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
wise missioner: listening
Father Dominic Duggins speaks on spirituality celebrating jubilarians
Honoring lives of service
to tennessee with love
Teens spend a week of service in a Tenn. mission
Ordination a joy filled event cover story
G L E N M A R Y. O R G
SUMMER 2019
80 Years of Yes
FROM THE EDITOR / John Stegeman We are a Catholic society of priests and brothers who, along with numerous coworkers, establish the Catholic Church in small-town and rural America. Founded in 1939 by Father William Howard Bishop, 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, we staff missions and ministries throughout Appalachia and the South. Glenmary missioners serve in areas where frequently less than one percent of the population is Catholic, a significant percentage have no church affiliation, and the poverty rate is often twice the national average. Glenmary is known for respecting the many cultures encountered in the home missions. Our missionary activity includes building Catholic communities, fostering ecumenical cooperation, evangelizing the unchurched, social outreach and working for justice.
GLENMARY CHALLENGE Our 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.)
In a human lifespan, 80 years is a long time. In the life of the Church which has been around for 2,000 years, it’s not so long. A lot can be accomplished in eight decades and Glenmary is living proof of that. In the Spring issue I wrote about building churches and ordaining men to the priesthood as evidence for Glenmary’s robust activity today. That’s just a fraction of what Glenmarians and coworkers are up to. We’re serving food pantries, helping kids with homework, assisting with utility bills and sharing the gift of our Catholic faith with everyone we encounter. Over the past 80 years, Glenmarians have worked to establish 142 Catholic communities so far. One can only guess how many people have, and will continue to have, access to the sacraments because of these efforts. It’s a spiritually moving thought. I am further moved when I consider all the people who had to say yes to God and to Glenmary to make this happen. Donors have given their hard-earned money to support this cause. Volunteers have spent time working with the people we help. Bishops have welcomed us into their dioceses. In 80 years, I’d like to think more than a million people have said yes to Glenmary in some way or another. God can do great things with even one yes, as evidenced by the Virgin Mary. Through her yes Christ came into the world. Through the yes of so many to Glenmary, we’ve brought Christ’s message to the margins of our own nation. Thank you for supporting us these last 80 years.
GLENMARY HOME MISSIONERS P.O. Box 465618 · Cincinnati, OH 45246-5618 513-874-8900 · 800-935-0975 · challenge@glenmary.org © 2019, Glenmary Home Missioners. Reprint permission granted upon request.
ON THE COVER: Glenmarian Richard Toboso is ordained a priest by the laying of hands from Bishop Richard F. Stika of the Diocese of Knoxville, Tenn. (Photo by John Feister)
VOLUME 82
NUMBER 2
Ordination
a joy-filled event PA G E 1 0
cover story by john stegeman
08
jubilarians honored for years of service
Glenmary Home Missioners mark milestones by recalling thriving, ongoing work in the home missions.
15
to tennessee with love
Volunteers from the Northeast lead a popular Vacation Bible School program in Lafayette, Tenn.
17
remembering father leo , a humble man
Father Leo's life as a home missioner was one of great accomplishment, but you'd never hear it from him.
