Programs and Projects

Follow these links for more details:

Cultivating Spiritual Practices
Overview
Meditation Courses
Enneagram Courses

Transformative Learning Opportunities
Overview
Cosmology I - Symposium: Awakening the Dreamer, Changing the Dream
Cosmology II - The Great Story: Embracing the Life We Are Given
Cosmology III - The Great Work: Reflecting on the Earth as a Sacred Community
Cosmology IV - Understanding Christian Beliefs Anew – Eco-Spirituality
Conversations That Matter – Discussion Courses
Summer Camp for Kids
Living in Harmony
Environmental Justice Tour

Caring for God’s Creation: Church Programs
Overview
Church Renew Programs
Adult Education Programs

Conversations That Matter: Discussion Courses
How the Courses Work
Calendar of Discussion Courses
Voluntary Simplicity
Healthy Children-Healthy Planet
Global Warming
Choices for Sustainable Living
Discovering a Sense of Place
Globalization & Its Critics
Eating Sustainably: Menu for the Future
Exploring Deep Ecology

Connecting to Earth: Garden and Food
Community Garden
CSA
The Garden Educational Opportunities

Blessing of the Animals and Benefit Concert

Brochure for Passionist Earth and Spirit Center

Cultivating Spiritual Practices

Spiritual practices help open an individual to the presence and power of the Sacred Mystery that permeates all of reality. These classes are designed to initiate participants into a deep, loving relationship with the God. Through step-by-step guidance, participants become familiar with the inner dimension of their mind and emotions as they move toward the innermost experience of Spirit. The practices can initiate a personal transformation which alters our way of being in the world. Thomas Merton describes the goal of spiritual practices as an awakening of the True Self which expands the capacity for experience, for awareness, for understanding, for a deeper and more authentic life.

MEDITATION COURSES

A ten-week series of classes is offered every fall and spring. Each series teaches the basic skills and practices of meditation from a different vantage point – using the insights from Christian and Jewish mystics, Eastern spiritual traditions, transpersonal psychology and current studies in human consciousness. The study includes an investiga­tion of the levels of human consciousness, the psycho-spiritual dynamics of inner growth, and the foundations of an integral spirituality which honors and includes all aspects of life. These classes are for experienced meditators who wish to deepen and mature their practice.

MEDITATION FOR BEGINNERS

This class is for those interested in learning or becoming re-familiar with the practice of meditation. It includes: basic instructions in a method of Christian insight meditation; the psychological and scriptural underpinnings of the practice; a map of the inner world; and guidance for applying these teachings in daily life. Meditation is taught as a way of self discovery and accessing the Kingdom of Heaven within.

Current Offering for Beginners– Encountering the Inner Christ

• Saturday, February 6, 2010 – 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
  Orientation to Meditation (prerequisite for Wednesday classes)
• Ten Wednesday classes: beginning February 10, 17, 24, Mar. 3, 10, 17, 31, Apr. 7, 14, 21 from 10:00 a.m.–11:30 a.m. OR 7:00–8:30 p.m.
  
• The same class will be presented mornings and evenings.
  Participants can arrange to attend either session.
  
• Text: The Kingdom Within by John Sanford
• For more information: contact Beth Zangari at the Earth & Spirit Center weekdays between 9:00-3:00 OR email earthandspirit@passionist.org.
• Suggested donation: $140. No one will be refused for lack of funds.

Download Brochure and Registration Form

MEDITATION FOR EXPERIENCED STUDENTS

Current Offering - Integral SpiritualityThis class is for experienced meditators who wish to deepen and mature their practice. The study will include an investigation
of: the higher levels of human consciousness; the pyschospiritual
dynamics of inner growth; and the foundations of an integral spirituality exemplified in Christian mystics.

Calendar of Meditation Classes

• Saturday, February 13, 2010 - from 9:30 to 12:30 p.m.
• Ten Tuesday classes:beginning February 9, 16, 23, Mar. 2, 9, 16, 30, Apr 6, 13, 20 from 10:30am to 12:00noon OR 7:00-8:30pm
• The same class will be presented mornings and evenings.

Suggested donation: $140. No one will be refused for lack of funds.

