FOOTVILLE — Bishop Donald J. Hying of Madison will celebrate the Diocesan Rural Life Mass at St. Augustine Parish, Footville, on the feast day of St. Isidore, Sunday, May 15, at 11 a.m.
Following the Mass and blessing of the fields, implements, and animals at the rural Rock County church, a potluck luncheon will be held.
Fr. Lawrence Oparaji, pastor of St. Augustine and nearby St. Paul Parish in Evansville, along with Tom Nelson, diocesan rural life coordinator, said all are welcome to attend the celebration.
St. Isidore is the patron saint of farmers and food producers. He and his wife Maria were day laborers in Spain who started each day attending Mass.
In speaking about the couple, Bishop Hying said, “They put God first. It was said the angels helped Isidore do his work when he was in prayer. If we put God in the center, everything flows.”
The Rural Life Mass is part of the diocesan’s rural life program which includes rural listening sessions in each of the 11 counties, five of which were held last fall.
Coordinator Tom Nelson said the next listening sessions will be from 7 to 9 p.m., on Tuesday, May 24, at Sts. Anthony and Philip Parish, 726 Main St., Highland, and Tuesday, May 31, at St. Joseph Parish, 1935 Cty. Hwy V, East Bristol.
Bishop Hying has dedicated himself to, in his words “spend more time in our smaller communities with a focus on listening to the needs and challenges of today and to respond with practical help.”
For more information, contact Tom Nelson, Rural Life Office coordinator at 608-438-7154.