HAVERHILL, Iowa — The Archdiocese of Dubuque will host its second annual Rural Life Mass on Thursday, Sept. 18, honoring the people who live and work in rural communities across its 30-county region.
Archbishop Thomas Zinkula will preside over the outdoor Mass, which begins at 10:30 a.m. on the Stalzer family’s farm, just north of Haverhill and six miles south of Marshalltown.
The celebration will include an awards ceremony, an agricultural blessing, and lunch following the Mass.
The event is free and open to the public.
More than 400 people attended the inaugural Rural Life Mass last year, held on a dairy farm in Allamakee County. Organizers expect an even larger turnout this year.
“This Mass is really a celebration of rural life, which, in our vast archdiocese, is how many, many people live,” said Deacon Brian Zeman, the archdiocese’s director of Catholic Social Teaching and lead organizer of the event. “While we are all dependent on God’s providence, farmers and those in our rural communities may have a greater reliance on him when it comes to the weather, crop growth, and other factors.”
This year’s Rural Life Mass will also feature the introduction of three new honors: the Father Norm White Award, the Sts. Isidore and Maria Award, and the Friend of Rural Life Award.
After the recognition ceremony, Archbishop Zinkula will offer a blessing over all farm fields, animals, farm equipment, and farm workers in the archdiocese.
The Mass will be held rain or shine, with indoor facilities available if needed.
Attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs, as seating will be limited.