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Andrew Ewell discusses the mission of Verax Patria to address land access issues for families, the importance of community and faith in land stewardship, and the innovative solutions being developed to help families acquire and sustain farmland.

Putting Down Roots: Family, Faith, and Land with Andrew Ewell

Monsignor Shea, priest of the Diocese of Bismarck and president of the University of Mary, gave this talk at Catholic Rural Life's 100th Anniversary on the deep connections between rural life, faith, and the integrated understanding of the whole person.

Monsignor Shea

Dr. James Nolan, proefssor of sociology at Williams College and author of&nbsp;Atomic Doctors, spoke at CRL's 100th Anniversary about the nature of agriculture in American history, in particular the tension between family and commercial agriculture, through the eyes of several visitors to America, including Alexis de Tocqueville, Max Weber, and G. K. Chesterton.

Dr. James Nolan

Welcome Meatsmiths! You're listening to A Meatsmith Harvest; restoring husbandry to prosperity by means of the traditions of our fathers. These episodes span topics from setting up a butchery business to homesteading, from harvesting your livestock to philosophy and faith.

A Meatsmith Harvest

Welcome to the Catholic Passage Podcast, where we highlight the good work happening in our schools, families, and parish communities while glorifying God and creating an avenue for reach, faith sharing, and support. Join us as we share valuable insights from casual conversations and interviews across various people and topics. We look to raise up the lay faithful and their "Witnesses in Plain Sight".
Catholic Passage is a group of lay Catholics who support parents and educators as they pass on the Catholic faith and way of life to their children and students.

The Catholic Passage Podcast

Check out the latest episodes of the&nbsp;Catholic Cowboy Way podcast!

The Catholic Cowboy Way

Talks and lectures given at Catholic Rural Life events or by CRL collaborators and partners.

Talks and Lectures

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How Technology Distances Us From Creation - Ep 124

Creation, Evolution, and the Chain of Being - Ep 123

Mastering the Mother Cure - Ep. 131

Reviving the Peasant Kitchen - Ep. 133

In this episode, we explore the intersection of social media, church law, and priestly conduct, featuring insights from Fr. Timothy Smith of the Diocese of Sioux Falls on how the church navigates digital communication, canonical law, and ethical responsibilities.

How to Be a Responsible Catholic on the Internet with Fr. Timothy Smith

Laura K. Beck shares her journey from a busy journalist and mom to a dedicated Catholic writer and content creator. You'll discover how her reflections, poetry, and biblical insights have transformed her understanding of discipleship and evangelization. We break down her approach to social media, podcasting, and writing, revealing practical ways you can turn everyday encounters into powerful moments of faith-sharing. Whether it's journaling dreams, reaching strangers in simple conversations, or creating content that ignites curiosity, Laura illustrates how authenticity and obedience open the door for God to work through you.

Exploring Faith and Creativity with Laura K. Beck

What if your faith could be both deeply personal and intellectually compelling? Dr. Andrew Seely, president of the Boethius Institute and veteran Catholic educator, reveals how understanding and practicing hope grounded in reason can transform your life—and your ability to witness to others.
In this episode, Dr. Seely shatters common misconceptions about hope—distinguishing theological hope from mere optimism—and shares how hope rooted in God's promises and the Eucharist can sustain us through life's darkest moments. You'll discover why many believers feel unprepared to defend their faith and how the Catholic intellectual tradition provides the solid foundation needed to do so with confidence.
We break down:
The vital difference between optimism and hope, and why it matters
How the great books and the Catholic intellectual tradition shape a resilient, truthful worldview
The importance of discerning objective truth in a skeptical age
Practical ways rural Catholics can tap into this rich tradition, even in areas facing priest shortages
The significance of witness, reason, and the beauty of the liturgy in inspiring hope
If you've ever wondered how to share your faith with clarity and charity, or how to strengthen your interior hope amid cultural challenges, this episode is essential listening. Dr. Seely’s insights are a call to action: hope isn’t just a feeling, it’s a visible, explainable evidence of a life rooted in Christ. Whether you're clergy, educator, or lay faithful, learn how to make hope real—visible in your community and defendable in conversation.
Join us as we explore how the Catholic Church’s rich intellectual tradition can equip you to live and articulate hope with confidence, transforming your faith from private belief into bold witness. Softly soft—this isn’t just theory; it’s a roadmap for revival in the Church, starting in your own home, parish, and town.

Hope and Liberal Education with Dr. Andrew Seeley

In this episode of Catholic Passage, host John Sandy engages with John Grosso, digital editor at the National Catholic Reporter, to explore the intersection of faith and journalism. They discuss the challenges of reporting on the church as a Catholic, the role of social media in shaping public discourse, and the importance of transparency in journalism. John shares his personal journey of faith, the impact of Catholic social teaching on storytelling, and the need for digital engagement in parish ministry. The conversation emphasizes the moral obligations of journalists and the significance of truth in serving the church.

