Catholics from across the Thumb joined Bishop Robert Gruss for the annual Rural Life Mass at the Octagon Barn in Gagetown on May 20. Before the Mass, a Rogation Day procession asked for God’s blessing upon the growing season. Rogation Days were observed on the three days leading up to the feast of the Ascension in the Church's previous liturgical calendar. The Rogation Day procession at the Rural Life Mass was an organic expression of local Catholics' faith in God's blessing and bounty upon the land and prayer for the wellbeing of the entire community.

In his homily, Bishop Gruss spoke about the great dignity of those in rural communities so closely tied to the earth and God's providence. Describing several of the miraculous events in the life of the patron saint of farmers, St. Isidore, Bishop Gruss encouraged attendees to appeal to the Spanish saint as an intercessor for their needs and as a guide for living a holy life.

Following the Mass, the Knights of Columbus sponsored a luncheon, which included a talk by Tim Streif, program director of the national organization Catholic Rural Life. 

Holy Family Parish in Sandusky/Marlette/Peck established the first chapter of Catholic Rural Life in the State of Michigan. For more information about the organization and how to start a chapter at your parish, visit catholicrurallife.org.