Publisher: Father Chet Artysiewicz Editor: John Stegeman Asst. Editor: John Feister Art Director: Cassie Magnotta Staff Writer: Father John Rausch
Planning-Review Board: Brother Craig Digmann, Father Dave Glockner, Brother David Henley, Frank Lesko, Father Neil Pezzulo, Lucy Putnam, Father Don Tranel
Donor Advisory Board: Theodore Capossela, Jill Collet, Ivan Doseff, William Goslee, Ken Mahle, Terry Schneeman, Albert Vondra
Things Change FROM THE PRESIDENT Father Chet Artysiewicz
It’s been said the one thing in life that doesn’t change is that…things change! If we’ve been blessed with the gift of years, we can reminisce about the price of gas, the cost of a movie ticket (I remember nine cents for a kid’s ticket at my neighborhood theater), or the good old days of using carbon paper when typing a document. Of course, there are profound personal changes as well—the absence of parents and others who have died, children who have grown and relocated, a beloved neighbor or pastor with whom we have lost contact. Every four years Glenmary has a special meeting known as a Chapter. The first part of the event is given to the election of new officers—a change in the administration of our society. Having completed my second four-year term, it is time to welcome another Glenmarian into the seat I have occupied these past eight years. I encourage you to support him with your prayers as he will have to leave a ministry he no doubt loves to embrace some very new challenges. In composing this farewell column, I want to share two major observations from my time as president. The first has to do with personnel—the people we refer to as “Glenmary”—priests, brothers, sisters and lay co-workers. It has been inspiring for me to witness firsthand the dedication of these individuals. Ours is not an easy ministry and successes are measured in small quantities. But on a daily basis these folks give of themselves to serve God’s people and to further the Lord’s kingdom. The personalities and the approaches are quite diverse but there is a common fire that both ignites and unites them. From the day I took office in 2011, I have been truly proud to represent this band of missioners. My second reflection shines on you, our supporters. I’m sure every religious order has its faithful followers but you are the ones who believe in us, who encourage us by your messages of support, who enable us to serve God’s people with your generosity of prayer and resources. I have had such a tremendous opportunity to witness this in my role here at our headquarters. I 4
GLENMARY CHALLENGE
glenmary.org
always knew of our “benefactors” and prayed for them regularly, but I have now seen your faces and acknowledged so many of your contributions. As I leave this office I carry with me the memory of so many people who love Glenmary and our ministry as much as I do. In football parlance, you are that “12th Man” spoken of when the crowd lifts up the home team. Thank you for the gift you are. The new Glenmary administration will encounter its own changing realities. The landscape of the Catholic Church in America has been altered significantly in our 80 years of existence. The increased participation of the laity, the strong Spanish-speaking populations (especially in our mission areas) and the diminished number of clergy all impact the Church in the U.S. In addition to praying for the president and his council, continue to pray for vocations to continue this important ministry. Like almost all orders, we are not as numerous as in days of yesteryear—but we can still make a contribution. One thing we know for sure about the future— things will change. Thank you for your prayers and kindnesses toward me personally and for accompanying Glenmary on this changing and challenging mission. God bless.
glenmary news & notes Glenmary elects new leadership team
l e adershi p / Executive Council to guide society for next four years Father Dan Dorsey, 68, was elected president of Glenmary Home Missioners during the society’s Chapter of Elections May 6 through 10 at St. Meinrad Archabbey in St. Meinrad, Ind. Glenmary’s president heads a three-person executive council. Elected to
serve with Father Dan were Father Aaron Wessman as first-vice-president, and Brother Larry Johnson as second-vice-president.
Father Dan, a native of St. Louis, Mo., is returning to the office of president
after serving in that post from 2003 to 2011. In the interim he has served as
co-director of Glenmary’s novitiate program. Father Dan also served as firstvice-president from 1999 to 2003.
First-vice-president Father Aaron, 37, begins his term on the council af-
ter serving as pastor of Holy Spirit Catholic Church in Windsor, N.C. since 2017. Father Aaron, who grew up in Cokato, Minn., professed his Final Oath with Glenmary in 2011 and was ordained in 2012.
Brother Larry, 66, was reelected as second-vice-president, having served
in that role since 2015. Brother Larry has been involved in youth and social
outreach ministry. He is from Cleveland, Ohio and has served Glenmary in
Arkansas, Georgia, Kentucky and Tennessee in his more than 40 years as a missioner.
The new executive council’s term runs through 2023.
LEFT: After eight years of leadership, it's Father Chet Artysiewicz's turn to have a change in assignment. RIGHT: Glenmary's newly elected executive council. From left, first-vice-president Father Aaron Wessman, president Father Dan Dorsey and second-vice-president Brother Larry Johnson.
Summer 2019
GLENMARY CHALLENGE
5
ar o un d t h e mis s ion s • St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church in Unicoi County, Tenn., has begun hosting a monthly Eucharistic Holy Hour. The first one took place May 3. This opportunity is another example of Glenmary bringing the Real Presence of Christ to Mission Land, USA. • The dedication of the new Holy Family Catholic Church in Macon County, Tenn., originally scheduled for late June, has been rescheduled for Sept. 21 at 10 a.m. • Glenmary offers prayers and condolences for Holy Cross Father Joe Callahan, who died on Easter Sunday. Father Joe ministered with Glenmary in the 1970s and, among other things, helped create the philosophy of Glenmary’s group volunteer program. • Part of Glenmary's aim is connecting missions with the universal Church. Father Steve Pawelk's parish, St. Teresa of Kolkata, made that connection by chartering a bus and bringing many of the community to Cincinnati, Ohio, to attend the ordination of Glenmary Fathers Charles Aketch and Richard Toboso (see page 10 for more.)
