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A new resource for Catholic families reveals the often-overlooked connection between faith and the natural world. God Made That! Catholic Nature Field Guide, published by Pauline Books & Media, offers a rare and powerful way to experience creation through the lens of Catholic tradition.
Kathleen Hoenke and Bill Jacobs, both professional ecologists with the Saint Kateri Conservation Center, created the guide to bridge a gap they noticed in religious education and nature appreciation.
With over 40 years of combined conservation experience, the authors brought together their scientific expertise and Catholic faith to write this delightful field guide.
Embracing the wisdom of tradition
“I have two children, ages 8 and 12, and we spend a great deal of time outside as a family. I wanted to create a resource that shows how deeply interwoven the Catholic faith is with ecology and a love for nature,” said Hoenke in an interview with Aleteia.
The guide highlights a rich heritage often overlooked in modern education. Hoenke said:
The Catholic tradition is full of wisdom about creation, from Christ’s parables to the writings of the saints, yet this connection often goes unnoticed or isn’t frequently explored. Through this book, I hope to offer children—and their parents—a way to see and celebrate the harmony between the Catholic faith and the natural world.
This illustrated guide introduces children to the science and wonder of the created world through nature journal prompts, engaging activities, saint profiles, prayers, and more.
A great science curriculum
My first thought, paging through this wonderfully written book, was that it would make a perfect preliminary science curriculum for elementary school. Having homeschooled science for several years, I’m particular about science programs, and this one strikes a perfect balance as truly informative while being easy to use.
In fact, education was part of what motivated its writers. In an educational landscape where science and faith are frequently separated, God Made That! offers a refreshingly integrated approach.
“Many young people are taught science in a way that excludes faith, leaving students with no understanding of the religious, moral, and ethical dimensions of caring for creation,” Jacobs said. This guide helps bridge that artificial divide.
Wonder at God’s creation
Appreciating nature's complexity actually can deepen faith, the authors find. Hoenke said:
When you stop to look closely, the natural world is astonishing in its complexity, and this beauty has been recognized in our Catholic faith for centuries—through the Psalms, Christ's parables, and the writings of saints who have spoken to the wonder of creation. My hope is that this resource inspires children to see the sacredness of creation and to cultivate both their faith and their sense of responsibility toward the world around them.
The guide doesn't just catalog plants and animals—it reveals their deeper significance as God’s creation.
“The most important thing to know is that this book isn't just about nature—it's about our relationship with God through his creation,” said Jacobs. “All people are co-workers with God in the cultivation and care of the Earth. Conservation isn’t just a cause or an ideology—it’s an integral part of our Catholic faith and identity.”
This perspective transforms scientific study into a chance to wonder at God’s goodness and thank him for his countless gifts.
With an Imprimatur from Cardinal Seán O'Malley, this durable field guide is a perfect fit for Catholic parents and educators seeking to nurture scientific awareness and spiritual formation.
