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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

The Cottagers Podcast, in association with Cottage Pastures, is on a mission to inspire, support and promote agricultural pursuits characterized by farming and homesteading. We are inspired by our Catholic Faith and believe agriculture is a great means to illuminate the beauty of that faith in the world today. Join us as we talk about farming, homesteading, the Catholic faith and more!

The Cottager's Podcast

Since being re-launched in 1997 by CRL executive director Brother David Andrews, CSC, the Catholic Rural Life Magazine has shone a spotlight on every aspect of Catholic life in rural America, from the care of creation to eating as a moral act to the struggles and triumphs of rural communities. CRL Magazine exists to help you stand stronger, together in your faith,&nbsp;right where you live.

Catholic Rural Life Magazine

Dr. Christopher Thompson, professor of moral theology and academic dean at St. Paul Seminary, spoke at Catholic Rural Life's 100th Anniversary about integral ecology and theology of creation.

Dr. Christopher Thompson

John Sandy speaks with Nathan Beacom about the Lyceum Movement, an initiative aimed at fostering civic engagement and intellectual dialogue in communities. Nathan shares his background, the historical context of the Lyceum, and the importance of creating spaces for meaningful conversations. The discussion highlights the movement's focus on relationships, tolerance, and the role of Catholics in promoting civil discourse. Nathan also outlines the future aspirations for the Lyceum and the impact it aims to have on society.

Reviving Civic Discourse with Nathan Beacom

In this episode of the Catholic Passage Podcast, host John Sandy engages in a deep conversation with Thad Pals, a mission and strategy consultant with Emmaus Partners. Thad shares his journey from being a Protestant to converting to Catholicism, the challenges faced by the Church today, and his personal experiences with divorce and family dynamics. The discussion highlights the importance of faith, community, and personal growth in navigating life's challenges. This conversation explores the journey of faith, love, and personal growth through the lens of annulment, dating after divorce, and parenting. The speakers share their experiences with the annulment process, the challenges of finding love again, and the importance of prayer in relationships. They discuss the role of parents in fostering faith in their children and the need for open conversations about spirituality. Ultimately, the dialogue emphasizes that God has a plan for everyone, even in difficult circumstances.

Trusting in God's Plan with Thad Pals

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Asparagus Paradise - Ep 128

In this episode of the Catholic Passage Podcast, host John Sandy engages in a deep conversation with Michael Adkins, the Director of Academics at St. Agnes Parish Catholic School. They explore Michael's personal faith journey, the challenges and opportunities within Catholic education, and the importance of fostering a strong Catholic culture. The discussion also touches on the role of beauty and experience in evangelization, the significance of community engagement, and the future of Catholic education in a rapidly changing society. Michael shares insights on the impact of family on faith development and the mission of Word on Fire in communicating the Catholic identity effectively.

The Catholic Educational Landscape with Dr. Michael Adkins

In this episode of the Catholic Passage podcast, John interviews Sam Estrada, a Catholic artist and storyteller whose work bridges faith and creativity. Sam shares his journey from a young artist inspired by family to creating graphic novels that depict the lives of saints. He discusses his time in religious life, the challenges of transitioning back to lay life, and how he found love while discerning his vocation. Sam emphasizes the impact of his art on youth and the importance of using one's talents for God. He also shares insights into his future projects and the lessons he's learned about faith and creativity.

Saints, Superheroes, and Evangelizing through Art with Sam Estrada

In this issue, Catholic Rural Life (CRL) takes a journey through the past 100 years of our organization since its founding in 1923 by Fr. Edwin V. O&rsquo;Hara. Delve into the decades that have shaped CRL, exploring the moments that define our commitment to faith, love, and service. Our magazine features a compelling article by Fr. Jim Schmitmeyer, sharing profound insights on Thriving in Rural Ministry. His reflections offer a deep understanding and a sense of wonder about the unique challenges and joys of rural ministry. As we celebrate this monumental milestone, don&rsquo;t miss the event details for our 100th Anniversary gathering on May 8th, 2024, in St. Paul, Minnesota. Join us as we honor a century of impactful service and set the stage for the inspiring chapters yet to unfold.