Students profess oaths
formation / Men progress in journey to full Glenmary membership The Glenmary Oath calls each man to a special practice of poverty, chastity, obedience and prayer. Men in formation make their First Oath after their novitiate year, and renew that oath annually a number of times before professing a Final Oath, which is for life.
Five men recently renewed their oaths while two made their profes-
sion for the first time.
Jose Carlos Miguel Lopez, Samuel Mungai, Ken Wandera, Matthew
Solarz and Josiah Kimani each renewed their oaths May 24 at Glenmary's Our Lady of the Fields Chapel in Cincinnati. Jose Carlos, Samuel and Ken will be eligible to profess their Final Oaths in 2020. Matthew and Josiah may become eligible in 2021.
Glenmary Novices Erick Orandi and Willy Kyagulanyi made their First
Oaths during Glenmary's Chapter of Affairs in Charleston, W.Va.
Along the journey, each of these men has studied, experienced and
prayed about Glenmary and the Glenmary lifestyle. For example, in the no-
vitiate program, under the guidance of seasoned Glenmarians, students apply their foundations in college-level theology and philosophy to what
they’re learning about Glenmary and how the society's ideals apply to life in the Church today.
Glenmary presently has nine men in formation preparing for missionary
priesthood or brotherhood.
LEFT: Parishioners from St. Teresa of Kolkata Catholic Church in Tenn. took a bus to the ordination Mass in Cincinnati. ABOVE: Five of Glenmary's men in formation pose in front of the mission bell located at Glenmary headquarters.
6
GLENMARY CHALLENGE
glenmary.org
Growing missions
mission / 19 brought into Church
At Easter Vigils around the country, more than 37,000 people joined the Catholic Church, an increase of nearly 7,000 over 2018 according to the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. The bishops’ report cites data from 85 of the nearly 200 dioceses in the country. Two groups of people are initiated into the Church at the Easter Vigil. Catechumens are those who had never been baptized. Candidates are those who were baptized in another Christian tradition, but are received fully into the Catholic faith. In Glenmary’s 10 mission parishes, 19 people entered the Church at the Easter Vigil. The national numbers include reports from large archdioceses, like Los Angeles, which welcomed nearly 2,500, and smaller mission dioceses like the Diocese of Savannah, Ga., home to two Glenmary missions, which welcomed 311. Other dioceses where Glenmary serves—Nashville, Knoxville, and Raleigh—were not included in the bishops’ report.
Glenmary wins big at Flying Pig
awar ene ss / Local running event promotes vocation awareness Glenmary novice and avid runner Antonio Marchi ran his best time, leaving
2,972 runners behind as he won first place in the 2019 Flying Pig Marathon Tri-State Running Co. 5K race on Saturday, May 4 in Cincinnati, Ohio. He ran the 3.1 mile distance in 15 minutes, 14 seconds.
He also was part of a relay team with fellow student Josiah Kimani,
and Glenmary coworkers Wilmar Zabala (vocation counselor) and Rachel Wamsley (assistant development director) that placed third in a field of
252 teams. About 30 Glenmarians, coworkers and friends ran or walked in the 5K or other events in a weekend that has become a national draw for marathon runners.
“As I ran past the thousands of people who lined the entire 26 mile
route, once in a while someone would shout, ‘Go Glenmary!’” Wamsley said. “I felt as if we were introducing people to our Home Mission effort.”
Glenmary participated in the 2019 event to build awareness and sup-
port for missionary vocations. Anyone who walked, ran, or donated to
the effort was encouraged to pray for missionary vocations in the United States. Participants wore special t-shirts promoting home mission work and engaged other walkers and runners about how Glenmary serves in rural America.
