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The latest from the Church in Rural America.
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W
EEKLY WISDOM
"
And I tell you, ask and you will receive;
seek and you will find;
knock and the door will be opened to you.
For everyone who asks, receives;
and the one who seeks, finds;
and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.
"
-Luke 11
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Impacts on Farm Programs, Child Nutrition
Before recessing for the upcoming elections, Congress passed a Continuing Resolution (CR) to keep the government running for a couple more months.
The new deadline for passing a fiscal year 2017 budget is
Dec. 9
. There were no surprises in the CR, so farm programs will continue unabated. But after the
Nov. 8
elections, we'll start up again to advocate for fully funded sustainable agriculture programs and greater support for family farms.
The Child Nutrition Act remains in limbo: Congress still has not reauthorized this important piece of legislation benefitting the health of children, infants and their mothers. If you're planning Rural Life events or fall festivals in October, please consider asking folks to send a message to House and Senate candidates. The message is simple: "Hey Congress, kids need you!"
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Beginning Farmers & Ranchers
Government Funding Available
Over the past couple of years, Catholic Rural Life has taken a greater interest in support for new farmers and ranchers. The next generation of farmers remains somewhat uncertain as land and start-up costs for new or beginning farmers are incredibly high. As part of our advocacy efforts, we ask for expanded and adequately funded federal programs that support these new farmers and ranchers.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture recently opened the 2017 request for applications for beginning farmers and ranchers. Those interested in applying
have until Dec. 8 to submit their requests.
Additional information and FAQs can be found at the website of the
National institute for Food & Agriculture
. To go directly to the
Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program, click here
. You will see who is eligible to apply and how to apply, including the link to download an application request form.
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CRL President Bishop Etienne on Marriage and Farming
This week's Storytellers article comes from CRL President, Bishop Etienne.
"Farmers know what it is to work hand-in-hand with God. They recognize the wisdom of God at work within all of creation, from the make up of the soil, to the mystery of planting and growing seeds, to the changing of the seasons. They know their life and vocation depend upon cooperating with the laws of nature. Rather than trying to impose their own will, they must humbly bow to nature's genius, not demanding more than it will offer. They know their livelihood depends upon respecting the ways of God and being good stewards of what is entrusted to them."
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CRL Member Seeks Help
PCA Sought For Live In Care
CRL Members Mike and Mandy Rosenthal have written in for help:
"
Hi! We are homeschooling parents of 8 and our whole family has Lymes disease. We small scale farm and would like to find someone who could move in as a PCA for our son and also who is compassionate about sustainable farming and healthy eating and has a deep love of soul who would love to be a part of our family and farming. We moved to our farm 8 years ago and have learned everything as we have gone along. Our goal is to be as self-sustaining as possible.
Our son, Andrew, contracted a co-infection of Lymes in the womb. He is high functioning. His main struggle is verbal delay, and he is right side weak so he struggles walking, chewing, etc. So we try and assist his eating and he wears orthotics. Otherwise he is a very sweet, loving boy who constantly breaks down social barriers by waving and hugging everyone he meets. He has been approved for 5 ΒΌ hours a day and it is a paid position. We work with a PCA choice company called Lifeworks and you would need to be hired through them after we hire you.
We have a big garden and we have raised about every farm animal possible. We are chemical free and strive to give our animals the best life possible. We have also learned a lot about Lyme and help others who are newly diagnosed as best we can.
Our faith is the most important thing to us and we live according to the Churches' teaching. Right now we only have a room and possibly a bathroom to provide, so it would definitely be community living (in the spirit of Dorothy Day). Since we are still recovering and picking up the pieces from Lymes you would need to be very laid back, patient, helpful and have great zeal for this "mission."
If this is something you would be interested in you can email with more questions/concerns.
Thanks.
Peace in Christ,
Mike and Mandy Rosenthal and family"
You can contact the Rosenthals at
[email protected]
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