Celebrating 100 Years (Fall 2023)

Fourth Child Syndrome - Ep 129

Catholic dairy farmer and social media content creator Dan Venteicher talks about his journey away from and back to the Catholic faith he was born into. After becoming atheist in his teenage years, Dan converted to being a fervent evangelical in college. From there, Dan and his wife went on a years long journey of seeking the truth and God's will that finally brought them to the Catholic Church.

Becoming Catholic Again: How Protestantism Led Me Home

The world is constantly telling us that new technological advancements are always beneficial to humanity. More progress. Less work. But is that always the case? What about technology applied in an agricultural setting? Is more mechanization always the answer? What if increased mechanization allows one to spend more quality time with loved ones and with the Lord? What if technology is actually pulling us away from those we love? These are some of the questions that CRL set off to explore this fall, talking to experts in theology as well as people who are discerning day-in and dayout what level of technology is right for their farm. We heard stories from an ag drone owner to a dairy with robot milkers to another family that uses a walk-behind plow. Professionals weighed in from opposite sides of the GMO spectrum. At the end of the day, everyone&rsquo;s outlook boiled down to one word: discernment. We hope these stories also add to your own discernment as you try to navigate the use of technology in your everyday life. May the Holy Spirit grant you wisdom in the process.

Agriculture & Technology: Discerning the Way Forward (Fall 2024)

Making Sausage: The Four Essential Ingredients - Ep. 136

Dispelling Disney's Anti-Peasant Prejudice - Ep. 132

Fr. Bryce is joined by North Dakota cowboy, Jonathan Marohl. He gives a powerful testimony of his love of the Catholic faith and his lifelong journey of faith, surrender, and healing.

Living the Catholic Cowboy Way (Jonathan Marohl) Ep 9

A Brief History of Sausage - Ep. 135

Cardinal Timothy Dolan, Archbishop of New York from 2009 to 2025 and biographer of CRL's founder Arcbishop Edwin Vincent O'Hara, addressed CRL's 100th anniersary on the witness and legacy of Archbishop O'Hara.

Cardinal Timothy Dolan

Spring has sprung! Hopefully, flowers have started popping up in your beds and seeds have started to sprout. Spring is always an exciting time, which is why we thought this would be the perfect time to highlight the new and hopeful growth that is happening at Catholic Rural Life.
These last few years, CRL has seen expansion in staff and programs. Now, with the awarding of a new grant, CRL will have an increasing reach and impact across rural America. In this issue, you will read about this impact through stories about how CRL is providing support to rural pastors and congregations. There's an update on CRL's Chapters program, and two stories on innovative new initiatives: Ministry in Rural Areas and Small Towns and the Mustard Seed Project.
I hope these stories leave you filled with excitement and hope for the future of the Catholic Rural Life organization and the Church across rural America.

Catholic Rural Life: Growing with Hope for the Future (Spring 2026)

What Geoffrey Chaucer Teaches Us About Husbandry - Ep 125

Join us for an inspiring conversation with John Chick, a former professional football player turned faith-driven prison minister. Discover how his journey of faith, discipline, and service is transforming lives behind bars and fostering community through his Iron Saints program.

From the NFL to Prison Ministry (John Chick) Ep 6

Join us for an inspiring conversation with Rachel and Matt Langer as they share their journey from mink farming to establishing Lumen Christi Farm, a nonprofit dedicated to farming, faith, and community service. Discover how faith, resilience, and a love for farming transformed their lives and created a sanctuary for spiritual and agricultural growth.

Trusting in the Good Shepherd with Matt and Rachel Langer

Join Jesuit priest Father Rick Malloy as he shares his faith journey from a wild youth to a life of service and spirituality, and especially his unique call to minister to thousands of people every summer at Yellowstone National Park. Discover how Ignatian spirituality transformed his life, offering insights into deepening your relationship with God. Father Rick's story includes ministering in Yellowstone National Park, where he found divine meaning in everyday moments.