• For more information: contact Beth Zangari at the Earth & Spirit Center weekdays between 9:00-3:00 OR email earthandspirit@passionist.org.

Download Calendar of Meditation Classes - February 2010

Syllabus for Experienced class Fall 2009

Download Brochure and Registration Form

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ENNEAGRAM COURSES

Enneagram: Part 1 - Introduction to the Enneagram

The Enneagram is a powerful tool for understanding one’s personality – how the mind and emotions function. This workshop is an introduction to the nine personality types described by the Enneagram. It includes the history of the Enneagram; analyzes how personality is formed; offers information on the three centers of perception; identifies the difference between personality and the True Self; and shows how to use this knowledge as a tool for finding new strengths, destroying illusions, and growing personally as well as spiritually. Participants come to appreciate why they see the world as they do and how other people can validly experience it so differently. The goal of this workshop is insight into oneself and compassion for others.

• Saturday, Nov 14, 2009, or Mar 13, 2010
• Time: 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Bring bag lunch.
• Instructor: Fr. Joe Mitchell, CP
• Where: Earth & Spirit Center
• Suggested donation: $35. No one will be refused for lack of funds.
• For more information: contact Beth Zangari at the Earth & Spirit Center weekdays between 9:00-3:00 OR email earthandspirit@passionist.org.

Calendar
Course Description and Mail-In Registration (.pdf)
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Enneagram: Part 2 – Spiritual & Transformative Dimensions

This workshop explores the relationship between personality and higher awareness called essence. It examines the task ofpersonal growth, which the Enneagram describes as the transformation of thoughts and emotions defined by each type into their higher capacities. One objective of spiritual de­velopment is to become a more complete human being — learning to live from the inner core and adopting higher states at will. The goal of this workshop is personal transformation through self-observation enlight­ened by an understanding of the Enneagram as a sacred psychology. Process will include lecture-input and group interaction. Participants should have previous experience and familiarity with the Enneagram.

• Saturday, April 17, 2010
• Time: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Bring bag lunch.
• Instructor: Fr. Joe Mitchell, CP
• Where: Earth & Spirit Center
• Suggested donation: $35. No one will be refused for lack of funds.
• For more information: contact Beth Zangari at the Earth & Spirit Center weekdays between 9:00-3:00 OR email earthandspirit@passionist.org.

Course Description and Mail-In RegistrationForm
Register

Transformative Learning Opportunities

How do we understand the human condition? We have speculated on this perennial question for thousands of years. Every since our ancestors developed the capacity to think and wonder, we have been fascinated with a desire to understand our place in the world. As we witness the amazing experience of life from the miracle of birth to the finality of death, we cannot resist pondering: What does it mean to exist as a human being? What is our role here? What is our destiny? Today, this inquiry is so confusing not because there is a shortage of answers, but because our understanding of the human condition itself is shifting so profoundly. We live at an extraordinary moment when our conceptual framework of the world is being challenged and new perceptions of what it means to be human are emerging. These transformative learning opportunities explore the inter-connectedness of all life and expand awareness of the Earth as a sacred community.

Cosmology I - Symposium: Awakening the Dreamer, Changing the Dream

Through dynamic group interactions, leading edge information, and inspiring multimedia presentations, participants of this half-day (3-4 hour) event are inspired to reconnect with their deep concern for our world, and are empowered to make a difference. Designed by the Pachamama Alliance, the symposium explores the current state of our planet from a new perspective, and connects participants with a powerful global movement to reclaim our future.

It is an exploration of four questions:

• Where Are We? – an examination of the state of environmental, social and personal well-being

• How did We Get Here? – tracing the root causes that lead to our current imbalance

• What’s Possible for the Future? – discovering new ways of relating with each other, with the Earth and looking at the emerging Movement for change

• Where Do We Go from Here? – considering the stand we want to be in the world and our personal and collective impact

If you are ready to be disturbed, inspired and moved to action, and to be introduced to a thriving community of committed cohorts, then join us in exploring the most critical concerns of our times, and discover new opportunities to make a real difference in accelerating the emergence of an environmentally sustainable, spiritually fulfilling, and socially just human presence on this planet! (Length: 3-4 hours)

• Where: Passionist Earth and Spirit Center

Download Brochure and Registration Information

Discription of Cosmology Courses

Cosmology II: The Great Story: Embracing the Life We Are Given

From the scientific evidence available today, we know the world is more expansive and interconnected than anyone previously imag­ined. In down-to-earth terms, this study program explores the shift that is taking place in our understanding of the world, the opportunities it presents to the human community, and the implica­tion is has for people of faith. How do we develop a new intimacy with the world in which we live? Can we once again get caught up in the grandeur of existence and mysterious Divine power from which all this has emerged?

