Drought grips farmers
in diocesan communities

	IN NEED OF RAIN: Cambria Schartner stands on the parched ground of her family's orchard in Door County near Carlsville. The tart cherry harvest is smaller this year, and the trees are becoming drought stressed. (Rick Evans photo)

By Joanne Flemming
Compass Correspondent

As farmers and gardeners throughout the Green Bay Diocese battle the intense heat and drought conditions affecting their crops, the local church responds with both spiritual and practical support.

Parishes have included petitions for rain and good crops in their weekday and weekend Masses, church leaders report. According to Jim Jauquet, long range planning committee chairperson for Door County's Stella Maris Parish, "It is a simple prayer asking for God's help with the farmers and their crops."

"We've been praying for rain right along," said Dcn. Orville DeBruin, a member of St. John the Baptist Parish in Seymour and a former farmer himself. "It's dry. We need rain, no question about it. The longer it goes, the worse it's going to be."

Chuck Feider, New Holstein dairy farmer and chair of the diocesan Rural Life Committee, said that people attending the diocese's Rural Life Days in April were concerned about weather conditions then. That was the time to be proactive, he added, when seed was being blessed and when they prayed for God's help during this growing season.   Full story ...

Sidebar: Drought help

	Mass Times 2005 Summer Mass Schedules (from May 20 issue)

 • Bridging the Gap by Bishop David Zubik --
    Bridging the Gap: 'Dennis'

 • Reflection on the Readings by Auxiliary Bishop Morneau --
    July 24, 2005: We can dream in the here and now
    July 31, 2005: Look beyond sorrow with eyes of faith

 • Explaining the Scripture by Fr. Richard Ver Bust --
    July 31, 2005: We are confident in God's care

 • Editorial -- Finding answers
    Full, nonpartisan investigation needed on conditions in Guantanamo Bay prison

 • Editorial -- Is doesn't mean always was
    Important distinction needs to be made

 • Foundations of Faith --
    Anger starts first in the spirit, shows in the body
    Anger, like envy, is a vice of a more spiritual nature

 • Saint of the Day --
    All centered around the Eucharist
    French priest founded orders focused on perpetual adoration

 • Calendar of Events

Articles on Bishop's Appeal 2005

• Gifts top $4 million to support 2005 Bishop's Appeal (Apr. 29, 2005) • Reaching outside school walls (Apr. 8, 2005) • Covered by a big umbrella (Mar. 25, 2005)   Sidebar: Amount raised so far • Service helps cash-strapped dig out of hole (Mar. 18, 2005) • Meeting the needs of burgeoning population (Mar. 11, 2005) • Compass brings news with Catholic perspective (Mar. 4, 2005) • Bringing the church to those with disabilities (Feb. 25, 2005) • Bridging the Gap by Bishop David Zubik --    Driving in the left hand lane (Feb. 25, 2005) • Campus ministry fuels students' growth in faith (Feb. 18, 2005) • Bishop's Appeal brings Faces of Faith to others (Feb. 11, 2005) • Pie chart of Bishop's Appeal use