Glenmary Challenge Autumn 2015 by Glenmary Communications

t h e m a g a z i n e o f C at h o l i c m i s s i o n e r s t o r u r a l A m e r i c a

Autumn 2015

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Movie Helps Former Mission Area

Big Stone Gap premieres October 9 across U.S.

Hungry for the Faith

Georgia mission growing in varied ways

Celebrating Oaths Five Take Next Step on

Journey to Home Missions

Glenmary Home Missioners Founded by Father William Howard Bishop in 1939, this Catholic society of priests and brothers, along with numerous coworkers, establishes the Catholic Church in smalltown and rural America. Glenmary is the only religious community devoted exclusively to serving the spiritually and materially poor in the rural U.S. home missions. Today, supported entirely through freewill offerings, it staffs missions and ministries throughout Appalachia and the South. Glenmary missioners serve in areas where less than three percent of the population is Catholic, a significant percentage have no church affiliation and the Father William poverty rate is almost twice the national average. Glenmary is Howard Bishop known for deeply respecting the Glenmary Founder many cultures encountered in the home missions—Appalachian, Native American, African American and Latino among others. Its missionary activity includes building Catholic communities, fostering ecumenical cooperation, evangelizing the unchurched, social outreach and working for justice.

Glenmary Challenge This quarterly magazine has three goals: to educate Catholics about the U.S. home missions, to motivate young men to consider Glenmary priesthood or brotherhood, and to invite all Catholics to respond to their baptismal call to be missionary by partnering with Glenmary as financial contributors, prayer partners, professional coworkers and/or volunteers. Glenmary Challenge is sent to all donors, to U.S. diocesan clergy and to anyone who requests it. (To begin receiving issues, use the contact information below.) Publisher: Father Chet Artysiewicz Editor: Dale Hanson Art Director: Tricia Sarvak Staff Writers: Margaret Gabriel, Father John S. Rausch Planning-Review Board: Father Gus Guppenberger, Brother David Henley, Brother Jack Henn, Brother Curt Kedley, Kathy O’Brien, Father Neil Pezzulo, Susan Sweet, Father Don Tranel

Glenmary Home Missioners P.O. Box 465618 • Cincinnati, OH 45246-5618 513-874-8900 • 800-935-0975 www.glenmary.org • info@glenmary.org © 2015, Glenmary Home Missioners. Reprint permission granted upon request.

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This year’s Oath milestones FROM THE EDITOR / Dale Hanson

f my own free choice, I (name), a member (candidate) of the Glenmary Home Missioners, for the sake of the Kingdom of God, do solemnly promise and swear before God to dedicate myself for my whole life ( for one year) to the missionary apostolate in the rural areas and small towns of the United States and to the Glenmary way of life, according to the Glenmary Constitution and Directory. I am aware that the Glenmary way of life commits me to a special practice of poverty, chastity, obedience, and prayer. Thus bound in a covenant with the other members in the Glenmary community, I ask for their support and loyalty and pledge to them my own. Five men professed this Glenmary Oath in May during three Masses: two men for Final Oath, two for First Oath, and one for Oath renewal. Not since 2011 have Final Oath, First Oath and Oath renewal been celebrated in the same year—and, before that, in 1986. As interim editor for this issue, I wrote the cover story about these Oath milestones. One comment that Father Chet Artysiewicz, Glenmary’s president, addressed to the two men making their First Oaths captures the significance of all five men’s promises: “What…you do tonight…is very important to the lifeblood of the Glenmary community and the people we serve.”

t the 2015 Catholic Press Association Awards event, Father Neil Pezzulo—Glenmary’s first vice president—received a first place for best essay in a mission magazine for his Summer 2014 “Care of Creation” article (see www.glenmary.org/care-of-creation). The judges said it is “a deftly rendered connection between faith and environmental stewardship that…invites the reader in.” Congratulations, Father Neil! As a longtime Challenge staff member, I hope you feel invited in each time you read our magazine. Enjoy! 

about the cover: Glenmary president Father Chet Artysiewicz (left) and then-second vice president Jack Henn (right) with Brothers Jason Muhlenkamp and Levis Kuwa after their May 23 Final Oath Mass. w w w. g l e n m a r y. o r g

THE MAGAZINE OF C ATHOLI C MISSIONERS TO RURAL AMERI C A

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Vo l u m e 7 8 / N u m b e r 3

Cover Story

9 photo / tricia sarvak

Celebrating Glenmary Oaths

Milestones were celebrated in May in the lives of five young missionaries. As their journeys continue, they reflect on their experiences and the reasons they chose Glenmary vocations.

Feature Story

Hungry for the Faith

As this Georgia mission’s pastoral leader, Susan Sweet has met members’ desires for faith formation and community building and has led their outreach to others.

Sharing faith, Page 15

Departments & columns

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From the President / Father Chet Artysiewicz

Father Chet reflects that Glenmarians strive to live every day as “instruments of God’s peace.”

Glenmary News & Notes

Leadership elected, missioners nominated for award, parishioner assists needy and Glenmary students.

New Council, Page 5

Mission Legacy

The filming of Big Stone Gap in a former Glenmary mission area has bolstered its economy and pride.

Then & Now

This former mission in Pennsylvania is still marked by Glenmary’s Christian and ecumenical spirit.

Movie premiere, Page 14

Final Words / from our readers

Readers eulogize deceased lay parish leader, praise ecumenism story, cite personal impact of Group Seven.

www.glenmary.org

Find more stories and connect with Glenmary’s home mission ministry via the Web site today! Autumn 2015

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Christian spirit, Page 17

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from the president / Father Chet Artysiewicz

Being channels of God’s peace Glenmary missioners strive to serve whole community by sowing love, hope, joy, light

lenmary’s 16th General Chapter gathering in West Virginia this past June returned two familiar faces to the Executive Council—mine and Father Neil Pezzulo’s. As we begin our second terms as president and first vice president, we also welcome Brother Larry Johnson as the new second vice president. Our task is to assist the overall mission effort and to guide the Glenmary community administratively for the next four years. Our Chapter meetings occur once every four years. And this one was marked by a wonderful spirit of openness. From students aspiring to be missioners, to senior members with decades of experience, to Glenmarians and lay coworkers in between, respectful listening and sharing were the common threads. In addition to the many community agenda items, Glenmary also affirmed a “Statement on Racism” that was written by members during the gathering (see www.glenmary.org/racism). Tragic events prior to and during the Chapter— such as the killing of nine people at a Charleston, S.C., church—evoked our response. Sadly, on the day we returned to Cincinnati, we encountered a huge funeral procession for a slain local police officer. One report indicated there were 500 vehicles en route to the same cemetery where Glenmarians are interred. How many millions of lives are affected by the blight of violence in our world?