St. Ignatius in Yellowstone (Fr. Rick Malloy, SJ) Ep 7

The Simple Art of Brining Pork - Ep. 134

In this issue we learn about what ethical eating does (and does not!) entail. We hear from professors who pose questions related to environmental and food-buying practices that are worth pondering. We also read about inspiring examples of regular people making a difference in their communities when it comes to human dignity and ethical eating. We also take a trip down memory land to learn about the late philanthropist and CRL champion, Chauncey Stillman.

Eating is a Moral Act: Intentional Growing, Intentional Buying (Winter 2021)

We are well into spring and I'm sure many of us are experiencing the joys of new life - our gardens are growing, our flowers are&nbsp;blooming and baby animals are being born! In my family, on Easter&nbsp;Monday we purchased seven new baby chicks to add to our flock. It&nbsp;was so delightful to hear my 18-month-old daughter giggling as she&nbsp;tried to pet them. New life is exciting, joyful and hopeful!
Yet, the excitement of new life can distract us from the more tedious work of establishing a root system. I recently went on retreat&nbsp;in rural Nebraska, at Cloisters on the Platte. During one of the talks,&nbsp;the retreat director told a story of how one year he planted a ton of&nbsp;radishes for his Jesuit community, knowing he would quickly see&nbsp;the fruits of his labor. The radishes grew quickly, but his community got tired of eating them just as fast! He pointed out that although&nbsp;it was easy and quick, it wasn't what his community needed. The&nbsp;same is true in the spiritual life. We all want to see fruit from our&nbsp;prayers and sufferings, but often we are kept waiting and wondering as to what the Lord is doing. In my experience, he is usually&nbsp;strengthening the root system in my heart!
In this issue, we see the ways faith and hard work by individuals&nbsp;and families have created deep roots for future generations. We see&nbsp;how vision and passion, as well as inspiration from the Holy Spirit,&nbsp;led two sisters to research and advocate for those in rural communities. We also hear about young families embarking on their own&nbsp;journeys as farmers, one by returning to the farm of his childhood&nbsp;and the other starting anew. As you read these stories, I pray you're&nbsp;able to reflect on the ways the Lord has rooted you in your family,&nbsp;your community and most importantly, in his love. May this issue&nbsp;also remind you of his promise: "Behold, I&nbsp;make all things new" (Rev. 21:5).

Deep Roots, New Life: Connecting the Past to the Future (Spring 2021)

Mathew and Carissa discuss the evolution of their farm, Cottage Pastures, and the podcast itself. They share updates on their operations, including the growth of garlic and other products, and the importance of distinguishing between homesteading and farming. The conversation delves into the challenges faced in farming, the impact of seasonal changes, and their plans for improving efficiency and resource management on the farm. The hosts emphasize the significance of building systems and laying a strong foundation for future success in both farming and homesteading.

Embracing the Cottager Lifestyle - Ep. 1

We often hear stories about the large numbers of rural youth who are leaving their families, towns and farms to go elsewhere for different opportunities. In this issue, we were interested in learning about the youth who choose to stay.
In pursuing this question, we found young agrarians who stayed, who returned after having moved away, or who have followed a calling to rural life after growing up urban. We found strong, creative young people who are passionate about the land and tradition.

The New Hope: Inspiring Stories from Young Agrarians (Fall 2019)

Join us as we explore the fascinating life of Paul Casey, a Catholic cowboy, wrestler, and dedicated teacher. Discover his journey from Ireland to Wyoming, his unique approach to horsemanship, and the values that shape his life and work.

