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
Winter 2016
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Walking with Immigrants
Welcoming the stranger is a teaching that springs from the Gospel
After the Fire
When a Catholic church burned down, a local Baptist congregation stepped up
We Celebrate the birth of
Christ
Adoptive parish gives outdoor nativity to Glenmary mission
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 Father William and the poverty rate is almost twice the national average. Howard Bishop Glenmary is known for deeply Glenmary Founder respecting the 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: John Stegeman Assistant Editor: Molly Williamson Art Director: Tricia Sarvak Staff Writers: Margaret Gabriel, Father John S. Rausch Planning-Review Board: Brother David Henley, Brother Curt Kedley, Frank Lesko, Father Neil Pezzulo, Father John S. Rausch, Susan Lambert, 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 © 2016, Glenmary Home Missioners. Reprint permission granted upon request.
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Remember others at Christmas time FROM THE EDITOR / John Stegeman
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he sound of a furnace kicking on woke me. Tucked under a blanket on the floor with my feet on the heater vent, my 9-year-old self immediately smelled the pine of the Christmas tree nearby. The room shined in its lights. I looked to my left and saw the stockings hanging on the mantel. Above them was our family nativity set, with solemn-looking shepherds and kings and a loving Mary and Joseph looking down at a still-to-be-filled manger where Jesus would be placed on Christmas. Tomorrow for me would mean food, presents, and my favorite Mass of the year. Warm, happy and safe, I drifted back to sleep.
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ot every child in our nation will experience the well-heated home and abundance of gifts many of us were blessed with growing up. Also, there are Catholics who live too far from a church to even get to Christmas Mass. For those of us able to celebrate this holy season with all the trimmings, let’s remember to be grateful and to give. As we join with family in our nation of great wealth, may we remember not only in prayer, but in actions, the people around us who have less. John Stegeman jstegeman@glenmary.org
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his season in Glenmary’s home mission areas, many children are making their own Christmas memories. Thanks in part to the work of Glenmary missioners and coworkers, they will grow up with memories to cherish as well. From all of us here, thank you. We wish you a blessed Advent and Christmas season.
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hile Thanksgiving is behind us, I still want to share about someone for whom I’m thankful. Dale Hanson, former assistant editor of this magazine, retired Oct. 28. He was instrumental in the good work we do, and will be missed. God be with you, Dale!
about the cover: Nativity watercolor by Jennifer Greene, www.jsgreene.com/watercolors. The nativity scene was first popularized by St. Francis of Assisi in 1223. This interpretation was painted in 2002. 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 9 / N u m b e r 4
Cover Story
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A Christmas Gift
When members of a North Carolina parish saw the "pathetic" nativity scene at Glenmary’s Cuthbert, Ga., mission, they stepped up and gave a gift that keeps on giving.
Lead Story
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Walking with Immigrants
In the faces of migrant farm workers, Glenmary Father Vic Subb sees the face of Christ. Immigrants, Page 9
Feature Story
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After the Fire
As a Catholic church burned to the ground, Christians of other denominations rescued sacred items and provided a temporary home for continued worship.
Fire, Page 15
Departments & columns
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From the President / Father Chet Artysiewicz
Father Chet admires “human sunsets,” the elderly and disabled, calling their faith a “living gift.”
Glenmary News & Notes
News, Page 6
Farewell ‘Wild Woman'; sorority supports Glenmary; President’s Gathering thanks donors; Farm site sold.
Remembering Father ’Doc’ Rademacher Gentle, steady and faithful are the key words that describe the life of long-time missioner.
Between Heaven & Earth: Father Gus
Reflecting on the search for truth, Father Neil Pezzulo said Father Guppenberger found God in his own ‘dry bones.’ Wi n t e r 2 0 1 6
Rademacher, Page 14
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from the president / Father Chet Artysiewicz
Faithful elderly are ‘human sunsets’ Those who struggle from age or ailment to get to Mass are a ‘continual gift’
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his time of year intertwines itself with gifts. At Thanksgiving we reflected upon those blessings we have received over the past year. Of course, there is the barrage of ads for the ideal gift for Christmas—for our own wish list or finding the “perfect” one to bestow. In our missions and in the hearts of Christian believers, the season brings the gift— CHRIST. I would like to tell you about a continual gift I receive throughout the year. During the “appeal season” we are invited to tell the story of our Glenmary missions. We try to share with people who have never heard of us the news that “not all missions are overseas.” We help support our missionary efforts from the collections that are taken. These appeals take us literally from coast to coast. Also, when we are available, we help provide assistance in local parishes in our area. At each appeal or local church I am touched by the gifts I encounter. They are—you.
tank to receive the Lord. Some may be in a wheelchair in the designated area of church. Others may have no limitation of movement, but we witness faces that may be furrowed with worry or sadness or just burdened with years. And yet, they come. There is a commitment to their faith and a hunger for the Eucharist that inspires them, which in turn inspires me.
