Welcome to the website of St. Francis Farm, a community of prayer, service and simple living in the Catholic Worker tradition. We are located at 136 Wart Road in Orwell, NY (north of Syracuse and just east of Lake Ontario).
Contact us at:
Phone: (315)298-2844
St. Francis Farm Community
136 Wart Road
Lacona, NY 13083
MISSION STATEMENT:
The mission of St. Francis Farm is to live an alternative to the consumer culture, a way of life based on the Gospels and on Catholic Worker principles. The Core Members try to live sustainably and reduce our consumption of resources. We seek to help others simplify their lives by our example, providing material and practical assistance, and offering prayerful presence and a place for reflection.
The grace of God, the generosity of supporters and the bounty of the land provide the foundation for the community. Building on these gifts, the unpaid labor and commitment of the full-time residents maintains buildings and grounds and grows food. Others volunteer their labor when they come to visit, sharing the gifts of the farm and a simple life of work and prayer, discussion and recreation.
Our work with our neighbors is based on a ministry of presence. We structure our lives so that we have time to listen to those who are lonely, broken or weary. Having listened, we work to grow peace and hope on a small scale. We mentor children, assist elders, offer produce of the farm to a soup kitchen, and offer hospitality to migrant workers.
Individuals and groups come to work, pray and learn with us. We invite them to slow down and think about their assumptions, to do simple and necessary work together, to spend time listening to the Spirit in the silence, and to experience voluntary poverty.
