Catholic Rural Life (CRL) is a national, Catholic nonprofit organization dedicated to the vitality of the American countryside. Since 1923, they have been applying the teachings of Jesus Christ for the social, economic, and spiritual development of rural America, strengthening and sustaining the Church in the countryside by educating and inspiring leaders and advocating on their behalf.

Headquartered in St. Paul, Minnesota, CRL is a membership-based organization, comprised of dedicated bishops, laity, and religious who are joined in a common effort to serve the rural Church, rural people, and their communities.

While the issues that affect rural communities have changed over the decades, CRL’s commitment to rural America has never wavered. Today, they advance their mission through three distinct but inter-related Areas of Impact:

Ethical Food and Agriculture

Advocating and educating for a more just and sustainable food supply, from the farm to the kitchen table.

Rural Outreach and Ministry

Revitalizing the spiritual, social, and economic well-being of America’s rural communities.

Stewardship of Creation

Instilling a sense of wonder and responsibility for the natural world, now and for generations to come.

The Church sets aside feast days and liturgical days throughout the year to help us remember and celebrate our spiritual lives.  Catholic Rural Life takes particular interest in the cycles of nature and seeks ways to unite the change of seasons with the constant Word of the liturgy.  To that end, they have put together a series of blessings for each month of the year that highlights an aspect of rural life.  To read the blessing for the month of October please click here.  

Click the following link to view Catholic Rural Life's full website: https://catholicrurallife.org/