St. Kateri Conservation Center
Envisioning a world where faith and conservation coalesce
the Parish Arks Initiative
draws inspiration from
Noah’s Ark
and
Mary, the Ark of the New Covenant
Noah’s Ark
The story of Noah’s Ark is found in the Book of Genesis. God commanded Noah to build an ark because of the impending flood that would wipe out sinful humanity. Noah is portrayed as a righteous man who, in obedience to God’s command, builds The Ark according to God’s specifications. Through The Ark, God saves Noah, his family, and representatives of all living creatures from the destructive floodwaters. After the flood, God established a covenant with Noah, promising never again to destroy the Earth with a flood and providing the rainbow as a sign of this covenant.
The Parish Arks Initiative calls parishes to serve in a way that is similar to the way Noah’s family served our Creator. By establishing sacred, protected spaces where species can thrive and multiply, parishioners encourage biodiversity and ecological resiliency. By repopulating native plants, nurturing wildlife, and following sound environmental practices, parishioners can contribute to restoring wholeness in a depleted world. Parish Arks can serve as reservoirs of biodiversity and exemplify healthy, faith-filled relationships with Creation.
Mary, the Ark of the New Covenant
The title “Mary, the Ark of the New Covenant” draws parallels between the Ark of the Covenant in the Old Testament and the role of Mary, the Mother of Jesus, in the New Testament, highlighting Mary’s special and unique role in salvation history. In the Hebrew Bible, the Ark of the Covenant refers to the sacred container that held the Ten Commandments, manna, and Aaron’s rod. It was highly revered as the dwelling place of God among the Israelites. In the New Testament, Mary became the New Ark of the Covenant. She carried within her womb Jesus Christ, the fulfillment of the Old Covenant and the embodiment of God’s presence among humanity.
Just as the Ark contained the written Word of God, Mary bore the living Word of God, Jesus Christ. Mary carried within her womb the divine presence of Jesus, who is fully God and fully human. Creation is often described as humanity's first encounter with the Word, and Mary’s example can deeply enrich parishioners’ efforts to protect, nurture, and celebrate Creation.
The Parish Arks Initiative calls parishes to take their place in fostering a faithful, loving home on Earth for all people and the entirety of God’s creation. Mary’s example of dedicating her life to protecting, nurturing, and celebrating Christ can serve as an inspiration to parishioners as they work to become better stewards of the land entrusted to their care. Parish Arks can serve as a living example of a life-affirming response to the gift of Creation.
What Sets St. Kateri Conservancy Apart
St. Kateri is staffed with Catholic professionals in natural resource management and education. They provide specialized guidance, tailored conservation planning, and land protection strategies, as well as education on integral ecology, biodiversity, and climate resilience. All of this is offered within the framework of our Catholic faith.
Goals for the Parish Arks Initiative
Renew Catholic faith by deepening connections with God and fostering harmonious relationships with each other and all of creation.
Conserve 30% of Catholic parish open land and water for the well-being of people, biodiversity, and climate resilience, through faith, rewilding, restoration, and land conservation.