The Journey of a Catholic Cowboy (Paul Casey) Ep 5

Fr. Bryce interviews Kayla and Bradley Banning on their faith journey. Bradley goes deep on his upbringing and career in country music, writing and producing songs in Texas and Nashville as well as their journey as a family into making Catholic Country Music focused on serving Christ and the Church. #catholic #countrymusic #country #jesus #praiseandworship #faith #faithjourney

Catholic Country Music: Finding Authenticity in Christ (Kayla and Bradley Banning) Ep. 17

By now the summer is drawing to a close and the harvest is once again at hand. Hopefully the drought won&rsquo;t drastically diminish the fruits of the hard work so many of our farmers and ranchers have put in this season. I know so many prayers are being offered to God on behalf of those who grow our food. Many of those prayers are coming from the hearts and lips of religious men and women throughout the country. It&rsquo;s no wonder that many of these monks and sisters live in monasteries that are located in remote, rural locations, where silence and the beauty of God&rsquo;s creation enhances their connection with the divine.
In this issue, we give tribute to rural religious across America. While often living hidden lives, they are an immeasurable gift to the church throughout the world. As you read these stories, I hope you give thanks for these men and women who are tucked away and living close to the land, praying day and night for you and me in service to the universal church. May we also offer up a prayer for them, that the Lord will sustain them in their vocation and that many more will respond to the call to give up their lives to follow him.

Rural Religious: Gift to the Universal Church (Summer 2021)

All summer long the farmer prays for good weather, asking for God&rsquo;s blessing upon his crop, the fruits of his labor. Yet, sometimes things don&rsquo;t go according to plan: too much rain, not enough rain, too much sun, not enough sun, hail storms, and wind storms. This issue of Catholic Rural Life takes a look at weather&rsquo;s impact on the life of farmers and ranchers. How do they accept that weather is out of their control? How do they keep trusting the Lord when devastation strikes? You will read about a Florida community hit by three hurricanes in just over one year, as well as how cotton farmers deal with the uncertainty of drought and hail. There is also a beautiful piece about the theology of weather, digging deep into Scripture and other Church documents. We hope these stories inspire you to pray for those who have suffered severe weather events, but also praise God for the gift of good weather and His fidelity in times of both bounty and strife.

Wonder and Worry: Rising Up to Meet Weather’s Challenges (Winter 2025)

In this issue, we celebrate 95 years of CRL&rsquo;s work and mission. We wanted to get to the heart of the organization, namely, CRL members and the community they have formed, as well as the unique work they do for the common mission.

Celebrating 95 Years: Community, Membership, Life and Faith (Fall 2018)

In this episode, Father Paul Haverstock shares his remarkable journey from Lutheran upbringing to Catholic priesthood, exploring his conversion story, the significance of liturgical traditions, and the intersection of faith and culture. Discover how his background enriches his priestly ministry and deepens understanding of ecumenism and church history.

#catholic #faith #lutheran #conversion #faithjourney

From Lutheran to Law School to Catholic Priest with Fr. Paul Haverstock

In this issue, CRL also takes the time to look at various areas of rural life with new eyes. There are stories about new ways to look at rural evangelization, as well as a story about Catholic converts who started to see God (and their gardens) in a new way after spending time working in Creation. This issue also includes a longer, but quite interesting, article summarizing what international historical figures saw when they visited rural America. It is a fascinating read, I hope you enjoy it! Lastly, there&rsquo;s a beautiful article about the power of place, written by Father Jim Schmitmeyer, one of CRL&rsquo;s favorite authors.&nbsp;

Though the Lens of Faith (Spring 2023)

Most people underestimate the hard work, history, and heart behind their favorite maple syrup—and many are shocked to learn how much effort goes into every single drop. In this episode, Tim Cermak of Sugarbush Creek Farm in Middlefield, Ohio, breaks down the fascinating journey from a childhood fascination sparked by a children's book to a multi-generational family business that’s shipped syrup to all 50 states—and beyond. Tim reveals the secrets of making authentic, 100% pure maple syrup, from harvesting over 2,200 trees in Northeast Ohio to using modern tech like reverse osmosis while honoring traditional methods.

