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May 28, 2015

WEEKLY WISDOM

"The monopolizing of lands, deforestation, the appropriation of water, and use of agro-toxics are some of the evils that tear man from the land of his birth. This painful separation is not only physical, but also existential and spiritual, because it is putting the rural community and its peculiar way of life in notorious decline and risk of extinction.

- Pope Francis, October 28, 2014



JOHN ALLEN JR. ON THE  ENCYCLICAL
"Human and Natural Ecology" Seminar Next Week

Senior Vatican journalist John L. Allen Jr., who currently heads
The Boston Globe's Catholic division, Crux, will be delivering a public lecture on the pope's forthcoming eco-encyclical. The talk, entitled "Human and Natural Ecology: Anticipating Pope Francis' New Encyclical on the Environment," will be this coming Wednesday, June 3, at the University of St. Thomas in Minnesota. It will be held in Woulfe Alumni Hall in the Anderson Student Center and is open to the public.
 
Allen's public lecture is part of a larger three day conference entitled "Human and Natural Ecology: Economic, Political and Cultural Implications." Jim Ennis, CRL's executive director, will also take part in the conference, and will deliver a talk called Human Ecology: A Blind Spot in Our American Culture. We'll make a copy of his prepared remarks available next week.

YOUR CLIMATE STORY
Catholic Climate Covenant Wants You to Tell It

As the world prepares for Pope Francis's encyclical on ecology, Catholic Climate Covenant wants to highlight instances of everyday Catholics taking steps to put the Church's environmental teachings into action. They plan on sharing these stories through social media and other channels.

Possible story ideas include: installing solar panels at your parish; spearheading community support for faith-informed policy changes; helping affected people adapt. If you've got one of these stories and want to share it, send an email to [email protected] with the subject line "climate success story" and the general details of your story.

FEATURED PROGRAM
ETHICS OF EATING CARDS
From Farm to Table, Eating Is a Moral Act

CRL produces and distributes seven Ethics of Eating cards that connect Catholic social teaching to various aspects of food and agriculture, from a look at how migrant workers are treated to the right to safe and nutritious food. These cards are great for parish or professional use. Learn more at our website, and consider purchasing the entire set.

FARM-TO-SCHOOL SUMMER PROGRAM
School's Out, But Nutrition Is Still In

Check out the new Farm to Summer page at the USDA website. This public service provides helpful tips and resources to allow schools and nonprofit organizations to serve farm-fresh products during the peak growing season of the year. 

Their Farm to Summer Fact Sheet provides tips for incorporating local foods and agriculture-based activities into summer meal programs. And  USDA's Summer Food Service Program Toolkit material will help you put it into action. Whether you're a local agency, nonprofit partner, school district, or producer/provider, you'll find helpful hints here on ways to continue farm to school activity while school is out.

FLOODING IN CENTRAL TEXAS
Catholic Response Includes Prayers, Assistance

Hundreds of homes and businesses in central Texas have been damaged or destroyed by recent flooding and tornadoes. Cardinal Daniel DiNardo of the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston issued the following statement of appeal:


 

"While we continue to offer our prayers for those who have suffered in the recent rains and flooding, we also want to offer our help. Agencies affiliated with the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston, particularly Catholic Charities, are available to provide assistance to those in need."


 

Catholic Charities is coordinating with local agencies to help with disaster response for those affected by this week's storms. To learn more, visit their website. They've also activated their Disaster Response team to provide relief across 25 counties. 
     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.

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

Contact Jonathan Liedl, CRL Communications Coordinator.