Participants in this workshop will: grasp the shift taking place in our perception of the world; learn about the amazing web of life; understand the worldview they have adopted; explore the global challenges facing the human community; become acquainted with the universe story; and explore possibilities for cultivating a viable and hopeful future for our children. Our hope is to make sense of a world in transition. Our responsibility is to make something beautiful of it. Our dream is to find a meaningful home and a sense of belonging.

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Discription of Cosmology Courses

Cosmology III: The Great Work: Reflecting on the Earth as a Sacred Community

The old familiar ways seem to be falling part. Not only are many of our cultural institutions in crisis, but the fabric of life is being threatened. How can we find our way into a hopeful future?
This workshop will explore how we can make a transition from a period of human devastation of the Earth to a period when humans would celebrate the sacredness of all creation. It will offer
an expansive understanding of the human capacity to shape a viable future. Employing the observations and insights of Thomas Berry, we will examine the current ecological and cultural crises as well as consider the values and vision we need for the healing of our world. The goal is to engage in the Great Work of our time: to bring forth an environmentally sustainable, spiritually
fulfilling and socially just human presence on the Earth.

\When: Five Sunday Mornings - Sept. 20, 27, Oct. 4, 11, 18, 2009 - 10:30 a.m. to 12:45 p.m.

• Instructor: Fr. Joe Mitchell, CP

• Location: The BARN behind the Passionist Monastery at 1924 Newburg Road in Louisville, KY

• Suggested donation: $75. No one is refused for lack of funds.

• For more information: contact the Passionist Earth & Spirit Center at: earthandspirit@passionist.org or call 502.452.2749

• Primary text: Evening Thoughts by thomas Berry

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Discription of Cosmology Courses

Cosmology IV - Understanding Christian Beliefs Anew – Eco-Spirituality
Many churchgoers are struggling to make sense of their faith in the complexities and challenges of the modern world. This workshop is based on a conviction that Christianity is a storehouse of spiritual wisdom and a reliable guide navigating a meaningful life. The challenge is to reclaim the traditions in a way that makes sense in the con­temporary world. In practical and inspirational ways, the workshop explores the spiritual wisdom contained within the Christian faith. It is an opportunity to consider the traditions from perhaps a new perspective and to have meaningful conversa­tions about them. The goal is to help make the central tenets of Christianity a little clearer, a little more acceptable, and a lot more hopeful.

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Environmental Justice Tour

Get on Board for the Louisville Community Environmental Justice Tour. The tour takes place on April 22, 2010 or Tuesday, September 14, 2010 from 8:30 am - 12:30pm Continental Breakfast at 8:30am. Bus tour from 9:15am - 12:30.

These tours are available for church or school groups also. Contact the Earth & Spirit Center for more information.

The tour will feature:

• A visit to Louisville area contaminated sites and information about the threats they pose to the community.
• An introduction to a range of environmental health concerns including toxic chemicals, particulate matter emissions, air and water quality
• Opportunities to learn how our health is impacted by the environment and receive resources for action
  

Space is limited – please reserve a place on the bus by calling
the Earth & Spirit Center at 502.452.2749
or email: earthandspirit@passionist.org.

Download a Brochure for the Environmental Justice Tour

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LIVING IN HARMONY - A FOUR WEEK PROGRAM TO CARE FOR CREATION

Be part of the solution!
. . . save money . . . save energy . . . save the planet

Most people now accept that damage is being done to the Earth. But few people understand what they can do about it. Here’s an opportunity to learn about the issues and how to live in greater harmony with creation.