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photo / Tricia Sarvak
s I look out upon the congregation, when I watch people make their way to and from church or observe their procession to Communion, I am humbled. You see, we have the ability to inspire each other, and the dedication of so many laity touches my heart. I see people struggling to navigate the walk from their pews. They may be limping, leaning on a cane or walker or even being led and supported by a spouse or child or toting a portable oxygen
TESTAMENT OF FAITH: Catholics struggling
from the effects of old age and disability are often among the first in line for communion.
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face actually does not comprise a lot of space: from forehead to chin, Father Chet cheek to cheek—not a lot of Artysiewicz area. And yet those faces are so cartysiewicz@glenmary.org different! God, you are indeed the Master Architect! In the faces of the Faithful we see the human community God created—from diverse ethnic background and multiple continents, we are one in the Lord. This anniversary of the Savior’s birth reminds us He came for all, this glorious variety of humanity. While I am touched and energized by the faith and zeal of youth, and appreciative of the continued dedication of those in mid-life, I am especially moved by the fidelity of those who have practiced the faith into their golden years. In his book, “The Unoriginal Sinner and the Ice-Cream God,” John R. Powers recounts a young man’s dialogue with God, lamenting the presence and plight of “old people.” God gently corrects the youth, explaining how much he loves these people, describing them as “human sunsets.”
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o, thank you to all of you who inspire us here at Glenmary—but especially to those whose physical limitations only make your dedication to your faith more special. We are gifted with the Birth of Jesus. And this season I urge you to look around your neighborhood and the world to see the living, breathing gifts God has bestowed on us—the human sunsets. Christ the Savior is born; may He be born in us all year long. On behalf of Glenmary Home Missioners, I wish you a blessed Christmas Season. w w w. g l e n m a r y. o r g
photo / Courtesy of St. Luke Mission
SYMBOL OF CHRISTMAS: The beautiful new crèche at St. Luke mission in Cuthbert, Ga., seen
above, was funded by the Glenmary mission’s adoptive parish, St. John Neumann. The old nativity scene included a St. Joseph statue held together with duct tape.
A Christmas Gift Cover story / Margaret Gabriel
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hile much of the United States begins Christmas celebrations on the day after Thanksgiving, the Catholic Church does not officially celebrate the first day of Christmas until December 25 itself. Susan Sweet, the recently retired pastoral coordinator of the Glenmary mission in Cuthbert, Georgia, has a different thought about the season. Setting up the church’s nativity scene during Advent highlights how Christ’s birth is celebrated in Cuthbert, where lights and tinsel twinkle for many weeks before the first day of Christmas. “If we don’t begin the celebration until Christmas Day, we lose an opportunity for evangelization,” Susan said. “Our nativity scene is a good Christian symbol.” That’s why the nativity scene was on display in early December 2012 when members of St. Luke’s adoptive parish, St. John Neumann, made their first visit to Cuthbert. Susan described what the group from Charlotte, N.C., saw when it pulled into the church parking lot with one word—pathetic. “I’m not sure when it happened, but Joseph’s head had come off, and it was repaired with duct tape,” Susan said. “There were holes and cracks in the other pieces, and we had a light-up Baby Jesus ... I think we’d been using it for 20 years.” Despite its less-than-inspirational appearance, Susan knew the importance of displaying the nativity scene in Cuthbert, where Catholics make up only one percent of the population. “It tells the community that we celebrate the birth of Christ, and they know that when they come here, w w w. g l e n m a r y. o r g
