Rural Life & Stewardship of Creation

Agriculture touches all our lives, wherever we live or whatever we do. We seek to address agriculture through the lens of our faith because so much is at stake in moral and human terms. Food sustains life itself; it is not just another product. Providing food for all is a Gospel imperative, not just another policy choice. For many, farming is a way of life, not just another business or industry.

On May 15, we celebrate the feast of St. Isidore, the patron of farmers.

In the Christian tradition, the biblically-based concept of stewardship describes what people’s relationship should be with the land and with each other. The Catholic Church brings a distinct perspective to the discussion of environmental questions, by lifting up the moral dimensions of these issues and the needs of the most vulnerable among us.

On July 14, we celebrate the feast of Kateri Tekakwitha, the patroness of the environment.

Facts & Figures

Church Teaching

United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB)

Agriculture, Nutrition and Rural Issues

Environment

Church Documents

USCCB:

For I Was Hungry & You Gave Me Food: Catholic Reflections on Food, Farmers, and Farmworkers

The Farm Bill: Principles and Priorities

Renewing the Earth

The Vatican:

What does Sacred Scripture say?

What does the Catechism of the Catholic Church say?

What do the Papal Encyclicals say?

Recommended Materials

Laudato si'
On Care for Our Common Home (Laudato Si') is the appeal from Pope Francis addressed to "every person living on this planet" for an inclusive dialogue about how we are shaping the future of our planet. Pope Francis calls the Church and the world to acknowledge the urgency of our environmental challenges and to join him in embarking on a new path. This encyclical is written with both hope and resolve, looking to our common future with candor and humility.

Laudato Si': Caring for Our Common Home Discussion Guide | en Español This discussion guide, for use with Pope Francis' encyclical Laudato Si', can help small groups explore and dialogue with this important document.

Laudato Si': Caring for Our Common Home Bulletin Insert | en Español
This one page document is a brief introduction to the encyclical and details ways you can respond to Pope Francis' call.

Prayer to Care for Our Common Home (based on Laudato Si') | en Español

Parish Laudato Si’ Action Plan (Archdiocese of Atlanta)
The “Laudato Si’ Action Plan,” authored by University of Georgia professors and staff, contains a variety of options for parishes and parishioners to help reverse the threat of global climate change and environmental degradation, and create a more sustainable world in harmony with God.

Catholic Rural Life -- Rural Life Celebration
The purpose of a Rural Life Celebration is to affirm, edify, bless and celebrate those in rural communities. A Rural Life Celebration helps highlight the life of the rural church and reminds us that our roots are deep in the soil of this earth, and that we and the earth belong to God.

Rural Life Celebration Handbook
All or part of the information or items provided in the handbook may be used based on the situation. This resource was written with the intention that it would be used with a Catholic audience, but it can be used in any ecumenical setting.