The primary cause of climate change is carbon dioxide emitted into the atmosphere
through the burning of fossil fuels– gasoline, coal, oil, and natural gas, which power our homes, transportation, and the factories that product the goods we consume. Large-scale solutions
are necessary, such as switching to cleaner energy sources. But there are also dozens of things each one of us can do, right now, to begin making a difference. This workshop is full of positive, practical advice. Government and business each have crucial roles to play. But individual Americans must also start taking positive action, or else our children and grandchildren will surely pay the price.

Living in Harmony - Changing Personal Habits

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NATURE EXPLORE - SUMMER CAMP FOR KIDS

Nature Explore is a program of fun and education to help children connect with the Earth. It is designed to awaken a sense of awe and wonder as children are introduced to the beauty of nature, the joy of gardening, and the basics of nutri­tion. Campers will explore together in age-appropriate groups led by trained guides. Through games, instruction, and hands-on learning experiences, a child will be guided through self-discovery to develop an appreciation for this wonder-filled planet we call “home.”

2010 Kids Camp

• Who: grade school children who have completed kindergarten or above.
• What: Nature Explore Summer Camp is a complete program of fun and learning. It will connect children to nature, gardening, science and sustainability, food justice, responsible eating, the universe story, exercise and exploration.
• When: June 21-25, 2010 or June 28-July 2nd from 9:00 a.m. to noon
• Where: Earth & Spirit Center
• Cost: $80.00 per child. Some scholarships available; in­quire by emailing earthandspirit@passionist.org. Limited space.
• For more information: contact Beth Zangari at the Earth and Spirit Center 502.452.2749 - weekdays between 9:00-3:00 OR email earthandspirit@passionist.org.

Download Brochure and Registration Form

Caring for God’s Creation: Church Programs

One of the great challenges to contemporary religions is how to respond to the environmental crisis. Religious traditions have always had a deep reverence for life on Earth. Many people of faith are now beginning to feel a sense of urgency about what is happening to creation. Environmental concerns are on the front page. Now your church community can become more familiar with these timely issues and explore appro­priate responses.

Caring for creation requires a new moral awakening to the compelling demand – clearly articulated in the Bible, expressed in church statements from all major religious denominations, and supported by science – that humans must be stewards of the natural world in order to preserve for ourselves and future generations a beautiful, rich and healthy environment. This is a religious obligation, rooted in a sense of gratitude for creation and reverence for its Creator.

CHURCH RENEWAL PROGRAM

The Passionist Earth & Spirit Center offers a spiritual formation and education program conducted at a church or house of worship. It is designed to help people of faith develop an understanding of their responsibil­ity of caring for God’s creation.

The program usually opens on Sunday evening and goes for two or three consecutive nights. It is designed to facilitate a spiritual awakening through proclamation and prayer. Each evening a practical and inspirational lesson will be present­ed in a way that helps bridge the gap between faith and scientific discoveries. Topics will include: Why must the church be concerned with caring for creation? How do Christians view the natural world? How does a Christian understand evolution? What contributions has modern science made? Why is there envi­ronmental degradation? Is there hope for the Earth?

The Church Renewal program focuses on:

• Worship – where people of faith articulate their funda­mental beliefs and where they are transformed anew each week in God’s grace. When possible, a priest from the Earth & Spirit Center team will preach at each of the services on the weekend that the program opens. Music and prayer options will be made available.
• Education – know your tradition and know your world. In responding to environmental concerns, faith communities draw deeply on the resources of their own traditions. Their ap­proach to particular issues is not driven by any political agen­da, but by their most fundamental convictions about God and creation. Recent scientific discoveries have presented a unified picture of reality which the mystics have always intuited.
• Discipleship – love your neighbor and care for God’s creation. Faith communities have the responsibility of teaching and practicing the message of creation care and integrating it into the whole of religious life. Action steps will be offered.

As the time for the renewal program draws near, the church leadership will be furnished a booklet of practical suggestions on ways to promote and prepare for the program.

The Passionist Earth & Spirit Center can help religious leaders and people of faith become familiar with the issues necessary for building a just and sustainable world. Without politicizing a perspective or alienating people, the Church Renewal Program explains the religious responsibility to be faithful stewards of God’s creation.

