Catholic Rural Life is proud to announce the celebration for its 100th anniversary. This historic milestone marks a century of dedicated service, deep-rooted faith and a commitment to fostering thriving rural communities.
To commemorate the occasion, on May 8, Catholic Rural Life will gather members and friends for a day of celebration at the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul. The event will focus on celebrating achievements, learning its history and sharing plans about the future.
Speakers will include Cardinal Timothy Dolan, archbishop of New York; Monsignor James Shea, president of St. Mary in Bismarck, North Dakota; Dr. Christopher Thompson of the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul; and Dr. James L. Nolan of Williams College in Williamstown, Massachusetts.
Early registration is open — to secure a spot, visit catholicrurallife.org/100-years.
Jim Ennis, executive director at Catholic Rural Life, said, “We are immensely proud to celebrate a century of Catholic Rural Life, rooted in faith, community and stewardship. This milestone is a testament to the dedication of our members, supporters, partners and the communities we serve. All glory be to God and our Lord Jesus Christ, who has called us into this mission of laboring in this rural apostolate.”
Founded in 1923, Catholic Rural Life is a national, nonprofit organization dedicated to hard work and prayer in promoting Catholic life in rural America. Headquartered in St. Paul, CRL is comprised of bishops, laity and religious who are joined in a common effort to serve the rural Church, rural people and their communities. The organization has played a pivotal role in promoting faith, social justice and sustainable living practices.
CRL’s vision is thriving families, farms, and parishes — centered on faith, community, and care of creation. While the issues that affect rural communities have changed over the decades, CRL remains committed to rural America. To learn more about their mission and programs, visit catholicrurallife.org/.
In 2018, Brady Young checks out a vintage tractor on display during the diocesan Rural Life Celebration. (File photo by Dianne Towalski/The Central Minnesota Catholic)