Kautzky farm to be site of annual Rural Life Mass

1
2305
The farm of Greg and Lori Kautzky, 18443 195th St., is located 5.3 miles south of Perry just west of P-58. Designated a "Century Farm" in 1999, it will be the site of the annual Rural Life Mass for the Roman Catholic Diocese of Des Moines at 2 p.m. Aug. 16. Bishop Richard Pates will officiate the mass.

Greg and Lori Kautzky will serve as host and hostess when the Roman Catholic Diocese of Des Moines holds the annual Rural Life Mass on their farm at 2 p.m. Aug. 16.

The farm, located 5.3 miles south of Perry at 18443 195th St., was created by Greg’s grandfather, whose original house still stands. In 1999 the land earned “Century Farm” status, and now Greg and Lori have a son and a son-in-law who also farm the land with them.

The home of Greg and Lori Kautzky, pictured here, is not the first house to be built on the farm, as the homestead of Greg's grandfather still stands just to the east.
The home of Greg and Lori Kautzky, pictured here, is not the first house to be built on the farm, as the homestead of Greg’s grandfather still stands just to the east.

The couple have five children: Zach, Brian, Aaron, Jenny (Bulmanski) and Ashley (Platt). Father Zach currently serves as chaplain at Dowling Catholic High School in West Des Moines. He will return home to serve as a concelebrant with St. Patrick’s parish pastor Fr. Paul Nguyen, SVD, and what will likely be several other priests from the diocese.

Bishop Richard Pates will officiate at the mass.

“The diocese asked us many months ago to be the hosts this year and we were happy to do so,” Greg said. “We have had a lot of help in the planning from the St. Patrick’s Worship and Spirituality committee and others have been involved as well.

“We plan on having a big tent and several large fans set up and hope the weather is both dry and cool, although you never know for the third week of August,” he added. “We were told to expect around 200 or so, but need to be prepared for more just in case.”

Deacon Luke Tieskoetter of the diocesan Rural Life committee noted that the theme for the mass this year is “Rows of Life.”

Where else to have a diocesan Rural Life Mass than on a Century Farm?
Where else to have a diocesan Rural Life Mass than on a Century Farm?

“It is a way of looking at how our lives are arranged and how they mirror those around us,” he said. “While we are all individuals, we are all planted in the soil of God’s love and it is only in harmony with him that we can grow to our fullest potential.”

Tieskoetter said he hoped the celebration would draw parishioners from throughout the diocese, and not just those directly tied to agriculture.

“We really want people who live in the city to come on out, too,” he stated. “This is a beautiful way of celebrating our sense of community.”

This will be the fifth Rural Life mass held by the diocese, with Tom and Amy Doud of Stuart hosting last year’s event.

Chuck Offenberger will be a guest speaker after mass. The “Iowa Boy” will offer his reflections on the changing nature of agriculture and of farming and the differing ways in which people are connected to farming, both directly and — increasingly — indirectly.

Watermelon and popcorn will be served afterwards, with guests invited to tour the farm and buildings on site and view a variety of machines and tools used on the Kautzky family farm.

“We are looking forward to it,” Greg Kautzky said. “Everyone is welcome, of course. We would love to have a big turnout and, as I said before, will be praying the weather cooperates for us.”

1 COMMENT

  1. Hope to be with you all on the 16th…Looks Like we are blessed with another bountiful season.. Lets Thank God together.. what a great effort on your behalf… I will try to get Wilber Manor to attend..He is close and always enjoys meeting others.. We also should reflect on the Blessings given to Iowa by non other than NOW…Saint John Paul ll. (in 1979)Thanks JOE From Ohio Twp. sec. 1 Madison County Iowa.

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.