hose events were still fresh in my mind the next day when at Mass we sang, “Lord, make me a channel of your peace.” Those beautiful words, adapted from the Peace Prayer traditionally attributed to St. Francis of Assisi, could serve as a wonderful spiritual motto for any of us. It certainly applies to Glenmary missioners. It could justifiably be the mantra of our second term. In our prayerful preparation for the business part of the Chapter, we recalled our founder Father Bishop’s approach to mission—not only serving the Catholics, but also looking upon the larger community as part of our “flock.” Could we serve the whole community in any better ways than by sowing love rather than hatred and by bringing hope to those in 4

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despair, joy to the saddened, and light where darkness prevails? Don’t the words of the Peace Prayer constitute not only the antithesis of, but also the antidote to, the evils of racism, hatred and violence? When our Chapter proceedings ended, the missioners departed for some long trips home. They were returning to the ministries they love and are called to do, putting that prayer into practice—by consoling, understanding, loving, giving and Father Chet pardoning. Thank you for all Artysiewicz your support and for journeying cartysiewicz@glenmary.org with us.

n closing I pray: Dear God, thank you for the blessings you bestowed on Glenmary during our 16th General Chapter. With the help of your grace, we will strive to live every day as true “instruments of your peace.” Peace Prayer (traditionally attributed to St. Francis of Assisi) Lord, make me an instrument of your peace. Where there is hatred, let me sow love; where there is injury, pardon; where there is discord, unity; where there is doubt, faith; where there is error, truth; where there is despair, hope; where there is darkness, light; and where there is sadness, joy. O Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled, as to console; to be understood, as to understand; to be loved, as to love. For it is in giving that we receive, it is in pardoning that we are pardoned, and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life. Amen.

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Glenmary

Leadership elected at General Chapter

news &notes

term as president from 2011 to 2015. During the preceding year, he had

served as pastor of Glenmary missions in Windsor and Plymouth, N.C. Father Neil, a New York native, served his initial term as vice president with Father Chet. Previously, he had pastored Glenmary’s missions in Waldron and Danville, Ark., for eight years. Brother Larry, a native of Ohio, is the one new council member. He was most recently involved in youth and social outreach ministry in Lafayette, Tenn., and Scottsville, Ky., while serving as Glenmary’s personnel director and co-convener for the Commission on Justice. Chapter participants identified key issues facing Glenmary and worked to establish priorities for the next four years. The new Council will lead Glenmary’s mission and ministry during that time.

Appalachian counties in East Tennessee. In three years, (they) have established the Church’s presence where Catholic populations are less than 1 percent and where previously no Catholic presence existed. Vibrant Catholic communities— growing in membership and outreach—are now

located in each county. “In addition to inviting the unchurched to the Church, they are building ecumenical relationships…where Catholicism has not always been accepted and are providing outreach to those most in need…. They are the ‘hidden heroes’ of the Knoxville diocese.”

Delaware, New York and Ohio natives comprise team [west virginia] The Glenmar y member ship elected three fellow Glenmarians to Executive Council during the society’s 16th General Chapter, June 15-26. The Chapter was held at St. John XXIII Pastoral Center in Charleston, W.Va. Father Chet Artysiewicz, Glenmary’s 10th president, was reelected for a second term. Also reelected was Father Neil Pezzulo as first vice president. Brother Larry Johnson was elected as the new

new council: (From left) Brother Larry Johnson, Father Chet Artysiewicz and Father Neil Pezzulo— following the Executive Council’s installation celebrated during a Mass at the 16th Chapter.

second vice president. Father Chet, a native of Delaware, served his first

photo / Brother david Henley

E x ec u t i v e C o u n c i l

2 0 1 5 l u m e n c h r i s t i a w a r d n om i n ee s

Five nominated for national award ‘They are the hidden heroes of Knoxville diocese’ [tennessee] Five Glenmary missioners were nominated by the Diocese of Knoxville for Catholic Extension’s national Lumen Christi Award for 2015: (from left) Fathers Tom Charters and Steve Pawelk and Brothers Craig Digmann, Tom Sheehy and Joe Steen. The award w w w. g l e n m a r y. o r g

“honors an individual or group working in one of America’s mission dioceses that demonstrates how…faith can transform lives and communities.” In the words of Catholic Extension’s Web site: “Thanks to five Glenmary missioners, the light of Christ is shining bright in three rural

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all s o u l s d a y

Remember loved ones in a special way Nov. 2 liturgy to be celebrated at Glenmary’s chapel [ohio] A special Mass will be celebrated at Glenmary’s Our Lady of the Fields Chapel in Cincinnati on the Feast of All Souls. Praying for the dead is a Christian obligation. Although the Church prays for the faithful departed throughout the liturgical year, All Souls is a special day of commemoration when the Church remembers, prays for, and offers Masses for those who have died.

The All Souls Day Mass will be offered on Nov. 2 for the deceased family members and friends of Glenmary donors. Father Don Tranel, director of Glenmary’s Development Office, will preside at the Mass. For more information: To have loved ones remembered at the All Souls Mass, contact Donor Services at donorservices@glenmary.org or 800-935-0975. Or complete the secure form found at www.glenmary.org/allsouls.

Plan For Your Financial

Future and Help Build Up the Catholic Church in Rural America

Glenmary Gift Annuity can be established with a gift of cash or securities. The benefits of an annuity are many, including providing you income for life and helping ensure that Glenmary missioners are present to share the sacraments and the gifts of the Church with those living in Mission Land, USA.

Benefits include:

• A significant reduction of • •

capital gains, if funded with securities A partially tax-free income A charitable deduction

For more information about a Glenmary Gift Annuity, contact: Susan Lambert, Planned Giving Officer 800-935-0975 slambert@glenmary.org

•

Calculations are not meant to give legal or accounting advice. A donor should seek the guidance of an estate and/or tax professional to understand the consequences of a gift. All information is strictly confidential. Glenmary gift annuities are not issued in Hawaii or Alabama.