Too often a discussion of environmental matters leaves people feeling overwhelmed, exhausted and helpless. We have discovered that solutions must inspire participation and action rather than frighten or disempower. The human heart is not changed by facts alone, but by engaging a hopeful vision and a positive future. Religion has a vital role to play. They are one of the few institutions in modern society that posit some goal other than accumulation for human existence here on this planet.

Please contact the Earth & Spirit Center if you are interested in scheduling a program for your church community. Contact us

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ADULT EDUCATION PROGRAMS FOR CHURCHES

Discussion Courses offered by the Earth & Spirit Center provide an enjoyable, supportive setting for people of faith to examine personal values and habits, engage in stimulating discussion, and make personal changes if desired. Many churches, schools and people concerned about caring for God’s creation are involved in these courses designed by Northwest Earth Institute.

Organizing a discussion course is easy. Gather at least eight people together at your church or school for a one-hour intro­ductory meeting and contact the Earth & Spirit Center to set a date. A staff person will be assigned as a mentor to help start the group to ensure the best possible experience. The mentor will come to the initial gathering to describe the course. Those who are interested will form a discussion circle. The group will continue to meet for the weekly sessions. The only charge for participating is a nominal fee of $25 to cover cost of the book of readings and materials. The Earth & Spirit Center provides brochures, bulletin announcements, and course descriptions to help promote the courses.

Please contact the Earth & Spirit Center if you are interested in scheduling a discussion course for your church community.

Download Brochure

For a description of available Adult Education courses go to:

Voluntary Simplicity
Deep Ecology
Eating Sustainably: Menu for the Future
Globaization
Healthy Children-Healthy Planet
Global Warming
Choices for Sustainable Living

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Conversations That Matter: Discussion Courses

Overview – How the Courses Work

Discussion Courses offered by the Passionist Earth & Spirit Center provide an enjoyable, supportive setting in which to examine personal values and habits, engage in stimulating discussion, and make personal changes if desired. Since 1995, churches, schools and concerned groups of people throughout the country have been involved in these courses designed by Northwest Earth Institute.

Organizing a discussion course is easy. Gather at least eight people together for a one-hour introductory meeting and contact us to set a date. A staff person from the Earth & Spirit Center will be assigned as a mentor to help start the group to ensure the best possible experience. The mentor will come to the initial gathering to describe the course. Those who are interested will form a discussion circle. The group will continue to meet for the weekly sessions. The only charge for participating is a nominal fee of $25 to cover cost of the book of readings and materials. The Earth & Spirit Center provides brochures and course descriptions to help promote the course.

8 to 12 people meet weekly for little over an hour to discuss readings from a course book. The course books contain a diverse collection of short essays, articles and book-excerpts organized around weekly themes to create lively discussion. Discussion questions and a suggested meeting format are included as well. The first session is led by a mentor from the Earth & Spirit Center. Remaining meetings are facilitated by mem­bers of the group. There is no “set” outcome. The goal is for people to examine their own values and habits, listen to others talk about theirs, and ultimately allow their thinking to be transformed, deepened and inspired.

Voluntary Simplicity

This five-session course addresses the distractions of modern society which keep us from caring for ourselves, our relationships, and our environment.

In a society that enjoys such unprecedented prosperity and abun­dance, why is there so much personal unhappiness and discon­tent? Why is there so much poverty and hunger? Why in a finite world do we continue to act as if there are no limits to growth, while polluting our air, water and soil and using Earth’s resources faster that the natural systems can be replenished? Simplicity is a movement, a practice, and for many, a purposeful way of liv­ing in a complex consumptive society. To simply is to reduce to essentials, to streamline and to clarify. Simplicity results in a life that is outwardly simple and inwardly rich.

Purpose of this course:

• To understand the meaning of voluntary simplicity;
• To explore the material and psychological distractions that prevent us from caring for the Earth;
• To consider the connection between our lifestyle choices and the condition of the Earth.

Download Course Description

Current Offering of VOLUNTARY SIMPLICITY:

St. Edward's is starting a class in Voluntary Simplicity, beginning January 6, 7 pm. Debbie Grisanti's # for registration is 502) 267-7494

Download Current Course Information

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Healthy Children-Healthy Planet

This seven-session course explores the pervasive effects advertising, media, and our consumer culture have on a child; considers ways to created meaningful family times and healthful environments for children.

