The latest from the Church in Rural America.



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March 1 , 2017

W EEKLY WISDOM

" Even now, says the LORD, return to me with your whole heart, with fasting, and weeping, and mourning; Rend your hearts, not your garments, and return to the LORD, your God.  For gracious and merciful is he, slow to anger, rich in kindness,  and relenting in punishment."
- Joel 2:12-13

Workshops Underway on the Vocation of the Agricultural Leader
Presented in Diocese of Salina, KS

CRL presented a 4-hour workshop on Vocation of the Agriculutral Leader in Russell, Kansas, on Saturday, February 25.  Over 60 people attended the workshop, many of whom are involved in the agricultural industry in one way or another.  There was lively discussion and dialogue throughout the session.

Farmers face challenges that the rest of us hardly consider at all: the timing and amount of rain, a changing climate, global competition in agricultural goods, constant pressure to make a viable living while also serving as good stewards of the land, and passing on the farm to the next generation. There is a great need for ethical leadership in addressing these challenges.
 
The recent publication of t he Vocation of the Agricultural Leader  is part of a collaborative effort to push for a public dialogue. Catholic Rural Life  has begun conducting workshops around the country on this important document and the challenges it seeks to address.  
 
Visit Faith, Food & the Environment to read more.

Lent Cross
Resources for the Season of Lent
 Online Lenten Resources 
Lent offers us all a very special opportunity to grow in our relationship with God and to deepen our commitment to a way of life, rooted in our baptism.   In our busy world, Lent provides us with an opportunity to reflect upon our patterns, to pray more deeply, experience sorrow for what we've done and failed to do, and to be generous to those in need. 
 
CRL is happy to share Lenten resources to help you on this 40 day journey to Easter.  
To read more and access these great online Lenten resources, click here.

National Farmers Union Responds to Trump's Speech
NFU's President Releases Statement
President Donald Trump addressed a joint session of Congress on Tuesday night, offering his Administration's vision for the future of the country. The National Farmers Union noted that  the President failed to mention the words 'rural,' 'farm,' or 'agriculture,' yet touched on a myriad of policy issues that could have major impacts on family farmers, ranchers and rural communities.
 
"President Trump's agenda must begin to consider and prioritize the economic well-being of rural and farming communities," NFU President Roger Johnson said in a    statement issued after the address. Johnson went on to highlight economic concerns crucial to farmers: fair trade, immigrant farm labor, and affordable health care.  

"If the President intends to be a champion for all Americans," Johnson said, "he must consider the real and lasting impacts his policy agenda will have on rural America and family farmers and ranchers."

CRL concurs that rural America can not be forgotten. Over the next several months, CRL will be following the Farm Bill discussions and hearings on Capitol Hill and will keep our membership informed.  

Interfaith Light and Power Monthly Blessing for March
 Blessing of the Wind
Wind: our heavenly companion, sister, conspirito and inspiration. She breezes into woodlands, soars past mountaintops, sweeps over plains and deserts, and skims the oceans. She can come from any direction, sometimes gentle, sometimes harsh, and wanders to the ends of the earth fulfilling her sacred mission.

In appointed service, she swoops up fertile pollen and airy seed, she grandly ushers in misty clouds, and then deposits them all in fruitful wonder. She lavishes relief on the wise, but others she lashes for their foolishness.

To pray the March Blessing of the Wind, click here.

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

Please support our work by becoming a member or donating today.
Contact Us

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