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Around the Missions  Brother Jason Muhlenkamp was assigned as missionary brother to the region served by the Blakely and Cuthbert, Ga., missions, effective July 22.  Father Charlie Hughes is celebrating his 65th anniversary as a Glenmarian this year. He is the second missioner to reach this milestone (after the late Brother Vince Wilmes). To read more about him, visit www.glenmary.org/fr charlie.  Lorraine Vancamp and Liz Dudas of Glenmary’s Department of Pastoral Services led the fourth annual Tri-Parish Retreat in Plymouth, N.C., on April 25, hosted by members of the Plymouth and Windsor missions and Holy Trinity diocesan parish in Williamston.  Brother Craig Digmann organized a three-day July performance tour by the Valley Boys—a gospel music trio of 18-year-olds from East Tennessee—to four Catholic churches in the Dubuque, Iowa, archdiocese (his home diocese). Brother Craig says the trip was “a really good cross-cultural experience for all.” He and two parents accompanied them. A Glenmary mission team member in Grainger and Union counties (Tenn.), Brother Craig met the young men—who are Baptist— during his outreach efforts. One of the Iowa parishes is part of a cluster that has “adopted” the Grainger mission, which involves financial assistance, mutual prayers, regular communication, and often an exchange of visits.  Glenmary Father John S. Rausch is coauthor of a new booklet of meditations, The Promise of Light: Reflections for Advent 2015, published recently by Pax Christi USA, the largest U.S. Catholic peace organization. He wrote reflections for Sundays and holy days. The other coauthor, Nelson Araque of Catholic Climate Covenant, wrote weekday meditations. The theme is human rights and global restoration. For more information, visit www.paxchristiusa.org.

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photo / tricia sarvak

FATHER BISHOP LEGACY SOCIETY: Glenmary Brother Jack Henn (third from left)—a featured

speaker at the annual Father Bishop Legacy Society Mass and Luncheon June 5—shares lunch with planned givers and society members (from left) Barbara Ann Taylor, Don Lucas, Sarah Smithwick, and Marilyn and Rich Knor.

partners in mission

Gathering honors donors who make planned gifts Event celebrates those who are helping ensure future missionary challenges can be met [ohio] Forty-one members of the Father Bishop Legacy Society (FBLS), along with their guests, gathered at Glenmary’s Cincinnati Headquarters on Friday, June 5, for the group’s annual Mass and luncheon. Glenmary president Father Chet Artysiewicz quoted one of the day’s readings in talking about the missioners’ ministry: “I stand here testifying to small and great alike…” (Acts 26:22) He pointed out that Glenmary is in many ways like the early Church, with small but growing missions: “From those small beginnings grow great things.” And he pointed out that one of founder Father Bishop’s charisms was the belief that everyone deserves to have a church community, including the new w w. g l e n m a r y. o r g

of five men, especially the Final Oaths of Brothers Levis Kuwa and Jason Muhlenkamp, who completed formation and became full members of Glenmary. Brother Jack Henn, then-second vice president, talked about the meaning of brotherhood and the diverse ways Glenmary brothers reach out to those in need in the home missions. Like the speakers before him, Brother Jack thanked the FBLS members for enabling Glenmary missioners to do God’s work.

glected and poor in U.S. small towns and rural areas. That’s why Glenmary has dedicated itself to reaching out to the forgotten people in these places “as in the parable of the lost sheep.” For the group of planned givers who are loyal supporters of the home mission society, Father Chet had a very clear message that was repeated by others throughout the afternoon: “Thank you for being here, and thank you for what you mean to the future of Glenmary and those Glenmary serves.” During the Mass, Father Chet led the group in praying by name for each member of the legacy society who had died in the previous year. At the luncheon, he shared the good news about the May Oaths Autumn 2015

To find out more: Contact Susan Lambert at 800-935-0975 or slambert@glenmary.org. To read more about planned giving opportunities with Glenmary, visit www.glenmary.org/ planned-giving. 

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la y m i s s i o n lea d e r

Parishioner assists both needy and Glenmary students Home-repair ministry is a way to give back and also to help students prepare for mission ministry [a glenmary mission area] John and his wife Lois (not real names; they wish to remain anonymous) have been members of a Glenmary mission for well over a decade. After moving to the area in 2001, John says they discovered “we were needed here, and…this is where God wants us to be.” John has become the kind of lay leader a mission needs to grow—as well as a very active volunteer who helps local community members, Catholic and non-Catholic.

He has also welcomed several Glenmary students in formation to volunteer as part of his home-repair ministry for those in need. This experience has helped students learn invaluable lessons about the culture in mission areas, develop relationships with residents, gain a better understanding of how to minister, and prepare for their futures as missioners. “John is very good about seeing and responding to needs. But he does it humbly and behind the scenes,” says the mission’s pastor. At the mission, John serves as financial administrator, choir member, lector, eucharistic minister, maintenance man and more. Lois is also active in 8

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several roles. “This parish has been a welcoming home,” he says. “We’re just glad to help.” The pair are parents of two and grandparents of three. John served in the Air Force for 26 years, including one year on combat assignment in Vietnam. His training in combat construction and vehicle maintenance, as well as experience in helping build their home, gave him diverse craft skills. He retired from his last civilian job in 2012. Volunteering has always been part of the couple’s lives. But in 2003, John and fellow mission members built a ramp for a man who uses a wheelchair—and people became aware of John’s abilities and started asking him for other help. His willingness led to his home-repair ministry. Mission members, neighbors and local referrals are his clientele. Most can’t pay. But occasional payments help him buy parts and materials for others less fortunate. He also scrounges for materials and buys used ones. “Most jobs are small home repairs,” says John. “I also do small auto repairs, yard work, and cleanup. The visit is often as important as the work. I transport people to medical appointments, too.” Lois partners with him on some community service efforts. “We’re blessed with enough to live on, good health and varied skills,” he says. “I feel good about helping people. It’s part of who I am as a Christian.” At first he got questions from clients with misconceptions about the Catholic faith. “But after I answered them, and people got to know and trust us, it helped

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put Catholics in a better light.” In early 2013, when a new Glenmary pastor was ready to welcome the first Glenmary novice for an extended “mission placement” as part of his formation, John suggested that one of the student’s work experiences could be assisting in his homerepair ministry. The pastor liked this idea. And since then, several students have worked with— and learned many things from— John and the people he serves. One Glenmary seminarian chose to help John as his primary mission-placement work. “I met John when I was very unsure about ministry,” he says. “He was a godsend, mentor and example of Christian heroism. John introduced me as a student studying to be a Catholic priest. Besides assisting with the work, I talked with them on topics such as faith and culture. I learned a lot about the culture and how I was needed. They were always thankful.” Another Glenmary student spent about a day each week with John. “John says helping people in need is a way to give back. Seeing somebody with that zeal is challenging. And talking with the people was a very good learning experience. What I said and did seemed to change some people’s views about Catholics.” Still another seminarian says, “I learned humility from him. I thought: This is a layperson. How much time am I going to put into my vocation?” Both the pastor and John want to keep offering Glenmary students this ministry option. “Everybody involved has really benefited,” John says. w w w. g l e n m a r y. o r g

