Rural communities have “special God-given role” as stewards of the land and creation

Russ and Mary Mauch, parishioners of St. John the Baptist’s Church in Wyndmere, hosted the annual Rural Life Celebration on their farm June 27. They operate a sunflower receiving site for North Dakota, South Dakota, and Canadian farmers as well as grow corn and soybeans. After the prompting of Father Troy Simonson, pastor of St. John the Baptist in Wyndmere and St. Arnold’s in Milnor, the Mauch family decided to host the fourth Diocesan-wide event that celebrates rural life and asks for God’s continued blessing on the land.

“It was fun to see everybody and meet new people,” said Russ. “We met some folks from north of Grand Forks, someone from Steele... some people came from a long way.”

“I thought that it was very successful,” said Mary. “All the surrounding parishes—Wyndmere, Mantador, Mooreton, Lidgerwood—helped to set up, take down, serve food, direct traffic, and brought animals—the cattle, horses, chickens—it wouldn’t be possible without everyone contributing.”

In his homily, Bishop Folda pointed to the faith of Jairus, whose daughter was dying, and the woman who suffered from illness for 12 years as inspiration for farmers during difficult times.

“They put all their trust in Jesus, and he heard their prayers.” said Bishop Folda. “To the woman who had suffered so long, Jesus said, ‘Daughter, your faith has saved you.’ And she was healed. To Jairus, he said, ‘Do not be afraid; just have faith.’ And Jesus restored life to his daughter. Both of these people were moved by faith to put their trust in our Lord, and our Lord responded to them in their need.”

“You who are farmers know that working the land is an act of faith. We do our part, we carry out all the necessary steps to raise our crops and our herds, but then we have to entrust the whole project to God. Creation is given to us for our use, but we aren’t in total control, so we need faith, and we need prayer. When we pray, we express to God our dependence on him, our need for his help and his care.”

Bishop Folda blessed animals and machinery, celebrated Mass, and afterwards those gathered celebrated with a meal, fellowship, and a bouncy house. The Mass took place outside and was finished before it started to rain, so both Father Simonson and Russ’s prayers were answered.

“Father Simonson was concerned about the rain, but I was praying for it,” said Russ.