Catholic Rural Life

Catholic Rural Life (CRL) is a national, Catholic nonprofit organization dedicated to the vitality of the American countryside. Since 1923, we have been promoting Catholic life in rural America. Headquartered in St. Paul, Minnesota, CRL is a membership-based organization, comprised of bishops, laity, and religious who are joined in a common effort to serve the rural Church, rural people, and their communities. Our 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‘s commitment to rural America has never wavered. Today, we advance our mission through various priorities including:

• Thriving in Rural Ministry: A retreat and follow-up program for priests serving in a rural
• CRL chapters: A CRL Chapter is a group of individuals committed to upholding and supporting rural Catholic culture.
• Ethical Food and Agriculture: Advocating and educating for a more just and sustainable food system, from the farm to the kitchen table.