Each area of the country presents its own unique challenges and opportunities when it comes to spreading the Gospel. Fr. Luke Austin, a priest of the Diocese of Burlington in Vermont, knows this firsthand. Fr. Austin was born and raised in the state, which he describes as being “marked by the culture of dairy farming.” Growing up in Vermont’s second-largest city, which has a population of only 19,000 people, he experienced the realities of rural life and how it intersects with faith.
Cultivating a strong sense of community is essential in a place that is not as densely populated as other areas of the country. For people of faith, this is even more crucial, as faith communities serve as a source of strength, encouragement, and support. At the same time, agricultural communities have their own distinct culture that shape their parishes and Catholic institutions. Fr. Austin has seen this firsthand in his ministry. “[Faith] creates a unique sense of community, even though that community may not be terribly large,” he states. “A smaller community marked by agriculture will have a distinct way of shaping a parish community.”
Rural parishes often face difficulties in maintaining their congregations, as population shifts and economic changes affect local communities. Many young people leave rural areas in search of better economic opportunities in cities, leading to a decline in the number of families attending Mass regularly. At the same time, rural parishes tend to be close-knit and interwoven with the local economy and way of life. When agriculture is central to a region, faith communities often reflect that rhythm, with seasonal events, feast day celebrations, and prayers for good harvests playing an important role in parish life.
In his time serving in Vermont, Fr. Austin has observed a significant shift in the demographics of the agricultural sector. “The people who are getting into agriculture and farming in Vermont are people who come from what seems to be a non-religious background,” he notes. “Catholic Rural Life could help evangelize the people who are coming into agriculture.”
Additionally, immigration has changed the face of agriculture in Vermont and beyond. Unlike the European farmers who settled in the United States a few hundred years ago, today’s immigrant farmers come from countries like Vietnam and Latin America. These immigrants bring with them different cultural traditions and often a deep-rooted faith, which can enrich rural Catholic communities. However, they may also face challenges such as language barriers, social isolation, and difficulty accessing Catholic sacraments. The Church has an important role to play in welcoming and integrating these new populations into parish life.
Strong communities of faith in rural areas are essential for supporting agricultural workers and helping them recognize the profound meaning of their work. Farming is not just an economic activity; it is a vocation that reflects God’s call to stewardship of the land. The Catholic Church has long emphasized the dignity of agricultural work and its connection to creation and the common good. When farmers see their work through the lens of faith, they can find deeper fulfillment and a greater sense of purpose.
Fr. Austin believes that parishes can do more to engage with both longtime farming families and newer agricultural workers. “It’s important for the Church to meet people where they are,” he says. “This means understanding their struggles, celebrating their joys, and making faith relevant to their daily lives.” Practical efforts such as offering Masses in different languages, organizing agricultural blessings, and fostering social connections within the parish can help build a stronger faith community.
The role of the laity is also critical in strengthening faith in rural areas. Since many rural parishes are spread out and may have limited access to clergy, lay leaders often take on essential roles in evangelization, catechesis, and parish administration. Catholic Rural Life encourages lay participation and leadership to help sustain rural parishes, ensuring that the faith continues to thrive even in areas where priests are fewer in number.
Despite the challenges, there is great hope for the future of faith in rural America. The changing agricultural landscape presents new opportunities for evangelization. Whether through the presence of parish life, lay leadership, or organizations like Catholic Rural Life, the mission remains the same: to bring the Gospel to all, including those who work the land.
As Fr. Austin continues his ministry in Vermont, he remains committed to fostering a strong sense of community and faith among the people he serves. He recognizes that the Church has a vital role to play in supporting agricultural workers, welcoming immigrants, and ensuring that rural Catholic life remains vibrant for generations to come. Through outreach, evangelization, and a commitment to serving the unique needs of rural communities, the Church can continue to be a beacon of faith in the agricultural heartlands of America.
