The latest from the Church in Rural America.



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July 31, 2015

WEEKLY WISDOM

"Technologies have consequences, and when the technology is not on a human scale then it does harm to humanity. The question is how do we begin to wean ourselves from the grip of this madness."

- Kevin Ford, Founder of the New Catholic Land Movement, The Hand on the Plow

LAUDATO SI AND AG IN THE NEWS
Jim Ennis, CRL Featured in National Publications

Since Laudato Si was released in mid-June, CRL's been making the case that the encyclical has big implications for the way we farm. So we're happy that media outlets, both secular and Catholic, are starting to take notice of this important connection.

The encyclical-ag relationship was highlighted in two national publications over the past week. In the National Catholic Register, CRL's executive director Jim Ennis makes the case that farming is a unique vocation, a calling to a special way of life, and that it therefore has dimensions beyond profits and costs. The article also acknowledged Cardinal Peter Turkson's recent public endorsement of The Vocation of the Agricultural Leader project, which CRL is spearheading. And in the Rural America section of In These Times, CRL board member Ron Rosmann helps articulate what the encyclical means for ag technology and practices. Read them both today!

CHICAGO GOES GREEN
Archdiocese Aims For Energy Efficiency

The issues contributing to climate change are indeed systemic. They're deeply rooted, and we'll need holistic shifts in the way we think about creation and our relationship to it in order to bring about the necessary changes.

Still, that doesn't excuse us from doing what we can to make an immediate difference. The Archdiocese of Chicago is taking leadership on this front, and recently announced their intention to benchmark all 2,700 buildings in the archdiocese to ensure that they are as energy efficient as possible. This might not be a realistic goal for all dioceses, but it is something that parishes or individuals might be able to take on. Bottom line: we're all called to be stewards of God's creation, so let's use prudence to determine what changes we can make in our own lives to love God by caring for his creation.

FEATURED PROGRAM
FARMER-TO-FARMER
Share Ag and Business Skills in East Africa

CRL partners with Catholic Relief Service to connect American farmers and businesspeople with volunteer opportunities in East Africa. Assignments are brief (2-3 weeks) and all expenses are paid for. Visit our website to learn more about this incredible opportunity to make a difference!

CATHOLIC VOICE ON CLIMATE CHANGE
Take Part In The Five On Five Challenge

 

Our friends at the Global Catholic Climate Movement are prepping for an awesome initiative to amplify the Catholic voice on climate change. They're calling it the Five on Five Challenge.

 

The idea is pretty simple. On August 5th, tell five of your friends about GCCM's Catholic Climate Petition. If everyone in GCCM's network reaches out to five friends, they can add 50,000 signatures to this important petition. And, of course, GCCM makes participating in the Five on Five Challenge very easy and user-friendly. They've got all the resources you need to take part, including sample messages to share with your friends. Check it out today!

 

CHILD NUTRITION ACT
Support the Farm To School Program

 

As of today, the House and Senate have yet to release their first drafts of the new Child Nutrition Act, which is the big bill that will--hopefully!--include the Farm to School Act among its many parts.

 

This means there's still time to build support in Washington, DC for Farm to School--and ensure that when Congress does write the new Child Nutrition Act, they include these critical investments and improvements that will help expand Farm to School nationwide! CRL has signed on and we encourage other organizations to also support and endorse this important policy by filling out this simple form.


     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.

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Contact Jonathan Liedl, CRL Communications Coordinator.