Join Father Sam Martin on Connecting the Diocese as he talks with AnneMarie Elwing about growing up on a farm, how rural life shapes family, discipline, and prayer, and what it’s really like being a large-animal veterinarian serving farm families. AnneMarie shares how her faith formed her, how Lay Formation Institute helped deepen her Catholic understanding, and how she became involved with the Diocese of La Crosse Rural Life Committee. They highlight Rural Life Day (Sept. 23 near Bangor), including Mass, awards like Century Farm recognition, and the bishop’s blessings. AnneMarie also explains Project Milk, which sends whole milk powder to the diocesan orphanage and community in Lurin, Peru. The episode wraps with a reflection with Father Weller on the weekend readings (Isaiah 55, Romans 8, Matthew 13) and the parable of the sower and “rich soil.”

01:31 Father Sam Farm Roots

02:30 AnneMarie Farm Upbringing

03:26 Faith Through Drought

05:13 Veterinary Calling Begins

06:49 Discovering Rural Life

08:42 Veterinarian Life Stories

11:48 Holy Spirit and Service

15:05 Aquinas Farm Experience

19:10 Rural Life Committee Role

22:11 Project Milk Mission

27:20 Rural Life Day Preview

28:44 Planning and Awards

30:05 Rural Life Day Flow

31:26 Why It Matters

32:15 Saint Isidore Story

32:51 Lay Formation Institute

35:43 Faith Gifts And Charisms

37:26 Rural Isolation Today

41:03 Technology And Loneliness

42:40 Lay Leaders Step Up

44:54 Rural Life Day Invite

46:18 Weekend Readings Preview

48:28 Parable Of The Sower

51:16 Rich Soil And Weakness

53:57 Tilling The Heart

57:53 Final Takeaway Rich Soil

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