They say that our children are our future. As such, parents today must be intentional and countercultural in raising their children to teach and expose them to a natural world that they can experience and fall in love with. But first, parents must understand the affects of our culture that is systematically destroying the support systems that sustain us and disconnects us from the natural world without knowing it.

Purpose of this course:

• To address the cultural pressures, the impact of advertising on a child’s worldview, the link between diet and learning, and the impact of technology and media on a child’s development;
• To discover ways to create meaningful family times and healthful environments for children;
• To explore ways to develop a child’s connection to nature, to foster creativity, and release a child’s inborn sense of wonder.

   

Course Description pdf

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Global Warming

This is a four-session course focuses on the issues surrounding global warming and considers practical strategies for creating a viable future.

Purpose of this course:

• To explore personal values and habits as they relate to climate change.
• To understand the history and science of global warming.
• To empower individuals to take action to curb global warming.

Course Description pdf

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Choices for Sustainable Living

This five-session course considers environmental implications of daily choices and provides information for alternative options.

Sustainable living is an approach, a practice, and for many, a purposeful way of living in a society that separates itself from the natural systems that make life possible. Sustain­ability is a belief that we should meet our needs today in a manner that does not compromise the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.

Purpose of this course:

• To explore the meaning of sustainability;
• To consider the ties between lifestyle choices and their impact on the Earth;
• To learn about steps that can be taken to move toward ecologically sustainable organizations, lifestyles, and communities.

Course Description pdf

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Discovering a Sense of Place

This nine-session course focuses on the importance of knowing and protecting our own bioregional place on Earth.

With the wisdom that comes from truly knowing the place in which we live, we can create lifestyles and social institutions in harmony with their unique place, fitting culture to nature rather than the reverse. This means providing for energy, food, shelter and transportation in a manner that promotes local self-reliance and long-term sustainability.

Purpose of this course:

• To understand the meaning of a bioregion and what it would mean to develop a bioregional perspective;
• To discover how an understanding of and commit­ment to a place affects our willingness to accept personal responsibility to care for that place;
• To explore what it might mean to protect the place where we live.

Course description pdf

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Globalization & Its Critics

This nine-session course attempts to define and address the broader implications of globalization, a force that is shaping our world, our society and our local communities.

To its supporters, globalization is an inevitable force that will bring prosperity to Americans and raise the standard of living around the world. With this prosperity will come enhanced human rights in autocratic countries, healthy ecosystems all over the Earth, and a world of peace. To its detractors, globalization threatens ecosystems that support all life, it benefits the holders of capital over workers of the world, and it facilitates the centralization of power in transnational corporations. It objectifies humans in terms of their utility to the economy; natural resources in terms of their utility as raw materials for the industrial process; and the air, oceans and fresh waters as a free dumping place for toxins and pollutants created by economic development.

Purpose of Globalization and Its Critics course:

• To understand the structural aspects of globalization – its institutions, processes and effects;
• To examine how globalization impacts food production, the environment, social equity, public opinion and cultures;
• To explore a variety of possible future visions and how they can be cultivated.

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Eating Sustainably: A Menu for the Future

This is a six-session discussion course on the connection between food and sustainability.

Food is not simply fuel. Eating is an agricultural act, an ecological act, a social act, and a moral act. Every time we sit down for a meal, we are supporting a food system that has reverberating effects on the sustainability of the Earth. Farming policies and practices can help or harm the natural world. This discussion course offers a diversity of voices and a helpful study guide which can direct both individuals and communities toward a healthier and more equitable world through the food we eat.

Purpose of Food For Life course:

• To explore food systems and their impacts on culture, society and ecological systems.

• To gain insight into agricultural and individual practices that promote personal and ecological well-being.

• To consider your role in creating or supporting sustainable
food systems.

Course description pdf

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Exploring Deep Ecology

This is nine-session course addresses core values and how they affect the way we view and treat the Earth.

Three tenets of deep ecology include: (1) humans are but one species among others in the community of nature, they are not separate from their environment; (2) everything is connected and inter-relationship are constantly changing; (3) ecological sustainability requires a long-term view, as well as an understanding of such ecological concepts as diversity and symbiosis.