we’re going to wish them ‘Merry Christmas,’” she said. While the Cuthbert nativity scene, lovingly ducttaped together, might have been a good Christian symbol, the people of St. John Neumann thought a new crèche would be more effective. The parish invited Susan to visit them in Charlotte where they held a spaghetti supper to raise the funds needed to replace the St. Luke nativity scene. The event was also used to introduce more of the St. John Neumann parishioners to the Glenmary mission they had adopted. Susan served as the speaker for the dinner and told their adoptive parish about the work of the mission in Cuthbert. Christmas 2016 is the third year that the birth of Christ in Cuthbert will be celebrated with a beautiful nativity scene at St. Luke. The people of St. Luke built an enclosure that is decorated with straw on the roof and leaves on the floor. The crèche is easily visible from the road that runs past St. Luke and it is not unusual for people to drive into the church’s parking lot to have a closer look at the figures. The nativity scene tells the people of Cuthbert that the Catholics in their community are Bible-believing Christians. For some of them, this is a new revelation. The gift of the nativity scene was just the beginning of St. John Neumann Church’s generosity. Each year during Advent, parishioners from Charlotte travel to Cuthbert with a large truck filled with clothes for the St. Luke clothing closet. They have replenished the food pantry and the group began donating blankets to those in need. “And it all started in a manger.” Wi n t e r 2 0 1 6
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news & notes
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news & notes
photo / Glenmary group volunteer program
Obituary
Edith ’Wild Woman’ Smith dies Friend of Glenmary Farm was 96 [Kentucky] Edith Smith, better known in Glenmary circles as the ‘Wild Woman,’ of Vanceburg, Ky., died Oct. 1 at 96 after a brief illness. Edith had been affiliated with Glenmary Home Missioners in Lewis County since 1989, having hosted more than 11,000 first-time visitors from The Farm, previous site of the Glenmary Group Volunteer Program. Survivors include two daughters, Eda Marie (Pat) Gebell of Tucson, Arizona, and Mary Ellen (Oscar) Shelley of Cincinnati; five grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; and six great-great-grandchildren. “She was often a grandmotherly figure to Glenmary Farm managers and many off week nights were spent over at Wild Woman’s,” said
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A Place Prepared: Edith ‘Wild
Woman’ Smith, left, provided hospitality to thousands of Glenmary volunteers. She passed away on Oct. 1
Joe Grosek, director of Glenmary’s Group Volunteer Program. “She was a character and a joyful person.” The Lewis County Herald contributed to this report.
P e r so n n e l u p d at e
Challenge assistant editor retires [Ohio] Dale Hanson, assistant manager of communications/marketing for Glenmary Home Missioners and assistant editor of Glenmary Challenge magazine, retired Oct. 28. Hanson served as interim manager of Glenmary’s communications/marketing department twice during vacancies at that position. Hanson contributed to Glenmary Challenge’s winning three general excellence awards from the Catholic Press Association in his nearly eight years on staff.
photo / COURTESY OF THETA PHI ALPHA
P a r t n e r s i n M i ss i o n
Theta Phi Alpha raises funds for Glenmary [Kentucky] Theta Phi Alpha sorority’s Northern Kentucky University chapter hosted a fund raiser in October for Glenmary’s Camp Fiesta, a vacation bible school program that serves children of migrant workers in Tennessee. Theta Phi Alpha chapters across the country have supported Glenmary before. The NKU chapter had previously supported the former Glenmary Camp Friendship in Mississippi. More than 50 NKU students participated in competitive events like wheelbarrow racing and money was also raised via bake sale. Theta Phi Alpha’s goal was to raise $500, but they brought in closer to $1,000. Theta Phi Alpha was founded by Catholic women in 1912 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. 6
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‘SISTERS’ ASSIST GLENMARY: The sisters of Northern Kentucky University’s Theta Phi Alpha sorority used their second annual Camp Theta Phi to raise money for Glenmary’s Camp Fiesta.
