Bethlehem Farm: Community, Faith, and Sustainability

by Arielle Chard, Science Teacher and Mercy Immersion Coordinato

Bethlehem Farm is a Catholic faith-based volunteer community in Appalachia offering week-long service retreats for high school and college groups, summer volunteer opportunities, and longer-term volunteer positions. It serves its rural neighbors through hands-on home repair projects and by lending a hand to farmers and the local food system. Bethlehem Farm teaches sustainable living practices and care for creation. It invites volunteers to join them in living the Gospel cornerstones of service, prayer, simplicity, and community. 

Merion Mercy's Sisterhood Week with three Ursuline schools was an unforgettable experience centered on service, community, faith, and sustainability.

Throughout the week, we stepped outside our comfort zones and learned valuable new skills. Together, we built a porch, helped construct two roofs, learned to safely use a variety of tools, power washed, weed-whacked, worked in the garden, and harvested garlic along with other fruits and vegetables. We also partnered with Fruits of Labor Farm, where we experienced firsthand the importance of sustainable agriculture and serving the local community.

Life on the farm taught us the beauty of simplicity. We cooked meals together, cleaned our living spaces, took bucket showers, embraced sustainable living, and found joy in slowing down. Whether we were hiking through the mountains, spending time with the donkeys, or simply sitting in the quiet of nature, we experienced God's presence in powerful and unexpected ways.

Most importantly, this week strengthened the bonds of sisterhood among Merion students and the Ursuline schools. Every project, meal, hike, UNO game and conversation brought us closer together, reminding us that true sisterhood is built through shared experiences, compassion, and a willingness to serve others.We returned home with new friendships, practical skills, a deeper appreciation for creation, and a renewed commitment to living lives rooted in simplicity, faith, service, and community. We live simply so others can simply live.

More photos available here.