Yesterday, Devin and I visited the farm for the third time, the farm that we are super-close to making an offer on and on which we dream dream dream of raising chickens, pigs, cows, sheep, turkeys, geese, bees, fish, and children. The local Catholic parish has purchased land just one mile from this farm, with the intention of building a new church there. We delight at the prospect of walking to Holy Mass and having everyone over to our place after for a picnic.
We are part of that young post-modern crowd that longs to rediscover what it means to be fully human through agrarian living. We want to be manual and get dirty and husband our land (as in “animal husbandry”). Amidst this journey toward homesteading, I have been increasingly delighted to discover that the doctrines of the Catholic Church encourage this life. Not only does the Church warn against the dangers of unbridled capitalism, as well as socialism, but She lauds the ancient goods of agrarian life centered around the liturgy and shared with other families. At this point, Devin and I have the agrarian life well underway and the Sacred Liturgy will be within walking distance. Now, we just need other families to move nearby, families who are interested in betrothing their children to ours (kidding) and making cheese together and having barn dances together and becoming saints side by side. And, we might smoke pipes of fragrant tobacco and pray the Rosary and eat really good chocolate. Oh, I simply cannot wait! Jesus, it’s in Your hands through the intercession of Our Lady of Good Harvest and St Joseph and St Benedict.
Books for your further reading: Flee To The Fields, Apostolic Farming, My Russian Yesterdays, Catholic Social Documents (Laborem Exercens, Populorum Progressio)
Enjoy this artsy little video which demonstrates what I dream of doing with my future pig.
On The Anatomy Of Thrift: Fat & Salt from farmrun on Vimeo.
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Good luck (and many prayers) towards fulfilling your dreams! I was blessed a few years ago to be able to live out my dreams by having my own little petting farm. Although my life journey leaded me in a different direction (I’m a paint faces now), it was a wonderful experience! I blogged about it for a few years & you can read all my crazy experiences here http://www.crazygoatlady.com
God bless your family and remember to have fun with it!
Christine
Thanks, Christine. Devin remembers you and your husband with fondness, and we hope you are very well.
Catherine, we’re doing awesome! Scott is entering his second year in the aspirant Deacon formation here in the Knoxville diocese. God is good.
I’ve met several people several years ago via CNMC (??) and Devin was one of them. Very nice guy – you are blessed!
Christine
I’m so with you…..I started out wanting chickens and then somehow we have an opportunity to move to 11 acres, but in the middle of a city. So I’m still close to costco and target, but I can still have chickens, cows, goats etc. I say chickens because I struggle with taking care of the two kids I have now, I can’t imagine livestock. But i’m dying for my own milk because my milk supplier is selling off his business. So $10 a gallon is steep when you go through 12 gallons a month. LOL
But there is a barn with running water and electricity! A 1,000sq ft playroom, pool, etc…etc….
What would make it even better would be the ability to walk to church. We still have to drive.
Does your farm have a house??? So excited for you!! I’d kill to see pics!
Wow, Nicole, where do you live? What an amazing life to offer your children. And, as for lard, I totally agree. I have been unable to find good clean lard from a local farmer and, so, continue to make pie crust with butter and dream of the day when I have lard.
The video is amazing! Lard….mmmmmmmmmm
Sad news today, friends. Yesterday, just before Devin and I called our realtor to ask him to prepare an offer on the farm, we learned some new information about it that changed everything. I can only see this as a gift from Our Lord, who protects us through Providence, but I am really disappointed. The house was amazingly wonderful (reclaimed wide-plank pine floors, dormer ceilings, built-ins), but not the right place for our little family. Jesus, I trust in you.
You’ll be so happy when He brings you to the place He has in store for you! I know this place appeared perfect but God had other plans. Trust in Him, always.
Scott & I will keep you both & your dreams in our prayers!
God Bless!
Praise God through Whom all blessings flow! (Even when the stream appears dry, no?) I really enjoyed the pork video–especially his closing thoughts on work and hospitality.
Such uplifting and beautiful words, Audrey! Thanks.