Our Lady's Ranch Seeks to Build Catholic Community

Our Lady’s Ranch Seeks to Build Catholic Culture

By Brenna Bontrager

   Throughout the past couple of centuries, the Sierra Nevada foothills of California have attracted industrious people trying to make a fresh start and who seek to live closer to the land.  Ever since the Gold Rush of 1849 the stunning landscape and rich natural resources have been a beacon to miners, artists, and tourists alike. Two of the more recent pioneers are Phil and Karen Zeiter of Family Friendly Farms which is found within Our Lady’s Ranch.

   Located about half an hour from the town of Grass Valley, Our Lady’s Ranch is the brainchild of Phil Zeiter, an architect and real estate developer by profession.  A native of Stockton, he felt called to a more rural life where he could raise his large family in harmony with nature.  After starting with a herd of two cows, the Zeiters began to sell their meat and eventually expanded to raising pigs, chickens and goats.  The meat business has expanded and now they ship their products statewide. 

  The ranch is currently staffed by a handful of families and young employees who work on the property in different ways such as maintenance, ranching or meat sales.  Several times a year the grounds are open to the public.  A popular annual event is the olive harvest where anyone is welcome to help with the picking and can stay to enjoy a farm-to-table lunch
   Zeiter describes the vision of the ranch as a place to be “In harmony with God, nature, and each other.” While the mission is “To live in peace and share it with others,” the goal is to foment the growth of a multi-generational community where families own their own homes and live independently; while also sharing in occasional prayer, work and community gatherings.

     The 160-acre property has been partitioned into multiple lots where families will have ½ to 1 acre of land to build their own homes.  In addition to the future butcher shop, long-term plans include a retreat center and a chapel that will be surrounded by olive trees.  Thefamilies would be welcome to work on the property but also be encouraged to have their own jobs and be self-supporting.  Families will support each other and function as a “Catholic Village” while remaining autonomous.  Another goal is to welcome priests and religious to live and minister at the Ranch, although residents would attend local parishes for Sunday Mass and faith formation.

     My husband and I had the privilege of having a guided tour of the ranch and I was immediately struck by the natural beauty.  The first thing that caught my attention was that the animals roamed free rather than being confined to cages.  Hormones, antibiotics, and GMOs are not used.  We surveyed the property and saw the proposed home sites, each with stunning views of the valley and mountains.                                  

      We spoke with the Zeiters about how modern culture has become increasingly isolating, especially for those who are trying to live out their Catholic faith.   Americans are increasingly looking for faith and community bonds.  Projects like Our Lady’s Ranch are part of what author Rod Dreher call the “Benedict Option” a movement where Christians build a culture in a secular world.  More information can be found on the farm’s website 

 www.ourladysranch.com