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P a r t n e r s i n m i ss i o n
President’s Friends thanked at annual gathering On Feast of Most Holy Rosary, Glenmary’s partners in mission celebrated [ohio] Thirty-one members of the President’s Friends, along with their guests, came together Oct. 7 at Glenmary Headquarters in Cincinnati for a special presentation, Mass and luncheon. The annual gathering included a presentation by Father Vic Subb, pastor of Glenmary’s Holy Family mission in Lafayette, Tenn. Father Vic shared stories and wisdom from his nearly 30
years as a priest. “God is so universal,” Father Vic told the assembled guests. “There’s such diversity in the Church and God’s love permeates all over the world. We just have to be able to celebrate that and pass that on.” Mass was celebrated by Glenmary president Father Chet Artysiewicz. “Thanks to the people who support us, we’re able to be the
boots on the ground, interacting with people out in the missions,” Father Chet said at the start of Mass. “This gathering is a celebration of God’s goodness and mercy, and also the generosity of those who come here to help us celebrate the mission and the vision of Father (William Howard) Bishop and the Glenmary Home Missions. You are indeed our partners in mission.”
photo / Tricia Sarvak
President’s Gathering: After the annual luncheon, Father Don Tranel led attendees on a tour of the
Glenmary offices. A portion of the group is seen here near the statue of Father William Howard Bishop. G r o u p V o l u n t e e r P r og r am
Glenmary closes sale on Lewis Co. ‘Farm’ site With Group Volunteer Program thriving in Tennessee, former location to get new life [kentucky] The Vanceburg, Ky., property known in Glenmary circles as “The Farm” has been sold. The site of the Glenmary Group Volunteer Program from 1971 until 2014 was sold Sept. 29 to Emmaus Farm Inc. Emmaus Farm was founded by Sarah George, who served as a volunteer at “The Farm” in 2013. Proceeds from the sale will allow Glenmary to invest in much needed w w w. g l e n m a r y. o r g
improvements to its 40-year-old main office building in Cincinnati. For more than 40 years, thousands of volunteers served the people of Lewis County through the Glenmary Group Volunteer Program. Glenmary’s volunteer ministry continues unabated at the “Toppa Joppa” site in Tennessee, while Emmaus Farm plans to reopen the former Glenmary location as a Catholic retreat and
service center. “When I learned that my volunteer year would be the Glenmary Farm’s last, I decided to take on the dream that volunteer service in Lewis County could continue after Glenmary’s departure,” Sarah said. “This winter will be spent cleaning and renovating the buildings and grounds, and we will host our first volunteer groups in March 2017.”
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Fundraising
Country Raffle winners announced Proceeds help support Glenmary’s missionary outreach [ohio] The winners of the 2016 Country Raffle were drawn on Sept. 4 in Cincinnati. The first-place winner of $5,000 and the $1,500 thirdplace winner declined to have their names published. The second-prize winner of $3,000 was Mr. Ronald Fitzpatrick. An additional 11 raffle winners received $100 prizes. There was also one winner of a box of assorted food items
from the Glenmary mission regions located across the country. The proceeds from this annual fundraiser are used to help support Glenmary’s mission and ministry. For more information: Contact Glenmary’s Donor Services department at 800935-0975 or donorservices@ glenmary.org.
A Gift for You and Glenmary!
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f you are looking for a way to help secure your future, a charitable gift annuity may be the answer for you. Not only will your gift help us minister in the Home Missions, but you will receive the security of fixed payments for your lifetime backed by our promise to pay. Rates for To learn more about Glenmary One Life CGA Age 65 70 75 80 85 90
and charitable gift annuities, please contact: Susan Lambert Planned Giving Officer 800.935.0975 slambert@glenmary.org
Rate 4.7% 5.1% 5.8% 6.8% 7.8% 9.0%
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Around the Missions Susan Sweet, pastoral coordinator of Glenmary’s St. Luke mission in Cuthbert, Ga., retired Nov. 1. In a bulletin from the Executive Council, Glenmary president Father Chet Artysiewicz said, “I would like to express Glenmary’s gratitude to Susan Sweet for her many years of ministry with us ... Many blessings, Susan, on this new phase of your life.” The Glenmary mission in Maynardville, Tenn., has a new name. Formerly Blessed Teresa of Calcutta mission is now St. Teresa of Kolkata mission. The name change, noted in the Diocese of Knoxville directory, reflects Mother Teresa’s canonization and the indigenous spelling of the city of Kolkata. The Glenmary Group Volunteer Program is looking for two long-term volunteers. Glenmary’s long-term volunteers act as catalysts to volunteer groups serving with the group volunteer program on Joppa Mountain (Toppa Joppa) and to those living in Tennessee’s Grainger and Union counties. They serve the poor living in these counties and also the needs of the volunteers. St. Teresa of Kolkata mission in Maynardville, Tenn., now has the services of a permanent deacon. Deacon Larry Rossini was ordained Oct. 1 at his home parish of St. Albert the Great in Knoxville, which is about 20 miles from St. Teresa. Deacon Rossini did his internship at St. Teresa and also taught adult education classes to the parish’s English speaking community. Father Steve Pawelk, pastor of St. Teresa, and Deacon Rossini both requested Bishop Richard F. Stika to assign the deacon to the mission parish. Brother Craig Digmann has founded a greeter program at Hancock County (TN) Middle School and High School. With the consent of the superintendent and school board, Brother Craig and other adult volunteers simply greet students as they get to school, brightening their day. Brother Craig said the initiative has helped him become accepted in the community.