Celebrating cover story

By Dale Hanson

ather William Howard Bishop once referred to the Glenmary priests and brothers of the society he founded as a “good company” of “zealous missionaries.” Today, that good company includes two brothers who just professed their Final Oaths and two newly professed Glenmarians, as well as another student who just committed himself to a second year under temporary Oath. These milestones were celebrated in May. On May 23, Brothers Levis Kuwa and Jason Muhlenkamp became permanent members of the home mission society (story on page 10). The day before, on May 22, Charles Aketch w w w. g l e n m a r y. o r g

cover story photos / tricia sarvak, brother david Henley, glenmary missions

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and Richard Toboso were welcomed as the newest members when they made their First Oaths on the journey to priesthood (story on page 12). And on May 21, Patrick Muriithi—also a priesthood candidate—renewed for the first time his promises to live a life of poverty, chastity, obedience and prayer. He can renew that Oath up to three times before making his Final Oath in the future (sidebar on page 13). It takes a special calling to serve the home missions in the South and Appalachia as a Glenmary brother or priest. These men continue to answer the call to be the zealous missionaries Father Bishop spoke of many years ago.  Autumn 2015

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The Journey to Final Oath

s Father Chet Artysiewicz pointed out during their Final Oath Mass, Brother Jason Muhlenkamp grew up 100 miles from Glenmary Headquarters in Cincinnati, while Brother Levis Kuwa was living 8,400 miles away. But they’ll be connected forever as Glenmarians. The two men say they feel very thankful for the love, guidance, support and prayers of fellow missioners, family, friends, mission members and donors—during formation, on this landmark day, and in their futures. Since late July, Brother Jason has been serving in his first full-time assignment—as a brother to the region served by the Blakely and Cuthbert, Ga., missions. He wants to “listen and respond to the people of God.” Meanwhile, Brother Levis has completed formation and will continue his nursing studies and clinical experience, earn his bachelor’s and master’s degrees by 2017, and become a registered nurse and nurse practitioner. His ultimate goal: providing care in a mission-area clinic for the poor while serving as a pastoral team member at a Glenmary mission.

rowing up in a close-knit Catholic family and community in Ol’Kalou, Kenya, Levis Kuwa was a traveling altar boy for two missionaries from Italy and was inspired by their dedication. “I thought, ‘Someday I hope I can pay them back.’”

2007: Arrived in U.S.; entered Glen- 2008-2010: mary formation Novitiate program

2009-2010: Mission placement, Idabel, Okla.; First Glenmary Oath

2008-2009: Manager, Glenmary Volunteer Program; entered Glenmary formation

2009: Began studies, Brescia U., Owensboro, Ky. (theology/pastoral studies)

In high school he began thinking seriously about a religious vocation. He eventually joined the Augustinian order and completed his philosophy degree, but decided their lifestyle wasn’t for him. He did find Glenmary’s Web site, though, and was attracted to their mission: “I always felt that ministry to forgotten people is what God wants me to do.” He was also drawn to the rural ministry and the challenge of ministering to a Catholic minority and to nonCatholics. “And I realized I could represent the universal Church, get people’s attention, and evangelize.” Levis discerned a Glenmary vocation for two years, spending a year as a volunteer chaplain at Kenya’s largest hospital, which serves the poor. “That work was a major 10

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factor that led me to pursue health care ministry with Glenmary,” he says. In 2007, he came to the United States and began his Glenmary formation. His one-year prenovitiate program combined adjustment to a new culture, academics and outreach ministry. Then came his first novitiate year, when he “prayed about my vocation and learned more about Glenmary.” During part of his second novitiate year, Levis served at the Idabel, Okla., mission— his first chance to e xperience mis-

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Final oaths: (Top) Brother Levis professes his Final Glenmary Oath. (Bottom) Brother Jason signs his Final Oath.

2010-2011: Mission placement, Waldron, Ark.; Spanish immersion program; Oath renewal

2011-2012: Pre-nursing studies, U. of Cincinnati (UC)

2012-2013: Second Oath renewal; ongoing nursing studies, UC

2010-2011: Mission placement, Windsor, N.C.

2011-2012: Novitiate program; mission placement, Windsor, N.C.

2012-2013: First Glenmary Oath; ongoing studies, Brescia U.

sion life and ministries, such as visiting nursing home residents, teaching religious education and coaching a soccer team. He even led the mission for five weeks when then-pastor Father Chet needed surgery. “It made me discover some gifts in myself.”

n 2010 he took his First Oath, becoming a Glenmary member. Afterwards, Brother Levis completed another mission assignment in Waldron, Ark., then renewed his Oath in May 2011. At that point, he started pre-nursing studies at the University of Cincinnati. In May 2012, he renewed his Oath a second time. And in early 2013, he completed a mission placement at the Lafayette, Tenn., and Scottsville, Ky., missions. His volunw w w. g l e n m a r y. o r g

teer work at Macon County (Tenn.) Hospital was a turning point. “I came back thinking ‘I’m in the right field,’” he says. He renewed his Oath a third time in May 2013. He then spent the summer in Boston for a clinical pastoral education (CPE) program at a hospital. “It equipped me with many pastoral skills I’ll need,” he says. In autumn 2013, Brother Levis resumed his nursing courses and clinical hospital experience. And after a 2014 mission placement, he renewed his Oath a fourth time. In reflecting on his nursing studies since then, he says, “My vocation has been affirmed almost every day. I’ve been helping to care for patients and touching their lives.” Now, after his Final Oath, he feels that “I’ve already begun my ministry. Along with nursing care, I want to bring people Christ’s love.” Jesus’ parable of the lost sheep often comes to Levis’ mind. “It encourages me to touch a heart, heal a soul or body, or bring a person to God,” which is what he believes Glenmary’s work is all about. “I believe God is still guiding me,” he says.

ason Muhlenkamp’s religious vocation journey started in his 30s. A native of Maria Stein, Ohio, he attended college for three years and was later employed as a warehouse worker and account representative. “But I felt a desire to serve God and other people, and I had to decide on the best way,” he says. In 2008, his search led to Glenmary’s Group Volunteer Program, where he worked for a year as a volunteer manager in a mission area. During this time, he discerned God was calling him to join Glenmary. A magazine article about Glenmary brotherhood

2013: Mission placement, Lafayette, Tenn./ Scottsville, Ky.; third Oath renewal; CPE in Boston

2014: Mission placement, Lafayette and Celina, Tenn./ Scottsville, Ky.

