The Church and the Land: A Practical Symposium

Join us at the CEC in a family-friendly setting as we consider how cultivating the earth through gardening and homesteading enriches the life of Catholic faith, with special guest Jason Craig.

The Catholic tradition has long recognized a deep connection between the worship of God and the work of the land. From the ancient wisdom of Ecclesiastes--"a time to sow, and a time to reap"--to the Benedictine monasteries of medieval Europe, to the Catholic Land Movement of the twentieth century, Christians have consistently found the rhythms of faith to be, in a mysterious way, inextricable from the rhythms of the life on the land. In every age, we find ourselves addressed afresh by that original human calling: to till and keep the earth as we journey on pilgrimage toward our heavenly homeland.

Whether you have a lifetime's experience in gardening/homesteading or not a single day, we welcome you to join us!

"The Church and the Land: A Practical Symposium"--the fruit of a collaboration between three local Catholic institutes--is a family-friendly afternoon and evening devoted to exploring these two intertwined aspects of the human vocation.

The event will be rooted in liturgical prayer with Vespers in the evening and will feature practical workshops, a pig roast dinner, and many opportunities for connecting with others. Dinner is included with admission.

This year celebrates the 800th anniversary of the transitus of St. Francis (his journey from this life to the next). The CEC is designated an official pilgrimage site for this Jubilee Year of St. Francis of Assisi, learn more about how you can obtain a plenary indulgence during your visit Here. Confessions are available during the Symposium to receive the Jubilee Year indulgence (11:30-1:10pm as noted in the schedule).

Schedule:

11:30-1:10pm Confession Available with Fr. Bob Cook and Fr. Andrew Linn @ Neu Main Building. All requirements for the Jubilee Year indulgence can be found HERE.

12:30-1:10pm Check In @ Neu Main Building

1:15-1:30pm Welcome Address & Prayer - Fr. Bob Cook OFM Conv (JPII Hall)

1:45-2:45pm Workshop Session 1 (simultaneous guided activity for kids 5 and up led by CEC staff)

3:00-4:00pm Workshop Session 2 (simultaneous guided activity for kids 5 and up led by CEC staff)

4:15-4:30pm Vespers led by Father Bob Cook

4:30-5:45pm Keynote Talk and Q&A with Jason Craig: The American Catholic Land Movement: Past, Present, and Future . The move away from agrarianism was not a natural outcome of market and technological forces, but an intentional policy implementation. It has a story and a future unique to our country. Families didn't leave the land per se, they were removed from it. And, now, what principles can we live by as we seek an understanding of our current situation and what can be done, homesteading being one of those options (but not the only one!). (simultaneous guided activity for kids 5 and up led by CEC staff)

5:45-6:45pm Dinner (included with admission)

6:45-8:00pm Social and Fellowship

4:00-7:00pm Drop-by Blacksmith Demonstrations with Rustic Anvil Forge

Workshop Options:

-Homebrewing 101: In this workshop, we will introduce you to the basics of homebrewing. The class will include a combination of lecture, practical demonstration, and tasting. Concepts will include sanitation basics, the steps in brewing, and an introduction to fermentation. We will also walk students through the kind of equipment you will need to get started, and explain some key concepts you should know. Instructor: Pete Smyczek

-Cheesemaking for Beginners: This workshop will introduce you to the basics of cheesemaking, that magical art of preserving milk and making it delicious! The workshop will demonstrate how to make mozzarella and will include instruction about how to make other simple cheeses at home with minimal equipment. Instructor: Deb Ebert

-Why Grow What: A Survey of Abundance and Effort for Beginning Homesteaders: Review the value of different livestock and plants as they relate to providing for a family (as opposed to their profitability as a commodity) Instructor: Jason Craig

-Small Engines: How they Work and How to Maintain Them: Most of us use small engines all the time: the lawnmower, the weed wacker, the wood splitter, the chainsaw, the snowblower, and many others. Frustratingly, though, few of us understand how they work--and when they break, we are left guessing (or cursing!). If you have ever wanted to pierce the veil of the small-engine--and eliminate the repair-shop bill--this workshop is for you! We will cover the basics of how small engines work, how to maintain them, the most common breakdowns, and how to repair them. Instructor: Joe Smyczek.

-An Inside Look at Clare Gardens Organic Farm: Join Clare Gardens farmer for an inside look at the organic farm onsite at the CEC. Tour the hoop house and greenhouse to learn about starting seedlings successional planting, and various growing techniques. Walk to the production fields to see how produce goes from seed to sale. Visit the orchard, ornamental flower garden and raspberry patch. Instructor: Mamie Smith

-The Why and How of Bone Broths: Enjoy an introductory talk on the benefits and roles of bone broth in your daily life, illustrating why this is an essential ingredient in any kitchen. Followed by instruction on what and what not to do when making bone broths as well as recommendations on local resources for quality ingredients. End with a delicious sampling of some of the broths discussed. Bring your own 1/2 cup or 1 cup glass jar to take a sample home! Instructor: Kelly Zignego

Event Sponsored by the Wethersfield Institute, St. Irenaeus Institute for Catholic Thought, Catholic Land Movement and Institute for Human Stewardship