Catholic Rural Life Updates

 

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The latest from the Church in Rural America.

 


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September 11, 2015

 

 

 

 

WEEKLY WISDOM

 

“Only by cultivating sound virtues will people be able to make a selfless ecological commitment.”

 

– Pope Francis, Laudato Si

 

 

 

VIRTUE AND STEWARDSHIP

The Hidden Foundation of Laudato Si

 

A lot has been made of the policy implications of Laudato Si. But as Pope Francis reminds us, “Only by cultivating sound virtues will people be able to make a selfless ecological commitment.” Personal virtue–or moral excellence– must be a prerequisite for any law or policy if we’re truly going to change the way we interact with God’s glorious creation.

CRL intern Leah Miller explored this idea more in depth, connecting the four cardinal virtues of justice, prudence, temperance, and fortitude to ecological stewardship. It’s a really unique insight into Laudato Si that you really won’t find anywhere else, so check it out and feel free to share! The article comes from our summer magazine,  “Laudato Si and the Countryside: Caring for Our Common Rural Home,” so check it out if you’re interested in reading more unique takes on this encyclical and how it applies to rural living.

 

DISCUSSING LAUDATO SI IN MINN.

Panel Talks About “Next Steps”

 

Inspired by Pope Francis’ call for dialogue on environmental stewardship, CRL joined the Minnesota Catholic Conference in hosting a panel discussion Laudato Si and its implications. The event, which drew over 300 attendees, took place on September 9 at the University of St. Thomas.

 

Executive director Jim Ennis delivered opening remarks, and CRL provided Twitter coverage throughout the event. The panelists included Cecilia Calvo of the USCCB, as well as a farmer, a parish priest, a theologian, and an economist. Additionally, EPA administrator Gina McCarthy provided a video welcoming participants and encouraging dialogue. Bill Patenaude of Catholic Ecology has a write-up of the event, so make sure to check it out!

 

FEATURED PROGRAM

 

JOIN CATHOLIC RURAL LIFE!

Help Strengthen the Church in the Countryside

 

Since 1923, CRL has been applying the teachings of Christ and His Church to rural America. The issues facing the countryside may have changed in the past 90 years, but our commitment has not, nor has our conviction that rural life is worth fighting for. We’re here for the Church in rural America…won’t you join us?

 

 

CARE OF CREATION MONTH

Resources to Pray, Pledge, and Act

 

Catholic Rural Life continues to promote Care of Creation Month, which began on Sept. 1 when Pope Francis called for a world day of prayer for the care of our common home, Earth.

In our partnership with the Catholic Climate Covenant, we remind our network of their excellent resources, especially the St. Francis Pledge as we approach the feast day of St. Francis in October. The CCC website offers ways to pray, pledge and act on behalf of the poor and those most burdened by our degenerative impacts on the environment.

We also would like to mention the Guided Rosary by the Franciscan Action Network. This special publication contains meditations and reflections for each set of mysteries using themes taken from Laudato Si. They hope it will be used to affect change in our communities and the world.

 

FARM INCOME FALLS

But What Does It Mean?

 

As farmers prepare for the harvest season, we are reading reports that farm sector profitability is expected to weaken in 2015. In fact, the drop in net farm income is projected to be the largest since 1983.

 

Does this mean farmers are feeling the pinch?

 

Well, it depends where you look and who you ask. CRL’s policy coordinator Bob Gronski breaks it down, and shares what types of farm policies proponents of family farming should be supporting.

 

 

 

     CATHOLIC RURAL LIFE

     Applying the teachings of Jesus Christ 

     for the betterment of rural America

 

We’re the only national Catholic non-profit dedicated to  addressing and overcoming the challenges facing rural America, be they social, economical, or spiritual. Please consider supporting our work by becoming a member or donating today.

Learn more at our website, catholicrurallife.org.

  

 

Have a question about our e-bulletin? Have an item you want to share?

 

Contact Jonathan Liedl, CRL Communications Coordinator.

 

  

 

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