Glenmary minimum $5,000. All information is strictly confidential. This information is not legal advice. A future donor should seek the guidance of a qualified estate and/or tax professional to understand the consequences of a gift. Glenmary gift annuities are not issued in Alabama or Hawaii.
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Walking With Immigrants
photo / Dale Hanson
WELCOMING THE STRANGER: At a Mass celebrated at their camp, contract migrant workers in
the tobacco fields of Macon County, Tenn., receive Communion from Glenmary Father Vic Subb and visiting Glenmary student Avelardo Mercado Chavez.
“In the faces of migrant farmworkers,
I see the face of Christ” By Father Vic Subb
Editor’s Note: While the nation continues to struggle with the issue of immigration, Glenmary’s mission to bring a Catholic presence to those who need it in rural Appalachia and the South continues. Glenmary priests, brothers and coworkers minister to all people living in their mission territories.
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t the close of the tobacco season in Tennessee in February 2016, several migrant workers asked me, their priest, to come and offer a blessing for them before they returned to Mexico. The night before the visit, I had a dream that on the day of departure, their wooden barw w w. g l e n m a r y. o r g
rack—which housed more than 40 workers—was filled with many excited Tennesseans, there to say thanks and good-bye to these migrants for the long hours of work that no one else seemed to want to do. The farewell group wanted to be sure the workers were recovered after falling ill from working in the toxic fields, where many are forced to fast for fear of the dreaded vomiting from tobacco exposure. In my dream, there were hugs and selfies for a job well done. When I awakened, I went to the camp to offer my blessing. These workers had spent the previous eight months in the country with H-2A Seasonal Agricultural Visas (hard-to-obtain visas that allow people to work in the fields). Wi n t e r 2 0 1 6
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photo / Glenmary ARCHIVE
IN THE FIELDS: Working as a day loborer is backbreaking, as Father Vic Subb, left, learned firsthand when he filled in for a worker who had been injured.
When I arrived, there were no applaud-
ing fans; there were only the last of this year’s workers—10 eager men, ready to go home. Not even the boss was there, and the workers soon discovered there was no one to take them to the airport. It happens all the time. During my 29 years as a priest, I have had the blessed opportunity to minister and grow among Hispanic migrants and their families—from the tomato fields of Arkansas, to the land of Vidalia onions of Georgia, to the tobacco fields of Ohio, Kentucky and Tennessee. Those who come from foreign lands have been a source of inspiration for me, in their love of family and in the joy they carry, in spite of difficult conditions. They have sacrificed much to come to the United States.
