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.
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”?
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Resources for the Season of Lent
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Seeking Home
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God’s Beautiful, Vast Emptiness
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A Farmer’s Wedding
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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
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Rural Life Celebrations: Faith and Community
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