Purpose of Deep Ecology course:

• To clarify Earth-related values through discussions about deep ecology and related topics;
• To discover how personal values affect the way we view and treat the Earth;
• To explore what it means to take personal responsibility for the Earth.

Download Brochure and Registration Form

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Connecting to Earth: Our Land

DEMONSTRATION ORGANIC GARDEN

CSA - Community Supported Agriculture

What Is Community Supported Agriculture?
Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) is a garden dividing up its produce among a committed group of supporters who share with the gardener the risks and benefits of farming. Thoughout the growing season, harvests of fresh organic produce are divided equally among shareholders. Members are committed to supporting sound environmental practices and pay an annual fee to cover the cost of production. In turn, they receive a weekly “share” of the harvest.

Volunteer Learning Opportunities are available

• It’s about Health
• It’s about Helping
• It’s about Great Food
• It’s about Community
• It’s about Caring for the Earth

The Garden Educational Opportunities

School Field Trips

The Earth & Spirit Center is nestled on 20 acres behind the Passionist Monastery within the city of Louisville. The garden and red barn, originally established in 1915, make an ideal setting for eager learners to explore topics including growing food, life sciences, sustainable agriculture and caring for creation. Your children can have an enjoyable and interactive experience connecting with the Earth in this wonderful outdoor classroom.

School Group FAQ
What is the focus of your programs?
The mission of the Earth & Spirit Center is to help ensure a healthy, beautiful, just and sustainable world. The focus of the Garden Program is to encourage healthy eating habits and provide children a connection to the natural world as a source of their food within the context of a working garden which feeds over 20 families.
How many students can I bring? What is the cost?
School groups may bring up to 40 children, with a suggested minimum of 20 students. The cost per student is $5. Teachers and chaperones are free.
How long is the program?
The programs generally run, on average, 1.5 hours. Adaptations can be made.
What times do your programs begin?
Morning or afternoon sessions can be arranged
with the Garden Manager

The Garden at the Earth & Spirit Center offers creative, hands-on, interdisciplinary field trips for students K through 8. Psychologists tell us children are happy and healthier when they feel a personal connection to the natural world. The benefits of an educational field trip to the Earth & Spirit Center Garden are:
• Connect young people to the wonders of the natural world
• Experience an edible classroom within a urban setting
• Educate students on nutrition and food issues
• Nurture lifelong practical skills

Register Now!
Field trips to the Earth & Spirit Center Garden can be scheduled.

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Now accepting applications for gardening internships!  Internships are unpaid and can be tailored to fulfill service hour and/or undergraduate and graduate degree program requirements.  Offerings span from actual labor on the land to community building, marketing, non-profit work, computer assistance, and more.  If interested, please email: earthandspirit@passionist.org

Students from St. Francis starting the first seedlings for the garden.

The Earth & Spirit Center is located on 20.6 acres of wooded and grass land in the Highlands area of Louisville. The original red brick barn was built in 1915 to accommodate the animals and equipment used on the farm to support the monastery of Passionist priests and brothers.

BLESSING OF THE ANIMALS AND BENEFIT CONCERT

Sunday, October 11, 2009 from 2-3pm at the Earth & Spirit Center behind the Passionist Monastery

The annual Blessing of Animals and Prayers for the Planet will be celebrated with an outdoor service at the Earth & Spirit Center. This event will highlight the gift of animals, the delights of the natural world, and our responsibility as stewards of God’s creation. Please have your pets leashed, in a cage or in a bowl.

ALL PETS AND THEIR HUMAN FRIENDS ARE WELCOME! see attached pdf

MUSIC OF THE EARTH AND SPIRIT

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 11, 2009 from 3:00 to 4:30 - after the Blessing of the Animals

You are invited to join us for this festive Fall afternoon of music to honor Earth and Spirit. The renowned jazz musician, Dick Sisto and his Trio will perform on the lawn a concert to benefit the Earth & Spirit Center. Bring your folding chair and a donation to help support the work of the Earth & Spirit Center. In case of rain, the event will move indoors.
Enjoy a Fall afternoon of Music on the Lawn.

SEE ATTACHED PDF

MEDITATION GARDEN

Under construction

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