ABOVE: Team Glenmary after the 5K. From left: Erick Orandi, Father Dan Dorsey, Antonio Marchi, Brother David Henley, Willy Kyagulanyi and Father Chet Artysiewicz. LEFT: Glenmary Father Vic Subb poses with new members of the church.
Summer 2019
GLENMARY CHALLENGE
7
Celebrating Glenmary's Jubilarians four honored for decades of ministry
by john stegeman Humanity seems hardwired by God to mark the passing of time through milestone events. Fathers Frank Ruff, Chet Artysiewicz, Neil Pezzulo and Brother Dennis Craig are celebrating a combined 185 years with Glenmary. Looking back on their ministries, they remain full of hope that the best is yet to come.
Father Chet Artysiewicz Father Chet Artysiewicz, Glenmary’s president for the past eight years, is wrapping up his tenure on the Executive Council the same year he celebrates 50 years under oath. The 74-year-old priest has seen Glenmary rise to many pastoral challenges in his five decades with the society. “I was witness to tremendous growth and expansion since I joined Glenmary in 1963, but I’ve also seen some contraction,” Father Chet says. “We were able, to a great extent, to collaborate with lay coworkers in an era when that was still not quite as common. “The Hispanic phenomenon has been a major factor as well,” adds Father Chet, who can celebrate Mass in English or Spanish. “We’ve adapted to serve the people who live where we are.” Father Chet’s mission work brought him to seven states and the District of Columbia before returning to Cincinnati as president in June of 2011. Glenmary is served by four men who professed their Final Oaths during Father Chet’s 8
GLENMARY CHALLENGE
glenmary.org
presidency, and the community opened six missions during that span. “Nobody aspires to [be president], but you know someone is going to have to do it, so you take your turn,” Father Chet says. “I’m humbled by our donors, by seeing the big picture and interacting with our men.” Father Chet has not determined his next move since turning the presidency over to Father Dan Dorsey. He intends to take a sabbatical before returning to ministry. When he does return, Father Chet hinted at the possibility of exploring a new mission territory.
Brother Dennis Craig Brother Dennis Craig was featured as the cover subject in the 1972 Glenmary Challenge magazine, just months after making his Final Oath. The article noted his skills as a handyman and his conviction as a man of faith. Fifty years later, he’s still giving his all to the home mission cause. “I decided through much prayer and discernment during my formation, that when I made my original commitment to God and Glenmary I would, with the help of God, give 100 percent effort to each assignment,” Brother Dennis says. “I was blessed to have enjoyed each of my assignments over the years even though some of the assignments would not have been what I would have chosen. God gave me the gift to go into those assignments with a positive attitude and I trusted that I would be given the
gifts that I needed to do the assignments well.” Brother Dennis’ assignments have included working on the Brothers Building crew, Glenmary’s formation team, Mission office, pastoral ministry and senior member ministry. Now 73, Brother Dennis lives at the Glenmary residence in Cincinnati. He maintains a part-time maintenance and repair ministry at Glenmary’s headquarters and in the missions.
Father Frank Ruff Father Frank Ruff isn’t one for dwelling on the past, but for what it is worth, he considers his 60 years with Glenmary “blessed.” The 83-year-old missioner and former Glenmary president remains active in a variety of ministries. “I continue to work for unity with other churches serving God's people, preaching on behalf of the poor and Glenmary, and walking with the sick as a hospice volunteer,” Father Frank says. “I find that I am happier than when I was 25, in fact, happier than I ever dreamed possible.” To young men discerning their own future, Father Frank suggests God may use Glenmary to bring out the best in them. “When I joined Glenmary I knew there was a great need in the rural South and I wanted to help but I could not visualize all I was going to be doing,” he says. “Glenmary has tapped into more creativity in me than I dreamed I had, and I continue to grow. I learned how to build community with Protestant churches and love them; how to work for racial reconciliation; and how to be a priest in an area where less than one percent of the people are Catholic. I came to help Glenmary, but Glenmary has helped me.” Father Frank lives in Trenton, Ky., where he assists at
the local parish and fills in for area priests. He is often on the road, preaching on behalf of Glenmary or Unbound, a Catholic nonprofit.
