The Catholic Diocese consists of 23 counties. Most of the land in the diocese is rural. The U.S. Catholic Bishops support food and agriculture policy that promotes food security not only for the present but also for future generations. As such, the bishops urge policies that support sustainable agriculture and careful stewardship of the earth and its natural resources. The bishops also promote awareness of the strengths and challenges of rural, urban, and suburban sustainability, agricultural concentration and its impact, development and zoning issues, and involvement in the parish community.
The diocesan Rural Life Office works in collaboration with diocesan advisors; provides educational resources; sponsors farm Masses and diocesan rural-life day celebrations; conducts public forums; provides technical support and acts as co-sponsor for the Rural Gospel Road program with the Office of Youth and Young Adult Ministry; and advocates for justice on rural life issues.
Rural Life Issues
- Land Use
- Appropriate Family Farm Support
- Food and Agriculture
- Vertical Integration
- Agricultural Concentration
- Migrant Farmworkers / Farm Labor
- Environmental Stewardship
- Biodiversity
- Dynamics of the Rural Community
- Rural Parish Roles
Affiliations
- Member of the Ohio Catholic Rural Life Conference which analyzes statewide issues, plans statewide conferences, provides educational opportunities and resources, and promotes advocacy efforts.
- Liaison to the Catholic Rural Life. This website contains prayers, Church teachings on rural life issues, educational materials, and legislative action alerts.
- Liaison to the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops' Department of Justice, Peace and Human Development. This website contains background information and legislative action alerts on rural life issues.
Catholic Social Teaching
Recent rural life statements by the Catholic Bishops of Ohio:
- Parched Land, Perilous Times: A Call for Prayer and Legislative Actions for Farming Families (October 1999)
- Life on the Land: A Call to Reflection and Action on Agriculture in Ohio (March 1998)
- God's Welcoming Presence: A Call to Stand in Solidarity with Ohio's Immigrants (2001)
Statements by the Catholic Bishops of Appalachia
- At Home in the Web of Life (1995)
- This Land is Home to Me (1975)
Online Resource
Sustaining Life on the Land: A Resource Guide is a complete web resource for Catholics wishing to explore the issues facing farm families. Included are the Bishops' Statements, Educational Resources, Prayer Resources, and Supplemental Information. You may download resources individually, or choose the entire packet as one file, suitable for printing.
Ohio Sustainable Agriculture - This site links to the Ohio Department of Agriculture's Sustainable Agriculture page. Ohio Sustainable Agriculture Week is April 19-25, 2010. This site also highlights the work of the Ohio Food Policy Council which serves to maximize the economic impacts of the food and agricultural system, support the development of local food systems and ensure healthy food access for all Ohioans.
Environmental Justice
Environmental Justice The office promotes the U.S. Catholic Bishops' Environmental Justice Program which has a variety of resources for use in parishes and schools aimed for better stewardship of God's creation.
Mark Huddy
Episcopal Moderator, Catholic Charities & Social Concerns
614-241-2540
[email protected]
Erin Cordle
Director, Catholic Campaign for Human Development and Catholic Relief Services
614-241-2540 ex. 1432
[email protected]