Our Lady’s Ranch Journal
FAITH, FAMILY, & FARMING
Family and Community
The most beautiful and peaceful way of family life ever expressed on earth was lived by the Holy Family. Present in that holy household were Saint Joseph—the most just, prudent, and charitable man who ever lived; our Blessed Mother Mary—who is full of grace; and Jesus—who is God. If we desire to experience an authentic family life, we must build our way of life upon the foundation set by the Holy Family.
Is There a Catholic Back-to-the-Land Movement?
Phil and Karen Zeiter were joined by Mario John Chris at the annual Catholic Land Movement conference in upstate New York! Learn about the history of Catholic homesteading and their blessed time at the conference.
Homesteading vs. Farming
“The Little House on the Prairie dream is possible for everyone…” Families can farm but that doesn’t mean they’re homesteading—and families can homestead but that doesn’t mean they’re farming. What’s the difference though?
Searching for a Lost Way of Life
Mario John Chris found Our Lady’s Ranch after feeling lost following the demands of the world and pursuing a successful career. “I stopped moving, that I may stop being followed.” Read his testimony here!
Planting God’s Garden
This month, we planted our annual garden, and we couldn’t have done it without God’s help and the help of our cherished community of friends and neighbors. The sun was shining and our smiles were bright as we planted a variety of fruits and vegetables.
Fostering Community
Phil Zeiter has cultivated Our Lady’s Ranch for over 20 years, dreaming that his children would all choose to return someday to be apart of his Catholic Community dream… In April of 2023, this dream began to see fruition when his oldest son, Zachary, moved home with a little family of his own.
Storytime: A Workday at OLR
What is a day at OLR like? While winters bring slower days and much needed rest before summer ramps everything up again, we still enjoy days full of farm chores, prayer, and play!
Merry Christmas 2022
“So then, brethren, stand firm and hold to the traditions which you were taught by us, either by word of mouth or by letter.” (2 Thessalonians 2:15, RSV)
Planning Long-Term Goals for Your Family Homestead
Are you overwhelmed at the idea of starting a homestead within your own life and home? What happens when you decide to make this dream a reality? What are the first steps to getting started? We hope that this thoughtful exercise helps you to begin clearly laying out what you wish for your homesteading future.
The Beauty of Daily Life
We recently had two more young people join the Catholic Homesteading Community at Our Lady’s Ranch. Read Keller and Claire’s stories in their own words as they describe the simple joys of being in the country.