Father Neil Pezzulo Like Father Chet, Father Neil’s anniversary is lining up with the end of his second term on Glenmary’s Executive Council as first-vice-president. Celebrating 25 years as a missioner, Father Neil, 57, can’t help but think of his earliest experience with Glenmary. “In the Gospel of John we read and are invited to ‘come and see.’ When I accepted that invitation to actually come and see Glenmary, I fell in love,” he said. “I fell in love with what the Church could be, the limitless possibilities. I fell in love with the idea that what we are trying to create is not so much a Church for today but the Church of the future. It's larger than me and you. It’s something we can leave as a legacy for future generations.” A native of Schenectady, New York, Father Neil has worked to leave a legacy in North Carolina, West Virginia, Alabama, Arkansas and Kentucky, as well as through his work in administration. Just as important as the mission work he has done, however, is the work that remains. “A community that is small and growing or is not yet totally established has to be creative in order to survive,” Father Neil said. “They cannot rely on programs or tradition. As a missionary I am allowed to be part of that creativity and it's exciting. Each day God reveals something new, something challenging and something that allows us the be part of building the future for the next generation.” In May, Father Neil was succeeded as first-vice-president by Father Aaron Wessman. Beginning in January 2020 he will become pastor of Glenmary's missions in Maynardville and Rutledge, Tenn. Summer 2019
GLENMARY CHALLENGE
9
Ordinations
a joy-filled event by john stegeman
Applause, song and even dance erupted as Father Charles Aketch and Father Richard Toboso were ordained priests April 27 in Cincinnati, Ohio.
10
GLENMARY CHALLENGE
glenmary.org
photos by john feister and cassie magnotta
Family, friends, Glenmarians and mission parishioners filled St. John Neumann church, located near Glenmary's headquarters, for the joyous occasion. Early in the ceremony, Glenmary president Father Chet Artysiewicz called the ordinands forward. As he announced their names, they replied, “present.” Bishop of Knoxville, Tenn., Richard F. Stika expanded on that moment in his homily. “Everything you are. Everything you have been. Every experience that is a part of your life; family and friends from different parts of the world, in one dramatic moment were contained in that word, present,” Bishop Stika said. “Because now you present yourselves before the Church, to be of service for the Church. And not as a building, but in service of the Church as the living body of Christ.” In the Rite of Ordination the men expressed their willingness to take on the obligations of priesthood. They knelt before the bishop to make promises of obedience, laid prostrate on the floor invoking the prayers of the saints and experienced the laying on of hands by Bishop Stika. The assembled priests in attendance laid hands on the ordinands as well. After the sign of peace, the Mass continued with the newly ordained joining as concelebrants. Following communion a choir sang “Moyo Wangu Wamtukuza Bwana,” which is Swahili for “My Heart Glorifies the Lord.” The congregation clapped along as
OPPOSITE PAGE: Bishop of Knoxville Richard F. Stika prays as Fathers Charles Aketch and Richard Toboso lay prostrate during the Rite of Ordination. ABOVE: Fathers Charles and Richard pray during the Mass. BELOW: Glenmarian and visiting priests concelebrate the ordination Mass.
Summer 2019
GLENMARY CHALLENGE
11
12
GLENMARY CHALLENGE
glenmary.org
photos by cassie magnotta
the newly ordained priests were joined by others in a dance as is commonly seen in Kenyan worship. There was an emotional moment when Father Charles' mother, Rose Adhiambo Aketch, stood up to share a blessing with her son. Each blessed the other. Bishop Stika then knelt before Father Charles and Father Richard, respectively, to receive their blessings. .Father Charles is assigned at Holy Family in Macon County, Tenn., where he served a deacon. Father Richard was recently named Administrator of Glenmary's Bertie and Washington county missions in North Carolina, effective Sept. 16. “It was a wonderful day to be a part of the ordination of Fathers Richard and Charles,” then-Glenmary
president Father Chet Artysiewicz said. “It was particularly touching when the bishop knelt and asked for their blessings. “Adding two priests to our number will allow us to better minister to the communities we serve and opens the possibility of expansion in the future," he added. OPPOSITE PAGE: Father Charles Aketch, left, blesses Bishop Stika at the conclusion of Mass. ABOVE LEFT: Father Richard receives the chalice and paten, symbols of the priestly office. ABOVE RIGHT: Vocation Director Brother David Henley receives a blessing from the newly ordained. BELOW: Father Charles, left, and Father Richard celebrate a Mass of Thanksgiving together the day after their ordination, at St. Matthias Church, near Glenmary headquarters, in Cincinnati.
