The latest from the Church in Rural America.



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January 25, 2017
Papa Ben  
W EEKLY WISDOM

" Only when we meet the living God in Christ do we know what life is...  Each of us is the result of a thought of God.  Each of us is willed,  each of us is loved, each of us is necessary."
Pope-Emeritus Benedict XVI 

Update on Ag Policy and the Farm Bill

Listening sessions are starting for public input

Former Georgia Governor Sonny Perdue is President Trump's nominee for Secretary of Agriculture. In a statement from U.S. Senator Pat Roberts (R-Kan.), Chairman of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, he said he looked forward to meeting with Perdue in his upcoming confirmation hearing.
 
"The most important quality for the Agriculture Secretary to possess," Roberts said, "is a solid understanding of the tough economic challenges farmers and ranchers face due to three years of low prices, declining land values, and difficult lending conditions. As we write a new Farm Bill, the Secretary must understand that we are operating in a new landscape. Everyone in farm country is having a hard time."
 
Senate committee members  are already initiating Farm Bill listening sessions. Although the current Farm Bill does not expire until late next year, this year is important to review and revise the many programs authorized by the bill: farm subsidies, conservation, rural development and nutrition, among others. Our website covers some of these issues and we will continue to provide more educational and advocacy materials in the months ahead.

bishlogo Catholic Briefing on Legislative Advocacy Issues
Feb. 7 Webinar will help prepare for Congressional visits

Usually at this time of year, CRL promotes our presence at the annual Catholic Social Ministry Gathering (CSMG) in Washington, DC. This year, a larger national convocation of Catholic leaders, led by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), will take place in Orlando, Florida from July 1-4. Executive Director Jim Ennis will attend to promote the crucial work of Catholic Rural Life.
 
While CSMG is scheduled to return to Washington, D.C. for 2018, USCCB does not want to let this year go by without Catholic advocacy for critical issues impacting our communities. You can plan now for "in-district" visits of your Senators and Representatives during the Congressional Recess week of Feb. 20-24.
 
USCCB can help you get ready: sign up for their Legislative Advocacy Issues Briefing Webinar set for Feb. 7 at 2pm Eastern .

Vocation of the Agricultural Leader Presentations Planned
Sponsor a Vocation of Ag Leader Workshop

How does faith inform agricultural business decisions in our everyday lives? What does faith have to do with my life as a farmer, rancher, agribusiness leader, leader of a food company, or someone interested in food security and the environment?
 
CRL is presenting Vocation of the Agricultural Leader workshops and presentations around the country to address the many ethical questions agricultural and food leaders face every day. Currently, six are planned for the next four months. CRL will be in Wisconsin Dells, WI,  January 30; Russell, KS,  February 24-25; San Diego, CA,  March 6-7; Fresno, CA,  March 8; Big Spring, TX,  April 25; Victoria, TX, April 26.  For event information on workshops see  CRL's event page.
 
If your diocese, parish, university or community is interested in hosting a Vocation of the Agricultural workshop or presentation, please contact Annie Brickweg at  Annie@catholicrurallife.org

Visit CRL's website to read and order the Vocation of the Agricultural Leader document. 

CATHOLIC RURAL LIFE
Our mission is dedicated to addressing and overcoming
the challenges facing rural America: social, economic and ecological.

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If you have a question, announcement or resource you would like to share with us, please contact   annie@catholicrurallife.org