Faith Meets Journalism with John Grosso

As Catholics try to navigate a more polarized and fractured American society, CRL wanted to highlight some of the beautiful stories of rural communities coming together to support one another and increase unity. First and foremost, there&rsquo;s a recap of CRL&rsquo;s Anniversary Gala, a celebration of the community CRL has built. You&rsquo;ll also read about the Eucharistic Revival Pilgrimage that has stretched across the country, uniting young and old, rich and poor, urban and rural, all in the name of Jesus Christ. Then there&rsquo;s a tear-jerking story of a community coming together to support a farmer friend during a heart transplant. And lastly, lest we forget about the community of saints in heaven, we bring you a story of a big-hearted North Dakota prairie girl whose cause for sainthood is being investigated by the Church. May this issue remind you of all the beautiful people in your community, inspiring you to see anew Christ in your neighbor.

Building Community: Seeing Christ in One Another (Summer 2024)

The Catholic Roots of Classical Education - Ep 130

On this episode of the Catholic Passage Podcast, John Sandy sits down with Tom Farley, brother of the late and beloved comedian Chris Farley, to discuss faith, family, comedy, addiction, and recovery. Explore the life of Chris Farley through the lens of faith, addiction, and recovery with his brother Tom Farley. Discover insights into his interior life, faith journey, and the impact of family and spirituality.

Chris Farley's Hidden Faith with Tom Farley

Most ranchers talk about cattle or horses, but few highlight the quiet, ancient art of sheep herding—and the profound way it draws us closer to God. Marie McLaren, a fifth-generation sheep rancher and devout Catholic from Wyoming, shares how shepherding isn't just a livelihood—it's a spiritual journey rooted in deep faith and a love for creation. When storms threaten her internet connection or a call for help pulls her away from her plans, she embodies the shepherd’s relentless love—recalling the biblical parable of leaving the ninety-nine for the one.

Shepherding Faith (Marie McClaren) Ep 4

In this episode, we explore the origins and mission of Catholic Rural Life, the new storytelling initiatives like the Mustard Seed Project, and how these efforts aim to highlight the diverse and rich lives of rural Catholics. Join us for insights into rural evangelization, storytelling, and the future of faith in rural America.

Storytelling and Evangelization (Zach Wiese) Ep 10

In this conversation, Mathew and Greg Cello discuss the journey of establishing a homestead, the importance of family and community, and the role of faith in their lives. Greg shares his experiences transitioning from military life to homesteading, emphasizing the significance of rooting oneself in a community and the lessons learned from working the land. They explore the challenges and joys of parenting in a homesteading environment, the value of writing and sharing insights, and the aspirations for the future, including plans for sheep and wool production. The conversation highlights the connection between land stewardship, family legacy, and spiritual growth.

Homesteading and Focusing on Eternity with Greg Cello

Aristotelian Sausage: The Formal Cause - Ep. 137

In this issue of Catholic Rural Life magazine, CRL highlights personal stories and movements around the country seeking to heal the brokenness in our relationship with nature and with food. CRL is also re-introducing its Eating is a Moral Act initiative to raise awareness about what each of us can do to address our brokenness.

Eating is a Moral Act: Restoring Right Relationships with Food & Land (Spring 2017)

This conversation explores the history, mission, and current developments of the Catholic Land Movement, emphasizing its spiritual and practical significance for modern Catholics interested in land stewardship, community building, and faith-based agriculture.

How the Catholic Land Movement Connects Faith, Land, and Community with Michael Thomas

I woke up the day after Easter to a text from a member of my book club with the news that Pope Francis was dead. I was surprised&mdash;while it was clear that he was struggling with illness, hadn&rsquo;t he just traveled through St. Peter&rsquo;s Square and given the Easter&nbsp;Urbi et Orbi&nbsp;blessing the day before? The following days leading up to the funeral were a blessed time for my family, from praying for the repose of Pope Francis&rsquo;s soul to discussing with my children about what happens when a pope dies to praying for the next Holy Father&rsquo;s heart to be prepared for the monumental task of leading the Church. The day of the funeral my 13-year-old son joined me to watch the funeral procession on TV. As the pope&rsquo;s casket wound its way through the streets of Rome, the EWTN commentator told personal stories from Francis&rsquo;s life. At one point my son said, &ldquo;He seems like a pretty cool guy. I didn&rsquo;t know much about him, except that he was the pope.&rdquo;
This issue of Catholic Rural Life takes a look at some of the &ldquo;pretty cool&rdquo; writings and actions of Pope Francis. From a reflection on&nbsp;Evangelii Gaudium&nbsp;to a meeting with farmers to a group of teen pilgrims who attended the papal funeral, the stories in this issue focus on the gift of the Francis pontificate. This issue also features a number of articles marking the 10th anniversary of his landmark encyclical,&nbsp;Laudato Si&rsquo;. While the entire Church now rejoices with the election of Pope Leo XIV, may we not forget Pope Francis&rsquo;s mark on the Church, especially in rural America.
Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord. May he rest in peace.

Pope Francis: Remembering the Gift of His Papacy (Summer 2025)

In this issue, CRL takes a look at the Farm Bill through a Catholic lens. Why should Catholics care about this piece of legislation? How should Catholics view the various programs in the bill? I encourage you to ponder these questions as you read. We have included much to think about! There is an article on the basics of the Farm Bill and another on how the Farm Bill helps the international community. Of course, there is also an article on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, toward which goes the largest portion of Farm Bill money.