About the Center

The Catholic Conservation Center is a non-profit organization that promotes ecology, environmental justice, authentic development, and stewardship of the Earth, in light of the Bible and living tradition of the Roman Catholic Church. Our goal is to help bring about the ecological conversion called for by Pope John Paul II.

Today's secular conservation movement is critical to conserving the diversity of life on earth, including our own lives and the lives of future generations. Yet, such an effort will succeed only with a parallel religious movement that fosters a change of heart, an inner conversion: a change that leads us to respect and care for creation and recognize the signs of God throughout the Universe. In the words of Pope John Paul II, "If humankind is not at peace with God, then earth itself cannot be at peace..." The need for authentic disciples of Jesus Christ remains as urgent as ever. Ultimately, God is the One who can save humankind and the Earth.

Why does the Catholic Conservation Center website focus on Roman Catholic teaching, rather than taking an ecumenical or interfaith approach? We do so without denigrating any other Christian tradition or world religious tradition. The Center provides an opportunity for Catholics and all people of good will to learn about the Catholic tradition as it relates to ecology, environmental justice, and the stewardship of creation. The Center welcomes visitors from all faiths.

"All for you my Jesus, through Mary, for the love of Creation, Salvation, and Kingdom - for all eternity."

Established in 2000, the Catholic Conservation Center began as a project of the Environmental Group of St. John the Baptist Roman Catholic Church in Wading River, in the Diocese of Rockville Centre, New York USA. You are invited to visit the St. John's parish website at www.StJohntheBaptistChurch.org.

Bill Jacobs, executive director of the Catholic Conservation Center and editor of the website, is a consulting ecologist. Bill has a master of science degree in forest resources management from the State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry (ESF). Bill manages the center website as a volunteer in his spare time and has compiled the writings found here. Bill has worked for 20 years in the field of environmental conservation.

The Catholic Conservation Center is getting ready to grow. We feel a call to start a real (i.e. physical) education center where we can share God's Word related to environmental justice, authentic development, and the stewardship of Creation.

The center would be a peaceful place where people can come to receive and share authentic Catholic education and inspiration to be faithful stewards of Creation. In addition, we need to upgrade our website. If you are blessed with land, property, financial resources, or other resources you would be interested in contributing, we would like to speak with you.

To begin, we will need to raise $850 for the IRS to file for 501(c)3 tax exempt status, and $75 to file as a not-for-profit corporation in New York State.

Those who promote false teachings are well funded. We are not. Your contributions are greatly appreciated.

The Catholic Conservation Center strives to be faithful to the Magisterium of the Church, the Pope and the Bishops in union with him. If you have reason to believe that information presented on this website is not faithful to the Church, please contact Bill Jacobs at billjacobs@catholic.org and we will make the necessary corrections.

"Being a champion in life demands the three Ds: discipline, dedication, and divine assistance."

Handwritten sign found on the wall of Blessed Mother Teresa's room:

People are often unreasonable, illogical, and self-centered; forgive them anyway.

If you are kind, people may accuse you of selfish, ulterior motives; be kind anyway.

If you are successful, you will win some false friends and some true enemies; be successful anyway.

If you're honest and frank, people may cheat you; be honest and frank anyway.

What you spend years building, someone could destroy overnight; build anyway.

If you find serenity and happiness, others may be jealous; be happy anyway.

The good you do today, people will forget tomorrow; do good anyway.

Give the world the best you have, and it may never be enough; give your best anyway.

For you see, in the final analysis, it is between you and God. It was never between you and them anyway.

Adapted from The Paradoxical Commandments by Kent Keith (1968)

Mission