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 Schmitt
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.”
Emily Dalsky
Program Manager
651-444-8709
Emily@catholicrurallife.org
“Born and raised in a small town in central Wisconsin, I like to joke that my hometown has more cows than people—except it’s no joke. The lush fields and tranquil farms provided a setting that encouraged dialogue with God, a setting—I believe—that cemented my love for rural America.
As Program Manager of Thriving in Rural Ministry, I’m truly honored to serve our priests and deacons across the country. With nearly seven years of experience in parish ministry and an upbringing in the heartland, I’ve witnessed firsthand both the joys and challenges clergy face, especially in rural areas. I consider it a profound privilege to support our clergy in their vocations and ministries.”
Laurie Forner
Program Manager
651-444-8714
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.”
Karl Horwath
Program Manager
715-308-3963
Karl@catholicrurallife.org
“I grew up in rural Wisconsin, enjoying fishing, hunting, and raising various animals, and developed a love for the outdoors and creation. My family went to Mass on Sunday, but it was during a retreat in high school where I personally encountered Jesus during a time of adoration. Since then, I have recognized God calling me to a life of ministry in the Church, which led me to study Theology and Catechetics at Franciscan University, where I also completed a master’s in Educational Administration. I spent ten years working in parish ministry in both rural and suburban settings before coming to Catholic Rural Life. I am honored to serve rural parishes by helping them become vibrant communities of faith through the Ministry in Rural Areas and Small Towns program.”
Zach Wiese
Communications Manager
763-331-1756
Zach@catholicrurallife.org
“It is a blessing from God to be able to take my love of rural and the Catholic faith and use it everyday in my work at Catholic Rural Life. Communicating the mission of Catholic Rural Life helps build up the Church and thriving communities in rural America. I am grateful to get to work with the CRL team, those that live in rural, and those that love rural life.”
Seth Forster
Office Manager
651-444-8714
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.”
Hazel Jordan
Program Assistant
651-444-8714
Hazel@catholicrurallife.org
“I grew up in the suburbs just outside St. Paul, and studied Communication and Catholic Studies at the University of St. Thomas. I also got my Master’s degree in Theology from The Saint Paul Seminary. I’ve been with Catholic Rural Life since January 2025 working part time for communications, until transitioning to full time this July as the Program Assistant.
Although I was not raised in a rural community, being close to nature is something I have always appreciated. Some of my favorite places are the North Shore near Duluth, Colorado, and the mountains and valleys of Ireland; next on my travel list is Alaska! The care of creation is a topic in Theology in which I have become more interested. There is so much beauty in the natural world, and God gave us the responsibility to care for, and steward it responsibly.
Outside of work, I am beginning to transition from decorating my home with artificial plants to actual, live ones. There is a sense of satisfaction and joy in cultivating even a small form of life. I also try to implement environmentally friendly practices such as buying from fair trade/sustainable brands, and getting my clothes second-hand from thrift stores or clothing swaps.”