2014: Fourth Oath renewal; work in Glenmary vocation department

Good News with many people in the mission counties.” His novitiate year began in July 2011. He spent part of that time studying about Glenmary’s history, mission and spirituality. Then he returned to Windsor for another mission placement. Brother Curt Kedley, his fellow team member and mentor, commented that “Jason is fearless in what he says yes to and is very generous. He has radar for finding and helping people in need.” Finally, he spent the last months of his novitiate preparing for First Oath. He reached this milestone in June 2012 and became a Glenmarian. Brother Jason subsequently stayed involved in outreach such as prison ministry, soup kitchen work and faith formation, while returning to Brescia for 2012-13. In June 2013, he renewed his Oath for the first time. Then he spent the summer ministering at the Lafayette, Tenn., and Scottsville, Ky., missions before completing studies and receiving his bachelor’s degree in theology Rejoicing: Brothers Jason and Levis celebrate their landmark in May 2014. Later that same day after the Final Oath Mass.

2014-2015: Ongoing nursing studies, UC

2015: Work toward degrees/licenses as RN and nurse practitioner by 2017

2014-2015: Ongoing clinical experience, Cincinnati hospitals 2015: Profession of Final Glenmary Oath

2013: Oath renewal; mission placement, Lafayette, Tenn./ Scottsville, Ky.

2014: Received bachelor’s degree, theology/pastoral studies, Brescia U.

2014: Second Oath 2014-2015: Earned renewal; CPE in second bachelor’s Huntington, W.Va. degree, social work, Brescia U.

opened his eyes. The rural and home mission aspects of Glenmary’s work strongly appealed to him. And when he had a chance to talk with Glenmarians, “Their witness and desire-to-serve attitude were great inspirations.” He entered Glenmary formation in 2009. After orientation, he began theology studies (emphasis on pastoral ministry) at Brescia University in Owensboro, Ky., while also doing prison ministry, volunteering at a nursing home, and teaching religious education. In June 2010, Jason began a one-year assignment at the Windsor, N.C., mission, including several outreach ministries—for example, assistance to local residents after floods. “On all my mission assignments,” he says now, “I had the privilege to be present and share the w w w. g l e n m a r y. o r g

2014-2015: Catholic Charities internship, Diocese of Evansville (Ind.)

2015: Start of first full-time mission assignment, 7/22, Blakely/Cuthbert, Ga.

month, Brother Jason renewed his Oath again, then traveled to Huntington, W.Va., to complete a CPE hospital program. “It helped me learn how to provide hope and healing in crisis situations,” he says. He spent the 2014-15 school year completing his second bachelor’s degree in social work at Brescia and interning at Catholic Charities in Evansville, Ind.

efore professing his Final Oath, he had concluded that “Glenmary makes me the happiest person God wants me to be. The mission and vision of Father Bishop—and his emphasis on serving neglected people in this country—really speak to me. I know God will help me stay faithful to my calling.”  Autumn 2015

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Glenmary Challenge

Dedication to the missionary apostolate

uring the First Oath Mass for Charles Aketch and Richard Toboso, Father Chet quoted Chinese philosopher Lao Tzu: “The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.” He said that one monumental step was leaving their native Kenya to serve the Church. And their First Oath was another, when they became the newest Glenmarians. Pointing to the missioners assembled at Mass, he said, “What the two of you do tonight unites you with us. It is very important to the lifeblood of the Glenmary community and the people we serve.” Charles says that “I was so happy to become part of the society I longed to join.” Richard reflects that “this step was a moment of great joy, humility and peace for me.” They were deeply grateful for the guidance, love and support of Glenmarians and others along the way. This fall, they take still another step—pursuing their second year of studies at St. Meinrad (Ind.) Seminary.

harles Aketch learned to value community life as he grew up in Kisumu, Kenya, in a large Catholic family. His pastor mentored him and—by example— eventually inspired Charles to enter the seminary. In 2003, “I felt strongly called to serve God as a Catholic priest.” He joined the Consolata Missionaries, continuing his education and preparation for several years before deciding to leave and further discern his priesthood call.

He then became very involved in working with his pastor—giving catechism instruction, visiting the sick, working with youth, conducting the Liturgy of the Word and more. He also worked as a community development facilitator. “This pastoral work helped me understand a rural area’s needs as well as rural ministry’s challenges,” says Charles. “And it reminded me how much I like rural life.” He first learned about Glenmary from a Consolata priest in 2006, and the talk made a major impact on him. He started discerning with Glenmary in 2011 and learned much more at the 2013 Glenmary retreat—before deciding it was the answer to his vocation call. “I grew to admire Glenmary’s work in U.S. rural areas and small towns and the way it serves people who are 12

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marginalized and poor. It’s hard to leave one’s homeland, but I really wanted to work outside my own country as a missionary and Glenmarian,” says Charles. He came to America in 2013 to answer God’s call to Glenmary. And he began attending St. Meinrad Seminary that fall while living at Glenmary’s House of Studies. “Father Bruce (Brylinski, the house director) and the American seminarians helped me adapt to American education and culture,” he says. The following summer, he was accepted into Glenmary’s one-year novitiate Charles Aketch program. “To me, the novitiate was about entering into Glenmarians’ way of life and ministry to understand them well,” says Charles. The two-month first phase introduced him to the spirituality and charism of the society: “I learned a great deal by interviewing and listening to presentations by Glenmarians.” In the five-month second phase, Charles was on a placement at Glenmary’s Maynardville and Rutledge, Tenn., missions—where he learned more about the importance of Glenmary community, traits of good missioners, U.S. and Southern culture, and the ministry to the growing Latino community. He was engaged in ministries to people who are homebound, at-risk youth

at a group home, and nursing home residents—as well as faith formation and Head Start. “I learned to be really present to the people I served,” he says. “In Pope Francis’ words, I needed to ‘smell like the sheep.’” The five-month third phase in the spring of 2015 consisted mostly of study and contemplation about apostolic life and the Glenmary Oath, in preparation for his own First Oath. “Being a missioner is still my dream and what I am looking forward to,” he says.

