Catholic Rural Life Session at Catholic Social Ministry Gathering, Feb. 2-5

Becoming “a Church that is Poor and for the Poor” in Rural America

Catholic Rural Life Session

Sunday, Feb. 2 / 12 noon – 2:30 pm

Catholic Social Ministry Gathering / Washington, DC

Catholic Rural Life began its ministry to rural America in November 1923. Although much has changed in rural communities over the past 90 years, the need for the Church to be engaged in issues related to food and agriculture, stewardship of creation, and rural ministry and outreach has never been greater.

So we ask: What is the Church doing to address poverty in rural communities? How has the industrialization of agriculture disrupted rural communities? And what have been the impacts on land and water resources?

During our session at the Catholic Social Ministry Gathering this coming February, we will examine how our Catholic faith informs our responses to poverty and the degradation of our natural resources. On a hopeful note, we will set forth a pathway to advocate on behalf of the most vulnerable in rural America.

Executive Director Jim Ennis will moderate the session and review our program work for the year. Policy coordinator Robert Gronski will provide a brief summary of the expected new farm bill and then present an overview of a new project linking faith-based principles to Agriculture, Food and the Environment.

Our keynote speak is Br. Nick Renner from Celina, Ohio, and 2013 recipient of the Edwin V. O’Hara Advocacy Award. He will provide his insights into becoming “a Church that is poor and for the poor” based on his long-time experience with the Missionaries of the Precious Blood and as a conservation-minded farmer. Read more about him here.

Registration Required

Our Sunday session takes place at the same venue as the Catholic Social Ministry Gathering: Omni Shoreham Hotel in Washington, DC. The session begins at 12 noon with lunch; presentations will run through 2:30 pm. (Opening plenary of the main Gathering begins at 3 pm.)

Luncheon & Session: $58.30 (The odd cost reflects an automatic online service fee.)

Visit the USCCB website for the Registration link.