Summer 2019
GLENMARY CHALLENGE
13
Wise Missioner
interviews on glenmary spirituality
father dominic duggins : listen
It was a spiritual director who made the difference for Glenmary Father Dominic Duggins. In his twenties, he had been a Glenmary Brother for several years when a series of conversations with a wise listener helped young Brother Dominic put things into a new perspective. At the end of the year Brother Dominic requested that Glenmary allow him to study for the priesthood. Over the last 45 years, and particularly the last five years, he’s learned to be a better listener, both to the people around him and to the inner voice of God. Q: How did listening affect your life choices? A: By nature I am a quiet person and listening quietly to others is a gift. Along my career, serving in missions and the Glenmary administration, I began to discover that it was my gift to listen to people. It was something that I could bring to ministry in the missions. 14
GLENMARY CHALLENGE
Q: Over time, did you become a better listener? A: Absolutely! You have to learn how to listen and recognize within yourself that you don't always have the answers. You learn that you just have to be present for people as a sounding board; more times than not they discover the answer by themselves. Q: So there’s a connection between listening and prayer? A: When giving spiritual counsel to someone, I listen to what the person is saying. Telling their story can be a form of prayer for that person. I take what it is they say, and encourage them to pray: “Dear God, here it is. What do we do? What would you do?” Or “Where do I find your son, Jesus, in this situation?” There are times during that process that a light goes on. Sometimes it just takes listening to them. Q: We hear about action and contemplation as types of prayer. Do both of those work for you? A: Sometimes the conversation with God is quiet. I just go now to a quiet space, just sit there and be present. I think that God comes to us in many ways. Yes, God can come glenmary.org
to you through me; and God can come to me through you. God is not restricted. I think, though, more times than not it's in the quietness that God speaks. Q: What are the biggest obstacles to prayer? A: The cell phone, social media, computers—turn those off. Q: What kind of advice might you give a young person who would ask you, Help me to pray? A: Recently I gave an individual a small prayer: “God, give me a peaceful and understanding heart, and the grace to let go of things over which I have no control.” It takes 10 to 15 seconds. Down the line you could spend five minutes just repeating that phrase, or any other phrase. Tell God what you want: “God, I'm having a hard time at work,” or “I'm having a hard time understanding.” That's part of your prayer, part of who you are. You can do that in three to five minutes. I’ve learned to appreciate silence. As Pope Francis says, “Don't talk. Just sit before Jesus and let Jesus talk to you.” That's a challenge. —John Feister This interview is part of a series on the spirituality of Glenmarians.
To Tennessee with love
story + photos by john feister It’s summer, so it must be time for Vacation Bible School in the Glenmary mission in Lafayette, Tenn. Every year Jesus the Good Shepherd parish in Owings, Maryland, packs much of its youth group into a few vans, complete with a week’s food and supplies, and heads down the highway—12 hours—to Lafayette. Every day for the next week, the vans will drive children of all ages from surrounding counties back and forth to a local school for daytime classes and recreation with the Maryland volunteers. It winds up being about more than “Bible class.” This school’s all about the living Bible, the relationship of people together, touched by God. It all started back in 2001, when Glenmary Father Neil Pezzulo was in training in Washington, D.C., spending his diaconal year at Jesus the Good Shepherd nearby. He noticed their lively summer Bible school. Julie Gartrell, the now-retired religious education director, remembers when Father Neil took over his first Glenmary parish, in Arkansas. “I wish we had something like that in our parish,” Father Neil commented to her. That was all that Julie needed to hear. She started the annual mission trip for her youth
group—a week to Arkansas, a completely different environment for the Maryland youth to have a service experience. When Father Neil left Arkansas, Julie brought her program to another Glenmary parish, Holy Family, in Lafayette, Tenn., where Father Vic Subb is pastor. None of the Marylanders seem to mind the long drive to Tennessee. Deacon Paul Fagan, one of a handABOVE: Volunteer Sarah Donaldson poses with two Vacation Bible School students. BELOW: Father Vic Subb delivers his homily during a Mass for Holy Family's Vacation Bible School.
