Member Story: Father Iain Highet
Fr. Iain Highet is the chaplain at the Benedictine Abbey of Regina Laudis and parochial vicar of two parishes in Bethlehem, Conn. He shepherds his people with a unique eye for the land given his previous profession as an environmental consultant. This experience has given him a unique perspective on the relationship between faith and the land.
His first exposure to the Catholic Rural Life and the Catholic Rural Life magazine was through the nuns of the Abbey. Since then he has become a member himself and continues to utilize the magazine and E-bulletin. “CRL has helped me because the areas [CRL] deals with, liturgy and the land and how they connect, are very key to being Catholic. We need one for the other.”
When asked why he gives to CRL, Fr. Iain replied, “I believe in the mission [of CRL] and in supporting Catholic stewardship principles in rural communities. I hope [my contribution] can help with communications, especially about the importance of local food systems and Catholic approaches to these.”
Fr. Iain has some emerging ideas of his own for encouraging Catholic stewardship principles but he is also excited to support CRL as they pursue the same vision. “I benefit from the articles and I know that my contribution supports a good work.”
Member Story: Stan Fitzgerald
CRL member, Stan Fitzgerald of San Jose, California, has been a faithful supporter of CRL for almost 8 years. He first heard about CRL while attending the Social Ministry Gathering held in Washington D.C. every year. With his interest in all aspects of social justice, including food and farming, he has found CRL materials to be valuable.
“CRL keeps me well informed on this segment of Catholic advocacy. Your materials on “Eating is a Moral Act” have been helpful to me in my advocacy and teaching roles.”
Although retired from his work in Human Resource management, Fitzgerald continues to be an active participant in issues of social justice on a parish, diocesan, and national level. He also continues to be a strong supporter of CRL’s efforts. “In a small way, I hope to help sustain CRL in their important work.”
