News

DUBUQUE PRESENTATION MINISTER IN THE RURAL MIDWEST

Submitted by Jane Buse

The changing face of the rural Midwest is recognized by Dubuque Presentation Sisters ministering in parishes, schools, and health centers.  Abandoned farm houses, struggling family farmers and empty stores in the small towns are signs of dramatic changes that have taken place in the 135 years of their presence in Iowa.   Therefore, here in the heartland, there is a congregational commitment to educate ourselves and others about earth sustainability.  US farm policy and farming itself have wide-reaching ramifications on Earth.

Dubuque Presentation Sisters collaborated with Humanities Iowa, the National Endowment for the Humanities, Loras College Activities Board, and the Sisters of St. Francis of Dubuque to sponsor the production of “Farmscape” a docu-drama created by Poet Laureate of Iowa and award winning writer, Mary Swander and her students at Iowa State University.  

Performed as a non-fictional reader’s theater tapping local volunteers for actors, it is directed by Ms. Swander and also incorporates the talents of a local musician, as available. This non-fictional account interestingly explores the various ways people are engaged in the contemporary agricultural landscape, ranging from the traditional small family farm to organic hobby farms, to wineries to large-scale agri-business ventures.

“The very manner in which “Farmscape” is produced not only informs but transforms.” commented Barbara Ressler a Presentation Associate who attended the performance.  Ressler continued, “Through this drama, the audience and in particular the cast explore and come to more deeply understand and experience the emotions, conflicts and complexities of various rural issues.” Rather than merely present information, the actual participation of local talent in the sketches insures understanding beyond the facts.

According to Sister Joan Lickteig, a Dubuque Presentation who attended the production, “The response of the audience could be felt. It was as if all in attendance realized the seriousness of the environmental and personal dilemmas portrayed; they responded as if on holy ground.”