Expertise

Members of our team are uniquely qualified to speak on pressing ecological issues such as water, climate change, sustainable agriculture and forestry, food, and the theological foundations of care for Creation.

James Profit, S.J., executive director of Ignatius Jesuit Centre of Guelph and founder of the Ecology Project, is a Jesuit priest trained in agriculture (B.Sc.Agr.), rural sociology (M. A.) and theology (M. Div., STM). Fr. Profit is a prolific writer and has published numerous articles on theology and ecology. He gives retreats, lectures and workshops on eco-spirituality across North America and in other parts of the world.

Marianne Karsh, B.Sc.F., M.Sc.F., coordinator of the Ecology Project, is a senior scientist for Environment Canada specializing in biodiversity and climate change. With over 20 years of study in science and theology, Ms. Karsh brings a wealth of experience in retreat work, group facilitation, writing and speaking. She is especially gifted in leading people through spiritual practices that will help them experience a deeper connection to God through nature.

Sharing Thoughts

We must recapture the sense of the sacred again.
— Union of Concerned Scientists

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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Ecology Project Team

The Ecology Project team consists of the Ecology Project Working Group and the staff of the Ignatius Jesuit Centre of Guelph.

The Ecology Project Working Group is a group of dedicated volunteers who support the staff on larger team projects, such as the biennial eight-day Ignatian ecology retreat. This retreat uses the dynamic of the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius to animate the program. Their current project is a book on people's spiritual experiences of the land at the Ignatius Jesuit Centre of Guelph. In the coming months, they will be examining issues around food and food sustainability.

The Ecology Project team is passionate about fostering a just relationship between humanity and the Earth and promoting ecological awareness as an integral part of our faith. We are an Ignatian Ecological Community with a long-term commitment and practice in ecology and spirituality. It is our desire to emphasize the spiritual connection with the Earth and encourage a harmonious, sustainable relationship with the Earth that includes hope-filled action.

Ecology Project Working Group

James Profit, S.J., Cristina Vanin, Tarcia Gerwing, Diane Baltaz, Peter Peloso, Barbara Peloso, John Pronk, Don Webers, Marianne Karsh

Ecology Project Staff

Coordinator Marianne Karsh
Tel: 519.824.125, ext. 257
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Facilitator & Founder James Profit, S.J.
Tel: 519.824.1250, ext. 225
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Ignatius Jesuit Centre

Coming Events

Team