journey with you as you nurture your relationship with God through Creation. Your experience is further enhanced by a silence fostered by all in which you can hear more clearly the voice of God and the wisdom of Creation speaking in your heart.

More than 60,000 retreatants of all ages and backgrounds have renewed a dialogue with God with the help of the Ecology Project at the world-renowned Loyola House Retreat Centre.

The Mysticism of Earth: An Eight-Day Ignatian Ecology Retreat
One-Day Family Retreats
High School Retreats for the Catholic School System
Staff Retreats for Principles, Vice Principles and Teachers
Experiential Eco-Spirituality Retreats

See Upcoming Retreats

See Past Events

Fee Schedule

The Ecology Project seeks to work with interested groups and individuals in supporting them in their commitment to the Earth.

We aim to be as modest and reasonable as possible in what we suggest as a just compensation for our programs. We will do our best to work out a mutually acceptable alternative should our fee structure prove not to be sustainable for your group.

Public Speaking

Fees for lectures, keynote address and other public speaking engagements are based on a number of factors, including our experience, preparation, travel time, expenses, time spent with participants, and any follow-up communication as it relates to the program.

Rates generally fall in the range of $100 to $1,000, with nominal fees included to cover travel expenses. For more information, please contact us either by phone or or complete our online quotation request form.

Guided Group Retreats

The Ecology Project offers single-day ($400-800), weekend ($600-1,000) and eight-day group retreats ($150-300 per day) throughout North America. For more information, please contact us either by phone or or complete our online quotation request form.

Ignatius Jesuit Centre

Coming Events

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