Revitalizing the Spiritual, Social, and Economic Well-Being of America’s Rural Communities
Once the backbone of American society, today’s rural communities face a number of challenges, both spiritual and material. A decline of priests and religious in the countryside have left pastors of rural parishes stretched thin, hindering catechetical formation and a faith that truly lives. Simultaneously, poverty, unemployment, and an exodus of young people to urban areas have depleted America’s rural communities of its characteristic winsome vitality.
Catholic Rural Life aims to revitalize the American countryside by training and equipping rural men and women to take leadership in their communities, parishes, and households. We believe that rural living represents a way of life worthy of promotion and protection, and is naturally conducive to authentic spiritual and moral formation. We recognize the unique connection between the Church and the countryside, well aware that the majority of priestly and religious vocations come from rural communities. With this in mind, it is no understatement to say that rural communities remain vital to the well-being of not only the country, but the Catholic Church.
Summer Silo Series: Bringing Music to the Farm
Growing up, being lazy was never an option. I didn’t sleep in (unless I was deathly ill), always made my…
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FAQ: Do Dioceses Still Celebrate Rural Life?
The simple answer is, yes! In fact, several dioceses and many parishes hold rural life celebrations on an annual basis,…
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Has Rural America Become the New “Inner City”?
An analysis by reporters of the Wall Street Journal shows that since the 1990s, “sparsely populated counties have replaced large…
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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…
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Seeking Home
(Editor’s Note: As we begin to gear up for the holidays, this week’s Storytellers looks at the concept of home….
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God’s Beautiful, Vast Emptiness
(Editor’s Note: This week’s installment of “Storytellers” comes from Liese Peterson, who lives in the “beautiful, vast emptiness” of the…
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A Farmer’s Wedding
Editor’s Note: This week’s Storytellers article is from CRL President, Bishop Etienne. It originally appeared on his blog, Truth in…
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Celebrating Michaelmas, CRL-Style
Today’s Mass readings detail a shocking and violent battle in heaven between Michael and the good angels and Satan and…
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Horses, Healing, Hope
Editor’s Note: This week’s Storytellers comes from Jessica Parker in Colorado. Her story is an amazing reminder that God created…
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Rural Relocation: Worth the Wait
Editor’s Note: This week’s submission comes from Dawn Baker, who writes about the unique housing market struggles facing those in…
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