Maple Syrup: A Family Labor of Love with Tim Cermak

The Virtue of Pipe Smoking and the Art of Rest - Ep 127

In this episode, Fr. Bryce Lungren interviews Fr. Antony Minardi of Marmion Abbey in Aurora Illinois about monastic life, his recent travels across the US and Canada, and insights into the Benedictine tradition. They explore the spiritual life of monks, the differences between monks and friars, and how discernment plays a role in religious vocations.

Monastic Life and the Body of Christ (Fr. Antony Minardi, O.S.B.) - Ep 12

This year has turned out very differently from what we expected when the &ldquo;ball dropped&rdquo; last January. We have endured COVID-19, state shutdowns, unemployment, widespread social unrest and the election, not to mention natural disasters. But as Christians we trust that &ldquo;all things work for good for those who love God&rdquo; (Rom. 8:28). Even in this mess of 2020, God has a plan, a plan that includes you and me.
In this issue, we see how God has prepared agricultural workers to creatively adapt to the challenges of our times. We hear stories of local food systems rising to the occasion when grocery store shelves were empty. We also see how the slower pace of life, forced on us all by a pandemic, became a gift in many ways. And above all, we see how clinging to Christ illuminates these dark times.

Seeds of Faith in the Midst of Challenges: COVID, Riots, Fires & Storms (Fall/Summer 2020)

Growing up in rural Minnesota, I rarely remember mental health being talked about. When it was, it was always veiled or brushed off. A person who experienced anxiety was &ldquo;just a worrier&rdquo;; someone with depression was &ldquo;only a pessimist.&rdquo; Even today, as I talk to loved ones about seeking help, there are fears about privacy in a small community and lack of access to quality faith-based counselors.
As the articles in this issue show, they&rsquo;re not alone in their fears&mdash;stigma still exists and rural areas are underserved by mental health services. Thankfully, change is on the horizon. Catholics are courageously speaking out about their own experiences with mental health challenges. An example of this is found in our Pastor&rsquo;s Corner column, where Bishop James Conley shares his own mental health journey. Others are channeling their grief from the death of a loved one by suicide into action. In Deacon Ed Shoener&rsquo;s story, he speaks of how his daughter&rsquo;s death led him to start a Catholic mental health ministry that supports dioceses across the country. In Wisconsin, fears that a loved one could develop a mental health issue led one woman to band with other community members to bring awareness to mental health resources in their area.
I know this issue will hit home for many of you, whether that be due to a loved one&rsquo;s mental health diagnosis or your own. We pray this issue will bring you courage and hope. May you recognize that you are not alone. The Church is here for you. CRL is here for you. Most importantly, Christ is here for you. &ldquo;The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged&rdquo; (Deut 31:8).

Mental Health: Drawing Near to the Suffering (Fall 2025)

In this issue, we are interested in the beauty of rural life and how that inspires rural artists. We look through the lens of writers, poets, painters, and musicians, as they share their personal experiences of craft, practice, and inspiration. We pose the question, &ldquo;How does rural life inspire your work?&rdquo;

Rural Inspirations: Reclaiming Beauty, Culture and Tradition (Summer 2018)

The Summer 2016 issue of Catholic Rural Life introduces the richness of our forthcoming document, &ldquo;The Vocation of the Agricultural Leader&rdquo;. Responding to the calls put forth in Laudato Si&rsquo;, the faithful respond to the growing need for change and right relations toward our practice of agriculture in the care of our common home.

The Call for Agricultural Leadership: Merging Faith with Agriculture and the Environment (Summer 2016)

Fr. Bryce sits down in studio with Catholic filmmaker Jonathan Vikesland. The conversation covers the difference between videography and filmmaking, the tension between art and institutional demands, and the role of faith in navigating it all.

Learn more about the work of Catholic Rural Life at https://catholicrurallife.org/

Discover Jonathan's work here: https://www.reawaken.media/

#faithjourney #storytelling #videography

The Art of Faithful Filmmaking (Jonathan Vikesland) - Ep 11

In this issue of CRL Magazine, we were intrigued by the idea of &ldquo;tithing&rdquo;. In the course of investigating the meaning of tithing, we found that there are so many ways to give of oneself. We discovered through many beautiful personal experiences that the value of the gift is truly in the heart.