ichard Toboso of Kakamega, Kenya, grew up in a large, strong Catholic family. They desired that “one member dedicate himself or herself to the service of the Lord, which challenged me whenever I was thinking about my vocation and life.” w w w. g l e n m a r y. o r g

Glenmary Oath Renewal

In addition, he says, the love and concern of his parish pastor, a Mill Hill missionary, contributed to his desire to discern a possible call to the priesthood. After primary school, he entered a minor seminary, where his experience reinforced his possible vocation. He subsequently became a volunteer teacher at his home parish’s school before entering diocesan formation, further discerning priesthood and completing his degree in philosophy and religious studies. Richard then returned to volunteer pastoral work, teaching school and catechism, visiting the sick, talking with those with HIV and AIDS, and more. He says that “my desire to join Glenmary first developed in 2010 and 2011 Richard Toboso when seminarians studying for Glenmary told me about its mission of serving marginalized people in U.S. rural areas.”

e became convinced he might be called to Glenmary priesthood—especially since he had served and loved the sick and poor. Having met those challenges, he says, gave him the hope that he could join Glenmary and “fulfill my heart’s desire to be with people who are marginalized.” He deeply appreciated the clear communication with Glenmary once he began his discernment, especially at the 2013 Glenmary retreat. In reflecting back on his decision to join Glenmary, Richard says that “I knew it was a big challenge, but I

was convinced I was on the right track...” In the midst of getting used to a new country, culture and way of life, he completed his first year of studies at St. Meinrad Seminary in the 2013-14 academic year. He began his one-year novitiate program in the summer of 2014 in preparation for his First Oath. The twomonth first phase introduced him to the spirituality and charism of Glenmary. “I also had more time to pray and reflect,” he says. “And I admired the guidance of Father Dan (Dorsey) and Father Tom (Kirkendoll).” In the five-month second phase, Richard was on a placement at the Lafayette and Celina, Tenn., missions, where he was involved in a variety of ministries such as religious education, ministry to the sick and homebound, visits to migrant workers, work with the mentally w w w. g l e n m a r y. o r g

Patrick Muriithi (foreground) stands in prayer next to fellow Glenmarians at a May 21 Mass, during which he renewed his Glenmary Oath for the first time. Patrick, a native of Embu, Kenya, is a seminary student at St. Meinrad (Ind.) School of Theology. He will be eligible to make his Final Oath in 2017.

challenged, and more. In the process, he says, he moved out of his comfort zone and gained a deeper understanding of Glenmary’s ministry, the culture and people of the mission areas, and how missioners serve them. The five-month third phase in early 2015 was focused primarily on study and contemplation about the apostolic life and the Glenmary Oath, as he prepared to profess his First Oath. ichard says that “I hope to later serve and share my love and joy with all the people I expect to meet as a missioner...and to help bring the presence of the Church to places where it has never been before. I ask God to continue helping me  as I discern and prepare.”

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mission LEGACY / by Father John S. Rausch

Looking forward to Big Stone Gap Movie directed by former mission member, filmed in her hometown, premieres Oct. 9

photo / antony platt

he filming of Big Stone Gap, based on the novel by Adriana (Adri) Trigiani, injected an economic stimulus into a former Glenmary mission area, while it bolstered community pride for this struggling town in the Appalachian Mountains. And Big Stone Gap, Va., residents who attended an advance screening last fall feel it represents them and their home very well. The movie will premiere in theaters across the United States October 9. “We often have been overlooked or misrepresented,” says Denise Honeycutt, a parishioner of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Big Stone Gap. “This film shows how beautiful this area is, and the people as well.” Too often, media and filmmakers slip into banal stereotypes about Appalachia, but another parishioner, Adam Plyer, comments: “This movie captured the essence of the town.” Adri Trigiani, the movie’s writer and director, Boost to economy, pride: grew up CathDirector Adriana Trigiani and the olic in Big cinematographer discuss filming Stone Gap— of the new movie Big Stone Gap in as a member her Virginia hometown. of a nearby Glenmary mission—and wanted to dramatize southwest Virginia the way she experienced it. “This is a place that can fill you with longing,” she once wrote. “I think that’s what it does, those mountains down there.”

ig Stone Gap could have been filmed years before if Adri had consented to producing it overseas. But she doggedly decided to bring the economic stimulus to her hometown, which faces the slump of a de14

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pressed coal industry and vacant storefronts. When the credits roll at the end of the movie, practically half the town will be listed. Adri held area meetings and encouraged local folks to sign up as extras. Most agree the filming had a huge economic impact on the town, and interest in writing has shot up at local schools because of the book and movie. Many are banking on increased tourism. The town even secured the reconstructed movie set of “Carmine’s” restaurant—across from the vacant Westmoreland Coal Company offices—to use as its tourist bureau.

lthough this was Adri’s first full-length feature film, her personality and direct ing abilities captivated the seasoned cast. Jenna Elfman, the story’s Iva Lou, refers to her as “a new best friend.” And Mary Pat Gleason, who plays Aunt Alice, says, “Adri has an ability to read people, which is one of the most important aspects of a director.” For Adri, making the movie tapped her sense of faith. “I feel that there is a constant engine going within me that is connected to God,” she says. Reflecting further, she adds: “Maybe every story I write is about faith— faith in one another, in the future, in God, in the idea that what connects us feeds our souls and therefore our humanity.” After the screening of Big Stone Gap at the Virginia Film Festival last November in Charlottesville, the audience of 1,000 stood and cheered. “The critics were amazed,” says Father Les Schmidt, a Glenmary regional worker operating out of Big Stone Gap. “The movie’s story line is real, the actors are down home, and the outcome is heartwarming.” Anticipation for the film’s release runs high. Father Les says, “Our cheering will likely be even louder than that in Charlottesville!”  Editor’s Note: Glenmary Father John Rausch served the Trigiani family as an associate pastor when Adri was a young girl in Virginia, and he has remained friends with her over the years. He plays “Father John” in the movie. w w w. g l e n m a r y. o r g

photos / KrysTal oblinger (diocese of savannah) and st. lukE mission

HUNGRY for the FAITH

South Georgia mission members find fuller faith lives—and new ways to serve others—under the leadership of their new pastoral coordinator By Margaret Gabriel

W Growing richer in faith: (Top) Susan

Sweet—pastoral coordinator of the Cuthbert, Ga., mission—and a parishioner receive the Eucharist during Mass from sacramental minister Father John Brown, who is also pastor of Glenmary’s Blakely mission 30 miles away. (Middle) Cuthbert mission members come together after Mass to share a meal and participate in a faith formation program. (Bottom) At Christmastime, Susan (left) and St. Luke members hold presents they have ready for local nursing home residents, Toys for Tots, pregnancy center clients, and others in need.

