The event marked the fourth consecutive year the Mass has been hosted at the historic Octagon Barn. Bishop Robert Gruss celebrated the liturgy, joined by 10 concelebrating priests and three deacons.

A Rogation Procession opened the celebration, highlighting the Church's longstanding tradition of praying for God's blessing upon the land, crops and all who work in agriculture. The procession also served as a reminder of humanity's dependence on God's providence and the call to be faithful stewards.

“Celebrating these annual Rural Life Masses is important because they bring people in our rural communities together to recognize that farming, ranching and stewardship of the land are not simply jobs—they are vocations,” Bishop Gruss said.

“Those who work the land participate in God’s ongoing act of creation. It is a time to give thanks for those who work the land, providing food for our tables across the country. We are a community gathered in prayer interceding on behalf of all of our rural communities so closely connected to the land, asking God’s blessing and bounty.”

Following Mass, participants gathered for a community luncheon, providing an opportunity for fellowship among families, farmers, clergy and parishioners from across the region. The luncheon meal was graciously provided by the Caro Knights of Columbus Council #3224.

Kelly Hadd, one of the event organizers, said the annual gathering continues to be a meaningful expression of faith rooted in rural life. Kelly serves as Vicariate 1 liaison and coordinator of Marriage and Family Life Ministry for the Diocese of Saginaw.

“Rural communities offer unique and beautiful opportunities to be formed in the faith,” Hadd said. “I grew up in the Thumb and attended a one-room, K-8 school with fewer than 20 students. Life's pace and priorities were dependent upon the farming community. Worshiping with those from the area at the Catholic Rural Life Mass felt like home. I am blessed to serve this community.”

Organizers credited the success of the event to the many volunteers from throughout the Thumb including Our Lady Consolata Parish and the leadership of Deacon David Gillespie, who serves as director of parish life. Deacon David and volunteers assisted with planning, hospitality, liturgical preparations and logistics.

“Events like the Catholic Rural Life Mass remind us that our faith is deeply connected to the land, the people who work it and the communities that depend on it,” Deacon Gillespie said. “When we gather in prayer and thanksgiving, we recognize that every harvest, every season and every blessing ultimately comes from God. It's a beautiful witness to the faith, resilience, and generosity that continue to define our rural communities.”

Catholic Rural Life (CRL) is a national, Catholic nonprofit organization dedicated to the vitality of the American countryside. CRL is a membership-based organization, comprised of dedicated bishops, laity, and religious who are joined in a common effort to serve the rural Church, rural people, and their communities. It is headquartered in St. Paul, Minnesota. It was founded in 1923.

Organizers in the Saginaw Diocese are already looking ahead to the next diocesan rural life celebration. Bishop Gruss, who serves as the president of the national Catholic Rural Life Board of Directors, is expected to celebrate a Catholic Rural Life Mass this fall at The White Barn in Clare on Saturday, Sept. 19, where participants will once again gather to recognize and give thanks for the gifts and fruits of rural life. All are invited.