Things Change

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 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.