Offering Our First Fruits: The Value of the Gift is in the Heart (Winter 2018)

I love the Sacred Heart of Jesus. It&rsquo;s a devotion that was&nbsp;instilled in me by my mother and grandmother soon after I made&nbsp;my first communion in 1994, with them helping me make my&nbsp;consecration to the Sacred Heart once I completed the Nine First&nbsp;Friday Mass Novena. I can still remember making my&nbsp;consecration in a country church located in a town of 60 people,&nbsp;my grandmother presenting me with a small plastic statue of the&nbsp;Sacred Heart in celebration of the moment. Twenty-four years&nbsp;later I would bury that now-chipped statue in the ground with my&nbsp;daughter &mdash; stillborn on the Feast of the Sacred Heart in 2018. The&nbsp;Sacred Heart has been, and will continue to be, a source of&nbsp;consolation for my family.
So, it brought me great joy when I discovered months ago that&nbsp;the U.S. Bishops planned to consecrate the nation to the Sacred&nbsp;Heart this June, marking the 250th anniversary of the signing of&nbsp;the Declaration of Independence. I can&rsquo;t think of a better way to&nbsp;celebrate! To mark this occasion, this issue of CRL is dedicated to&nbsp;the Sacred Heart and to promoting Eucharistic Adoration and&nbsp;Works of Mercy, which the bishops have encouraged the faithful&nbsp;to do. From stories about enthroning the Sacred Heart of Jesus in&nbsp;your home to how rural parishes are making adoration more&nbsp;accessible to their people to examples of feeding the hungry and&nbsp;ministering to those imprisoned, we hope this issue leaves you&nbsp;feeling uplifted and hopeful about Catholic America&rsquo;s next 250&nbsp;years. Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, have mercy on us!

The Sacred Heart of Jesus: Consecrating the Nation (Summer 2026)

Pope Francis declared 2016 a Jubilee Year of Mercy, a time when the faithful are called to not just reflect upon and accept God&rsquo;s inexhaustible mercy, but also live out that mercy in their own lives.&nbsp; In this issue, we explore and highlight how people in the countryside are pouring out God&rsquo;s mercy in their communities.

Year of Mercy: Faith in Action in the Countryside (Spring 2016)

As farmers and other rural dwellers depend upon the land, natural disasters have a devastating and life-altering effect. In this issue, we gathered stories from around the country to answer the question: &ldquo;What happens when disaster strikes rural communities?&rdquo; How do rural communities &ldquo;weather the weather&rdquo;?

Weathering the Weather: Stories About Faith, Hope and Community (Summer 2019)

I grew up on five acres in rural, central Minnesota. My parents tended a massive vegetable garden every summer, and I have fond memories of walking through the door after school in the fall, the perfectly-seasoned spaghetti sauce simmering on the stove, just about ready to be canned for use all winter long. We tapped maple trees, made grape juice from our own grape vines, and my father loved foraging for mushrooms. But I grew up and married a man whose job demands his presence in a city, and so we have discerned that the Lord desires another way of life for our family.
Still, we have done what we can to bring life to our little patch of land in Des Moines. It&rsquo;s varied in different seasons of life, but we&rsquo;ve done everything from growing a vegetable garden to raising backyard chickens to planting a Mary garden. While our efforts have focused around immersing our domestic church into the natural order, there are many others across the country who are renewing their urban communities through farming and gardening. In this issue, CRL explores how individuals and organizations are finding ways to be rural at heart in the city. From Catholic Worker gardens and farms springing up across America to church-led community gardens in Seattle and Los Angeles to a young couple farming on abandoned city lots in South Bend, the stories in this edition highlight how neighborhoods and cities are being revitalized through hard work, love of neighbor, and a few green thumbs. As these people cultivate the land, they also cultivate their communities. Whether you&rsquo;re rural or urban, may these stories serve as a hopeful reminder that we&rsquo;re all in this together as members of God&rsquo;s family.