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hen Susan Sweet arrived in Cuthbert (Randolph County), Ga., in 2013 to serve as pastoral coordinator of St. Luke mission—one of Glenmary’s newest—she found a community that was hungry for facets of the faith which simply hadn’t been part of their recent experience. Mission members told her they really wanted more faith-formation education and needed to strengthen their church community. In the two years since, the Cuthbert Catholics have grown in knowledge of their faith and have become a more close-knit, active congregation. They’ve also been making service to others an integral part of their faith lives. “I feel like we’ve accomplished a lot so far,” she says. Susan was prepared for this role partly by her ten years as a pastoral associate at Glenmary’s former Aberdeen, Miss., mission. As St. Luke’s first full-time resident pastoral leader, she was enthusiastically welcomed by mission members and other county residents. And the Methodist minister invited her to join the area’s ecumenical, interracial ministerial alliance. Susan slowly nurtured growth in her small faith community, which had been served by an elderly priest until he retired (a member of the Missionary Servants of the Most Holy Trinity). He traveled there once a week for Mass and sacramental ministry, but he wasn’t able to minister to the mission community in some other ways.  Autumn 2015

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‘We have few fi ffiinancial resources, but we can still be models of Christian living.’  Catholics comprise fewer than 1 percent of Randolph County’s population. The mission has grown in number largely because Latino families have moved to the area and joined the church community. The Anglo parishioners have warmly welcomed the newcomers. “The first Latino family wanted to have their two-year-old baptized,” Susan says, “so they were happy to learn our mission was nearby.”

he arranged to have Glenmary Father John Brown—the Blakely, Ga., mission’s bilingual pastor and Cuthbert mission’s sacramental minister—conduct baptism classes for the parents in Spanish. Since then, two other Latino families have joined St. Luke, a significant increase for this congregation of 25—now half Anglo and half Latino. And St. Luke’s weekend Mass is now bilingual. When Susan learned parishioners had a strong desire for education and communitybuilding activities, these items became top priorities. She began by preparing simple meals that followed their Saturday-evening liturgies. After a few weeks, mission members themselves began preparing potluck suppers. The parish has also held “town-hall meetings” as needed “to give each member a voice,” she says. “I admire their desire to keep growing and changing.”

n addition, she initiated well-received faith formation sessions. She first offered a “Rediscovering Catholicism” program. “We shared ideas and learned to trust each other,” Susan says. She then led a lectionary studies program. And she’ll present a new program this fall. Meanwhile, she also makes time for one-onone ministry, such as her regular visits to an elderly, homebound Cuthbert couple to whom she takes Holy Communion. Thanks to her, they now feel like valued mission members. Susan strives to be an example of involvement in the larger community while inviting mission members to participate. Her role in the ministerial alliance is a prime example. In addition, she hopes the mission can keep helping improve race relations in the county, which is 62 percent African American. “We’ll continue reaching out in different ways, such as through the alliance.” The St. Luke congregation has become active in serving others in an area where about 28 percent live below the national poverty line. “We have few financial resources,” says Susan, “but we can still be models of Christian living.” For instance, they give whatever they can 16

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to the local ecumenical food pantry. They’ve also made seniors a special focus, visiting nursing home residents, providing them with warm clothes and blankets, and helping in other ways. And they join in local efforts such as the National Day of Prayer, interfaith Thanksgiving service, and Martin Luther King Jr. Day prayer service. The 1,300-member St. John Neumann Parish in Charlotte, N.C.—which “adopted” St. Luke through Glenmary’s Adopt-A-Mission Program—is instrumental in supporting the mission’s outreach. “We’re thankful for their caring, prayers and assistance,” Susan says. “They’ve been a real catalyst. Working with them helps us see ourselves as disciples in the community.”

or example, the North Carolina parish has delivered clothing for the Cuthbert “clothes closet,” food for the pantry, and children’s books for the public library. And St. Luke members have taken on the ministry of distributing St. John donations to area residents in need. In 2014, members of both churches created “shoebox” Christmas gifts (packed with small presents) for grateful elderly recipients in Randolph County. North Carolina folks have also traveled there to coordinate a vacation Bible school and perform community service activities. In her Glenmary role, Susan has the added responsibility of outreach in nearby Stewart and Quitman counties. One key ministry is at the federal Stewart Detention Center, where undocumented immigrant men are held before being returned to their native countries. Susan visits this center weekly with Glenmary Father Francois Pellissier, assists during Mass, and ministers to inmates.

t. Luke members—with St. John members’ help—donate clothing for the men to wear home upon release. They also donate food for detainees’ family members at a hospitality house, where they can stay while visiting their loved ones. A closer look at this ministry will appear in upcoming Glenmary publications. Susan also comments that “the census shows over 45 percent of the three counties’ residents have no church affiliation. I’d love to reach out to more of them,” especially young people. “Our mission members’ dedication to their faith, church community and larger community has been growing,” she says. “I think the fact that I live here and am committed to them has made a real difference.” Susan enjoys providing leadership—and challenging parishioners to keep growing in their faith.  w w w. g l e n m a r y. o r g

Then & NOW

A Mission Up North in Pa.

Glenmarians brought strong Catholic presence, ecumenical spirit

t the invitation of the Diocese of Harrisburg (Pa.), Glenmary sent missioners to a new Appalachian territory starting in 1965—three of the last Pennsylvania counties with no resident priests. These northernmost missions were like other Glenmary mission areas: rural and isolated, with a very low percentage of Catholics, high poverty rate, and significant percentage of people with no church affiliation. One of those three missions was based in New Bloomfield. Glenmarians served there for 11 years—a time of real growth for St. Bernard mission in numbers, as a faith community, and in ecumenical outreach, before it was returned to diocesan care.

 1965: A trailer was purchased and parked behind

St. Bernard Church in New Bloomfield, Pa., as the first Glenmary residence. A parish rectory was built and dedicated in 1970.