Summer 2019
GLENMARY CHALLENGE
15
ful of adult chaperones, says, “Once I saw what this program was, I said, Wow, this is really big stuff! And that’s not just for the kids that we touch here, but for our kids. They're changed in a lot of good ways.” Deacon Paul has been a key adult leader in recent years, and is now serving as a bridge of sorts between Julie, now retired, and the new youth minister, Casey Esser. It’s beneficial for more than the children, says Father Vic. “The generosity of the Maryland parish is a good example for us, as a parish, including for our teenagers,” he says. “It allows us a greater outreach, which is something our parishioners want.” And it goes both ways. The parishioners from Jesus the Good Shepherd might even get back more than they give. “At the end of the week they cry, they don’t want to leave," Father Vic says. "The teenagers are very good
16
GLENMARY CHALLENGE
glenmary.org
models for our teenagers, and vice versa.” For the participants though, whether students from Macon County or volunteers from Maryland, it’s about more than having a good time. At the week’s closing liturgy, after five full days of raucous, fun activity combined with faith sharing, Bible study, and relationship building, no one’s quite the same. “The youth from both places develop relationships over the years,” says Father Vic. “That has more impact than we’ll ever know.” ABOVE: Volunteers and adult leaders begin each day by gathering for prayer. BELOW: Volunteers and participants share at many levels during the week, here they share food. During the day they share activities and Bible study; at week's end, they share mementos, writing messages on each other's shirts.
Our Humble Father Leo He Never Made a Fuss
in memory / father neil pezzulo Father Leo came from a generation described as “The Greatest Generation.” There is certainly a whole lot of truth to that. I was raised by parents of this generation and I believe that what made the entire generation great were not their accomplishments, bravery or even their ability to meet and triumph over all challenges; rather, it was their mature silence about it all. Simply put, they went about their business without making a fuss. When Father Leo was young, he was on a warship being torpedoed. In what I believe will become an iconic quote in Glenmary history, he described that night simply. “It makes a fellow take stock in their life and think about a few things and decide what is important,” he said. Honestly, I believe that he totally understated the experience, which would be common for his generation. He didn’t want to make a fuss. Because Father Leo and I came from different generations and experiences as missioners we didn’t know much about each other until one evening during the summer of 2004. I had recently arrived in Waldron, Ark., and Father Leo was passing through. He was going to spend the night and continue on his way the next morning. Despite having other plans, we stayed home and talked.
He told me stories about growing up in Cincinnati and of the adventures he had with his brother Paul. He had stories about Glenmary and Glenmarians I had never heard before. Even as I was sitting in western Arkansas, I had no idea that he was the Glenmarian who came to the area first and “opened it up” for Glenmary. While Father Leo was in Texas and Oklahoma opening up the territories and starting Catholic communities, he also would take in and help others. If a fellow Glenmarian had hit hard times, Father Leo was the guy who would be there for them, walk with them and help restore them to the health they needed in order to be the very best missioner they could be. Once again, you’d never have known this about him without asking. A few months ago, I was speaking with a priest who had studied with Father Leo when he was the Director of Education for Glenmary. This fellow had, in his words, hit a wall in his formation. One evening Father Leo sat with him and listened. He didn’t offer advice or directives. He listened and supported. When the conversation was over, it was clear to this fellow that he was being called to a different life than what he had exSummer 2019
pected. To this day, some 35 years later, he is still grateful for that evening. That night had truly changed the direction of his life. And no one knew. Leo's story is one that could fill multiple pages on its own. He was the founding pastor of several missions, he was a major pioneer in Glenmary's effort to establish home missions in Colombia and he is remembered fondly by many. Every one of us who remembers Father Leo has a story to tell about him, and I'm pleased to share mine with you here. It is a memory that I cherish. There is no doubt in my mind that on any given day in his 67 years of mission ministry, he was the face of Christ, a life line to Jesus, a solid faithful force in the lives of those he served. He was a brother, a friend, a servant of God. He was a priest and a member of the greatest generation. He and his generation were great not just because of what they accomplished, but how they did it all in humility. Father Leo simply went about his business as a missioner and didn’t make a fuss. GLENMARY CHALLENGE
17
letters to the editor happy new reader
We just began receiving Glenmary Challenge and thoroughly enjoyed reading it. The good spiritual articles, the word of the people involved in the new parish, talents of the brothers. etc. Mary Ann Thome · Sparta, Mich. bringing the light
We really enjoy receiving copies of the Challenge you mail. The staff on the publication does a great job. The work that Glenmary does is tremendous. Remember, “it is better to light one candle than to curse the darkness.” Danny Moran · Bridgeport, Conn. success story
Congratulations to Father Steve Pawelk on his accomplishments, and to John Feister for writing such an interesting story for the Glenmary Challenge.
