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Asparagus Paradise - Ep 128

In this episode, Father Clement of the Diocese of Minna in Nigeria shares insights into the religious, cultural, and political landscape of Nigeria, highlighting the challenges faced by Christians and the influence of Muslim communities. He discusses the history of persecution, the role of religion in politics, and the resilience of faith amidst adversity. In this episode, we explore the life and work of a dedicated priest in Nigeria who advocates for widows and addresses the severe persecution of Christians. He shares insights into the challenges faced by his community, the importance of charity, and ways to support their mission.

Faith, Persecution, and Charity in Nigeria (Fr. Clement "Son of Man"  Onyilokwu) - Ep. 15

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)

In this issue we explore various Catholic businesses in rural America and discover how vital they are to their surrounding areas. There is a watermelon shipper in California whose reliance on the Holy Spirit is inspiring, and a family-owned concrete company in Minnesota that has a deep respect and admiration for its customers. You will also read about a farmer from Virginia who is striving to farm in accord with God&rsquo;s plan for nature, not against it. There is also a fascinating story about a woman who is a horse bodyworker. As always, we hope you enjoy this issue and that it serves as a reminder to patronize local businesses whenever possible. They are a necessary part of thriving rural communities.

Rural Entrepreneurs: Businesses Supporting Rural Faith Communities (Spring 2022)

Lord of the Flies: Predation versus Artful Harvest - Ep 126

Matthew is joined by author and homesteader, Jason Craig to discuss the challenges and joys of homesteading in today's consumerist, suburbanized culture, by reconnecting to our natural roots in family, community, and the land itself. This conversation explores the deep reasons behind the modern interest in small farming and homesteading, emphasizing natural human inclinations, cultural roots, and practical steps for starting a land-based lifestyle.

Homesteading and Building a Village with Jason Craig

Mastering the Mother Cure - Ep. 131

In this issue we explore all the ways rural life is thriving. In particular, you will read about programs CRL has developed or co-sponsored that aim to educate and inspire both laypeople and clergy alike. You will also read about a family who made a leap of faith and moved across the country in search of land and water to live out their farm dream. Even as we now head into winter, there are so many new, unique and holy signs of life for rural communities!
&ldquo;See, I am doing something new! Now it springs forth, do you not perceive it?&rdquo; (Isaiah 43:19).&nbsp;

Thriving in Rural Life Helping Ministry Flourish (Fall 2022)

Fr. Bryce and Fr. Joe Paddock of the Diocese of Helena, MT, talk about the priesthood, from discernment to ongoing formation and the ups and downs of ministry, especially the unique challenges of rural ministry. Fr. Joe shares his rich insights on prayer, joining suffering to Christ, and Franciscan spirituality. #catholic #faith #jesus #stfrancisassisi #ignatianspirituality #montana

The Heart of the Priesthood: "You are my chosen instrument" (Fr. Joe Paddock) Ep. 16

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

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

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)

After a bit of an absence for harvest season we are back with another episode where we get real about both the joys and rewards of homesteading as well as its challenges. We have learned a lot about this over the last year and can't wait to share with you all.

Welcome Back! The Realities of Homesteading: Challenges and Rewards

Fourth Child Syndrome - Ep 129

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.

Food Security and the Farm Bill (Winter 2023)

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

There are many ways to define &ldquo;farm-to-table.&rdquo; In this issue, we look at how rural people define this expression: it is their way of life, their work and their faith.

Our Farms to Our Tables: Rural People Define “Farm-to-Table” (Spring 2019)

On this episode of the Catholic Cowboy Way, Fr. Bryce sits down with Fr. Leo Patalinghug, a priest, chef, and member of the secular institute Voluntas Dei. Discover how his unique ministry combines theology, food, and evangelization to inspire faith and community.

Nourishing Faith: Grace, Discernment, and Authenticity (Fr.  Leo Patalinghug) Ep 8

Fall is my favorite time of year. I love the cooler weather, the beautiful colors of the leaves, hot and steamy soup for dinner, and of course, football. Recently, my family was able to savor all of these things on a week&rsquo;s getaway to the Black Hills of South Dakota. We were fully immersed in rural life, having to drive 11 miles of winding gravel roads just to get to our cabin, periodically stopping so that free-range cattle could cross the road. My children loved the beautiful landscape and the deer in our front yard every morning.
In this issue, we see many families choosing to move to the country precisely for the life they want to give their children. They view their move back to the land as a step forward toward a more wholesome and grounded life, one that is in-tune with their creator. We see a couple marvel at how all 10 of their children chose an agricultural life, something very unheard of today! We also see how God is more powerful than a family land dispute, bringing healing and peace to a family. There&rsquo;s the beautiful story of a woman and her horse, and how the horse turned her into a morning person. And finally, for anyone who is thinking about farming, we have included a 10-step guide to making the leap.

Forward to the Land: Rural Life Movement Among the Young (Fall 2021)

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 still remember the day my brother had a severe allergic reaction. My mom had discovered his hives following a dinner of fish&nbsp;(we lived on a lake in Minnesota), and after a quick call to the doctor's office and a round of Benadryl, I was told to jump into the car&nbsp;beside my 2-year-old brother and we sped off to the nearest large&nbsp;hospital &mdash; a good 50 minutes away. Our rural town had no medical practice and no ambulance services. Along the way, my mom&nbsp;would periodically ask me if my brother was still breathing. At one&nbsp;point she even pulled over to check on him. It was not a pleasant&nbsp;experience for my 6-year-old self.
I am sure my own experience is played out over and over again&nbsp;in rural areas: a midnight fever, a farm accident, an elderly person who falls. Health care services seem to get farther and farther&nbsp;away, which is unhelpful in situations where time is of the essence.&nbsp;Routine checkups that can catch ailments early are also getting&nbsp;skipped &mdash; rural patients finding the distance too hard or too expensive to traverse. In this issue, CRL takes a look at various issues&nbsp;facing rural health care today. We dive deep into the stress farmers&nbsp;face and the toll it takes on their mental health. We also look at&nbsp;some unique ways dioceses are bringing doctors to their flocks.
May Christ, the Divine Physician, minister to all of your discomforts, be it in mind, body or soul.

Rural Health Care: The Healing Ministry of Christ (Summer 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

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

In this issue of&nbsp;CRL Magazine, we look deeply into the problem of &ldquo;preservation.&rdquo; In rural communities preservation is an especially important issue and has many facets: family, tradition, religion and resources. Through personal experiences from across the country, we show how the rural population of Native Americans is working hard to preserve their culture, spirituality, sacred foods, agricultural techniques, land and water.

The Sacredness of Water: Preservation, Tradition, Culture and Hope (Fall 2017)

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)

In this episode, we explore the intersection of faith, spirituality, and everyday life through personal stories and practical insights. Our guest shares how his faith informs his decisions, especially in challenging moments like insomnia and temptation, offering valuable lessons on abiding in God and spiritual resilience. In this episode, Fr. Bryce and Jake share deeply personal stories and insights on spiritual warfare, overcoming addiction, and the importance of brotherhood in faith. They explore practical steps for battling pornography, the power of confession, and the role of mercy and grace in recovery. #catholic #faith #recoveryjourney #faithoverfear #virtue

Abide in God: Faith, Temptation, and Manly Virtue (Jake Hostetler) - Ep. 14

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 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!