Emma and Elwood Whistle at the Rural Life Celebration that took place at St. Mary of the Woods in Whitesville, Ky., have been coming to the Rural Life event since its beginnings. RACHEL HALL | WKC
Eighteenth annual Rural Life Celebration held Aug. 13
BY RACHEL HALL, THE WESTERN KENTUCKY CATHOLIC
Bishop John J. McRaith, known for his love of the land and his concerns around small family farms, created the Rural Life Committee, an initiative that has been a part of the Diocese of Owensboro ever since, bringing farmers together to review local agriculture and to cohort with one another. On Aug. 13 they held their 18th Rural Life Celebration, hosted this year at Whitesville’s St. Mary of the Woods. There was a warm and welcoming opening invocation by pastor Fr. Brian Roby and a dinner served by local FFA students suited in their bright blue jackets. Presentations and awards were given to honor those recognized for their hard work and generosity to the community.
Awards:
- Outstanding Community Service Award: Ohio Valley Insurance
- “Be Like Rick” Award: Dennis Grant
- Rising Star Award: Austin and Dakota Edge
Local FFA chapters around a table after helping serve the dinner at the Aug. 13 Rural Life Celebration. During one presentation, Billy Brey turned to their table and recognized them as the future of farming, noting the importance of bringing them into the community. RACHEL HALL | WKC
Originally printed in the September 2023 issue of The Western Kentucky Catholic.