I love success stories about my former students. St. Teresa of Kolkata’s new church and Father Steve’s success are very wonderful because they give glory to God in a very special way. Sister Alice Imdieke, OSB · Albany, Minn. small world
Imagine our surprise when we saw Morgan McCarty in the Autumn copy of the Challenge. (Pictured hiking the Appalachian Trail in “Breaking Bread in the Mountains,” and at right trying Brother Tom's banana bread.) She was our vet for large animals in the area in and around Silt, Colo. It was good to see Brother Tom Sheehy on the trail to greet her and others. I’m very proud of the people who built Glenmary’s new churches. It is wonderful. Jim & Mary Roark · Silt, Colo.
we want your feedback !
Send to: Editor, Glenmary Challenge, P.O. Box 465618, Cincinnati, OH 45246. Email: 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 with your letter.
Leave a legacy of faith in the missions Gifts to Glenmary in the form of bequests from wills and trusts are gifts from one generation to the next that ensure a lasting Catholic presence and Christian care to people in our missions for years to come. If you have remembered Glenmary in your will or trust, please let us know so we can have the pleasure of thanking you now. For more information, contact: Luke Carey, Planned Giving Officer lcarey@glenmary.org 800-935-0975
18
GLENMARY CHALLENGE
glenmary.org
Your gifts leave a legacy that will: Build Catholic churches in the United States Provide sacraments to Catholic communities Serve the poor in our missions Nurture and strengthen Catholic communities Support men who are called to the vocation of missionary priesthood and brotherhood
T H E W E B S I T E O F C AT H O L I C MISSIONERS TO RURAL AMERICA
glenmary.org
Be Inspired by Missioner Saints Visit Glenmary.org each week to learn about a new saint who lived life as a missionary, just as Glenmarians do every day.
glenmary.org Come and See God is calling you to a vocation. Is it as a missionary priest or brother with Glenmary? Come and see what Glenmary is all about.
glenmary.org/come-and-see Follow us on Facebook! Learn more about our missions and get to know our priests, brothers, and coworkers. One thing’s for sure, life at Glenmary is never boring!
Religious Brothers' Day Each May 1 the Church honors religious brothers while celebrating the Feast of St. Joseph the Worker.
glenmary.org/st-joseph-religious-brothers/
facebook.com/glenmary.org Ordination Video on the Web Our friends at The Catholic Telegraph created a video of Father Charles’ and Father Richard’s Ordination. Check it out on our homepage.
glenmary.org Discerning a Religious Vocation
Where are the missions?
Are you searching for meaning in your life? Are you up for adventure, and willing to let Jesus lead you? You may have a vocation as a priest or brother.
See where we are serving and where we've served with our new interactive map.
glenmary.org/missions/
glenmary.org/vocations Glenmary in the News
Attend Our Adult Mission Trip Glenmary’s Adult Mission Trip is October 20-26, 2019. Sign up today to serve with us in Eastern Tenn.
Glenmary’s mission work often makes headlines. Check out a monthly roundup by visiting our website and searching for “in the news.”
Email: jsauter@glenmary.org
glenmary.org
Summer 2019
GLENMARY CHALLENGE
19
here I am lord...send me! live a life of adventure and meaning as a glenmary priest or brother glenmary.org/vocations
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
P.O. Box 465618 ¡ Cincinnati, OH 45246-5618
NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION U.S. Postage PAID Glenmary Home Missioners