 1968: In addition to the pastors, Brother Louis

Benoit served as part of St. Bernard’s mission team for seven years. One of his ministries was as chaplain at a state-run development center for boys from difficult backgrounds. Glenmary was told: “What we need is a strong dose of Christianity…”  1975: Father Jim Ploeger, the last Glenmary pas-

tor, posed with some St. Bernard parishioners outside the church on the weekend when he said good-bye. As the Autumn 1975 Challenge stated: “Glenmary’s work in Pennsylvania is complete.”

 2015: St. Bernard in New Bloomfield is now

a diocesan parish of over 1,100 members, who gather in a new church building. Father Robert Sharman, the pastor, says Glenmary missioners “helped form the parish’s Christian spirit… and brought an ecumenical spirit to the area.”

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final words / from our readers

On Dr. Hall and Summer stories Eulogizing M.D./parish leader, praising ecumenism story, citing Group Seven’s impact REMEMBERING DR. JOHN HALL

(Editor’s Note: The author of the following letter, a Glenmary senior member, was a longtime mission pastor. He served 14 years (1998-2012) as pastor at Glenmary’s former Scottsville, Ky., mission and was a close friend of Dr. Hall and his family.) In the Winter 2014 Glenmary Challenge, there was a “Partner in Mission” feature about Dr. John Hall. The article recounted how he and his wife Dell were witnesses to their faith for more than 50 years in the Allen County/Scottsville, Ky., community. I was moved to write this letter because Dr. John died on May 19, 2015. At the end of his funeral Mass, several people shared memories of him. Dr. Keith Meador was among them, sharing specifically about his experience of “Dr. John as a Physician.” Dr. Meador did an internship with Dr. John. He said he thought he had greatly disappointed Dr. John when he decided not to join him in medical practice in the Allen County/Scottsville, Ky., area. Dr. Meador went on to teach at two medical schools, first at Duke University and currently at Vanderbilt University. Dr. Meador recounted that every year he devotes one whole class lecture to a topic he has never seen in a medical book and which changes the whole approach to medical practice. In the lecture he credits Dr. John Hall with the content. The title of the lecture is: “The Responsibility of a Physician to Love His/ Her Patients.” 18

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A recent emphasis in Catholic theology is that every baptized person has a responsibility to give witness to the fact that God loves with an unconditional love. Most often, God expresses this love through the love God’s human children show for one another. Each person does this in a unique way, related to the opportunities and conditions in that individual’s life. Dr. John made this insight of Catholic theology the guiding principle of his medical practice. I thank God for calling Dr. John Hall to Scottsville, Ky. Also, with a profound sense of gratitude, I rejoice in the life of Dr. John. Faithful to his baptismal call, he helped build the foundations for the Catholic Church in his beautiful town in the mid-South. His spirit lives on! Father Dennis Holly Cincinnati, Ohio ‘should be required reading for ALL pastors’

I just got the latest issue of Glenmary Challenge (Summer 2015). Since Father Steve (Pawelk) and I met in Claxton, Ga., I had been waiting to hear about good things happening in East Tennessee. And what a beautiful article I quickly read and have gone over again (“Building Ecumenical Ties Through Prayer and Friendship”). It should be required reading for all pastors—Catholic and Protestant and Orthodox and others. And the experience should be copied across the country! All the readers will feel some-

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thing of the warmth and true Christian friendship that fill the photos and print. There are so many things that caught my attention, but the most impressive is Brother Craig Digmann’s “ministry of Catholic presence” in the counties. Well done, good and faithful servants all. May your tribe increase, and increase, and increase. Father Bob Beirne Providence, R.I. the impact of group seven

The “Then & Now” feature on the Group Seven program (Summer 2015 Challenge) points out that the program’s participants left indelible marks on mission communities. My response is: Wow! The program also left indelible marks on me because of my time of service (1974-76) in Father Joe Dean’s mission parish in Hazlehurst, Ga., and the South Georgia Development Center for Multi-Handicapped Children, where I was a social worker. Group Seven was a major contributor to my future in ministry and my life as a wife and mother. Ann Lesmeister Temple, Texas Readers’ Views welcome! Send comments to: Editor, Glenmary Challenge, P.O. Box 465618, Cincinnati, OH 45246. Fax: 513-8741690. E-mail: challenge@ glenmary.org. Comments are printed at the discretion of the editor and may be edited for clarity and space. Please include a postal address. w w w. g l e n m a r y. o r g

w w w.glenmary.org t h e w e b s i t e o f C at h o l i c m i s s i o n e r s t o r u r a l A m e r i c a

O n line Co nte nts

What’s new Members Enter Church at Glenmary Missions

Four adults and four youth were received into the Catholic Church this year during Easter Vigil Masses at two of Glenmary’s East Tennessee missions. These two faith communities continue to attract new members. glenmary.org/new-members

New Catholics

Departments Ways to Give

There are many ways to donate to the Missions and Ministries Endowment. Find out how. glenmary.org/endowment

Vocations

Finding one’s vocation is not too big a journey to start or continue at any time. glenmary.org/discover-vocation

Endowment support

Resources

Compare your county to those identified by Glenmary as having great mission need. glenmary.org/mission-need-maps

News and Publications

Vocation search

Feature Story Longtime Staffer, Ambassador, Planned Giver

For nearly 48 years, Mary Vonderhaar Weitzel was a very devoted member of the Glenmary Headquarters staff—and in retirement, she is still a donor, planned giver, and ambassador for Glenmary. glenmary.org/weitzel

Mary Weitzel

2015 Christmas Cards

Glenmary’s 2015 Christmas cards will be available soon. Preorder today to share our home mission ministry with friends and family this Christmas. glenmary.org/christmascards Commission on Evangelization

Discover and implement evangelization ideas that have worked in Glenmary missions. glenmary.org/coe w w w. g l e n m a r y. o r g

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NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION U.S. Postage PAID Glenmary Home Missioners

photo / FATHER JOHN RICE

Glenmary G l i m p s e / A community of missioners

lenmary priests and brothers pose for a group photo with lay coworkers and students during the society’s 16th General Chapter, held June 15-26 in Charleston, W.Va. Pictured are 88-year-old Father Rollie Hautz (front row, right), an assistant pastor and pastor for 60 consecutive years in the home missions, and 20-year-old Thomas Nguyen (second row, second from left), the youngest Glenmary student— and most everyone in between! For more information about the Chapter gathering, see pages 4-5 of this issue.

Catholic Missioners to Rural America

Glenmary Home Missioners P.O. Box 465618 Cincinnati, OH 45246-5618