James Ennis
Executive Director
651-444-8710
Jim@catholicrurallife.org
“I work at CRL because it is where I can live out my passion for Christ and His Church and also get to work with farmers and ranchers from around the country. The Catholic Church affirms all who are involved in agricultural production and who help bring food to our tables. I have been working with farmers and ranchers for over 25 years, and for the last 15 years with CRL! It’s a blessing to combine my faith and interest in food, agriculture and the environment.
I feel a tremendous responsibility to be a good steward of the organization and to help CRL serve the rural Church in ways that can inspire the next generation of men and women to take their faith in Christ seriously and to use their gifts and talents for the glory of God and for the good of their communities.”
Kate Gapp
Director of Development
651-444-8712
Kate@catholicrurallife.org
“It is easy to miss the intimate relationship between creation – the land we cultivate – and the Catholic faith. They are so connected! God created the world and we are now its stewards. Living most of my life in urban and suburban areas, my parents took care to educate my siblings and I about life beyond our own reality. Both sets of my grandparents farmed, a vocation which I greatly respect and admire.
Interacting with our members and donors is a privilege – without them, CRL couldn’t support, inform, and promote rural Catholic communities in America. God’s economy of grace is always at work showing us that it is worthwhile to trust in Him and be good stewards of the gifts he gives us! It’s a joy to be part of.”
Tim Streiff
Program Manager
651-444-8709
Tim@catholicrurallife.org
“Growing up in a rural, agricultural town, I’ve seen the need for additional efforts to spread the Gospel and build up Catholic culture in rural America. I want to help spread the Gospel in rural places like where I came from.
I love working with priests in the Thriving in Rural Ministry program and with our local CRL Chapter leaders across the country. Rural life is a beautiful calling; to steward the land and cooperate with God in work and in ministry. When we build up Catholic culture and dedicate our work to God in rural places, it elevates and returns to God the gifts He has given us.”
Laurie Forner
Program Manager
651-444-8711
laurie@catholicrurallife.org
“I am so happy to be a member of the Catholic Rural Life team. It feels like a comfortable home with friends as I once again work with farmers, ranchers and the ag industry, while we lean on God together and grow in our shared Catholic faith. I grew up on a dairy, hog and crop farm and have lived all my life in rural Minnesota. I still have a large garden and enjoy working in the dirt while I take in the beauty of the land around me and the changing seasons of life on the nearby farms.
My Catholic faith has been handed down to me from my parents, my grandparents, and their grandparents and ancestors. I treasure this gift. I look forward to working with, and supporting, the members and friends of Catholic Rural Life.”
Zach Wiese
Communications Manager
651-444-8711
zach@catholicrurallife.org
“When asked what I wanted to do when I grow up the only answer I had was; I want to go to heaven. I just didn’t know what kind of work could lead me there.
At a young age I learned a lot about life with all the calves and cats being born which means I also saw death. This taught me to appreciate God’s creation and the time we have on this earth all the more. I not only experienced this with animals, but also when patiently waiting for the crops to grow knowing at any point during the season it could all be taken away. This is a great conscience check because it forces any farmer to do what we are all called to do: rely solely on Him.
As years passed it was clear that I should serve farmers. Now I can continue to serve our Lord in my everyday work while also supporting a rural life that I still love living.”
Seth Forster
Office Manager
651-444-8711
seth@catholicrurallife.org
“A few years ago, I was a missionary for students in West Virginia. Most of my time in the Appalachia reaching those students has given me the chance to live life with the rural people in the mountains, and has given me a heart to serve the Church and her people. After that, and a few years in corporate America, I realized that the only one who can truly satisfy is the Lord, and hungered to work for Mother Church once again.
Though I personally come from the suburbs of the Twin Cities, both my parents and their families grew up on cattle farms. They passed down to me an appreciation of rural life, the craft of hunting, and the love of Jesus Christ. I am blessed and honored to be a part of the everyday operations to help us serve you as the office manager.”
