"
The way we came to know love was that he laid down his life for us; so we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers."
- 1 John 3:16
Help Create a Culture of Encounter in Your Local Church
Celebrating National Migration Week 2017
For nearly a half century, the Catholic Church in the United States has celebrated National Migration Week, which is an opportunity for the Church to reflect on the circumstances confronting migrants, including immigrants, refugees, children, and victims and survivors of human trafficking. This year's theme is
Creating a Culture of Encounter and begins next week,
January 8-14, 2017. The theme draws attention to Pope Francis' call to create a culture of encounter by looking beyond our own needs and wants to those of others.
With respect to migrants, too often in our contemporary culture we fail to encounter them as persons, and instead look at them as others or render them invisible. We do not take the time to engage migrants in a meaningful way, as fellow children of God, but remain aloof to their presence and suspicious of their intentions. During this National Migration Week, take the opportunity to engage migrants as community members and neighbors - all of whom are worthy of our attention and support. For more information, access the USCCB Toolkit by clicking here.
Also, see CRL's webpage for more information about our advocacy efforts for farm and food processing workers, click
here.
What's Next for Sustainable Agriculture?
CRL, advocacy groups seek to shape federal policies
As the country prepares for our first Administration change in eight years, the National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition wants to ensure that a diverse coalition of family farmers and ranchers, conservationists, and local and regional food enthusiasts have a place at the table. Catholic Rural Life is also a long-time member of this coalition.
In this time of political change, the sustainable agriculture community will make our priorities clear. It is critically important that we remain engaged in the process and continue to shape the direction of agricultural policy. The Sustainable Agriculture Coalition, like many other farm groups, will be submitting recommendations to the new transition team on our priority issues.
These include: new and beginning farmers, food safety regulations, immigration, and conservation. In close collaboration with the coalition, CRL will continue education and advocacy efforts for the successes of the past year. Read more about those "Sweet 16" successes here.
Make a New Years Resolution: Become a Member of Catholic Rural Life!
Help Make a Difference in Rural America
If you are not currently a member of Catholic Rural Life (or if you need to renew your membership), please consider becoming a member of our national network. Your membership enables CRL to train and equip thousands of men and women to put their faith in action in rural communities. CRL does this in collaboration with dioceses nationwide through our three program areas: Rural Ministry and Outreach, Ethical Food and Agriculture, and Stewardship of Creation. To become a member, click here.
CATHOLIC RURAL LIFE
Our mission is dedicated to addressing and overcoming
the challenges facing rural America: social, economic and ecological.
Help Create a Culture of Encounter in Your Local Church
What's Next for Sustainable Agriculture?
Make a New Years Resolution: Become a Member of Catholic Rural Life!