A Mission of Love
As a Glenmary Home Missioner, I work in rural areas and towns in the South and Appalachia to help bring a Catholic presence to counties
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without a Catholic church. We Glenmarians minister to the total population of our mission areas. The ethnic composition of the county varies from mission to mission, and we serve whomever we find there. In 1987, after ordination, I was sent to work in southeast Arkansas. In towns named Crossett, Hamburg, Monticello and Warren, in parishes that were small and in early development, I ministered amid rich fields of tomatoes. Each year, hundreds of Hispanic farmworkers would arrive—some documented, some not—to live out a dream of helping their families back home. Each day, I would see these workers far out in the fields, working quickly. I felt called with my missionary heart to find where they lived, and I would visit them. Migrants do not live on the main roads; they live far out in the country. I would travel down many a dirt road seeking these strangers with my limited vocabulary of Spanish. We were not strangers for long. Maybe my being a priest helped, but a smile and a handshake go a long way. Each time I visited, I was treated as a family member. I regularly visited 30 migrant camps located out among the Arkansas pines. Once, a few days before Christmas, I visited a camp that I often went to, a camp of about 35 men, all from the same town in Mexico. They lived in a converted chicken coop. The farmer constructed a newer coop for the chickens; the men inherited the old one. “What would you like for Christmas?” I asked. “Food? Blankets? What would make Christmas seem like you are back home?” They all agreed they would like to have Mass. On December 25, during my first year as a priest, I celebrated Christmas Mass at 8 p.m. in a chicken coop. I spoke Spanish horribly. The men, mostly from the same extended family, sang like a choir of angels. The Christ child blessed us with his love. That year of 1986 began a few years of great opportunity for many people seeking a better life for themselves and their families. President Ronald Reagan signed the Immigration Reform and Control Act, and farmworker programs became the hope and the road to legalization for millions of people living in the United States. To participate, farmworkers were required to show that they had worked at least 90 days in the fields during the previous three years. Unscrupulous people saw this new law as w w w. g l e n m a r y. o r g
photo / Susan lambert, glenmary
a moneymaker. Migrants were willing to pay were paid by the bucket. The heat was unbearanything for the security of having papers. These able, the shade so inviting. I still hold what people would help the workers get papers, but might be the record for the lowest daily wage often at an unjust cost. Some became rich at the picking tomatoes in Arkansas. expense of the poor. Some migrants were willing One man, let us call him Alfredo, came to to forgo food on their tables in order to have the Arkansas with the dream that his work in the money to pay for these services. tomato fields would allow his two sons to go to I could not allow this situation to continue in college. “They are going to get an education and my area, so I studied the laws. I began to help make something of themselves,” he would say. people with the paperwork for no charge, spend- He was so proud of those boys. ing nights filling out forms and taking them to One day he fell off the top of a farm truck and get the needed physicals, photos and fingerhit his head. Blood soon appeared at the back printing. of his head as he lay unconscious. The farmer Whenever there was a significant number said, “We can’t take him to the hospital; they of people, we would take a four-hour trip to will know I hire illegals.” After a few hours his Memphis. We would gather the night before to friends got a car, but it was too late. I called his pray. Many could not sleep: We were going to wife in Mexico with the horrible news. Several Memphis, to the office of immigration. The ride months later she called me. “Life is hard here. up was always silent. The wait outside the ofMy oldest, José, 15 years old, is coming north. fice seemed unbearable. The joy that appeared Please look out for him.” on the face of each person when he or she heard the words “Your application has been approved” still makes my heart sing. The realization that they no longer needed to live in the shadows was a blessed new experience. Over the years, I’ve had the honor of helping many more than 1,000 people attain legal status in this country. Those long trips transformed people’s lives. During my years in Arkansas, I tried to be a voice between the workers and the farmers. As my understanding of Spanish improved, I would translate, trying to help each side understand the position BRINGING HOPE: Migrant workers gather around Father Vic Subb’s van to of the other. Sometimes I pick up supplies. Father Vic has ministered to migrant workers for 29 years. would not get a favorable response from the farmer. On a few occasions I heard, “If that priest comes Sweet Vidalias on my property again, I will shoot him.” So I Years later, I ministered as a mission pastor would meet the workers at a store. in south Georgia. There were many crops, as My goal was to build bridges, but sometimes well as a large chicken plant, but those sweet the waters were too wide. One time, a worker had an infection in his foot. He worried whether Vidalia onions were king. Harvesting onions is hard work: bending all day, cutting your hands he would be able to send money home. I offered on the onion stalks. To this day, when I am to take his place picking tomatoes for a day. We w w w. g l e n m a r y. o r g
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enjoying an onion, I still pray for the person who picked it. As with other crops in other states, onion camps are located out of sight, with a culture of their own. In Georgia, they are big. When I was there, 100 men, women and children would often live in a camp with one bathroom and one telephone. My visits would be in the evenings. I would load the van with food for the newly arrived, because there would be no money until there was work, and sometimes that was a long time. Medicine and bandages were among the other supplies I always carried on the trip. I would try to bring others from the parish with me, hoping to extend my efforts. On each visit, I would listen to stories, tell jokes and, most of all, be present. Most of these workers would say that, besides their boss, they did not know any other American. One day I received a call from a man named Mario who said his friend Juan wanted me to visit him. When I arrived at Juan’s old trailer, I was greeted by Mario. He brought me to Juan, who told me his story. By now, I could speak Spanish well enough to understand: “For two weeks, José, my best friend, and I walked in the desert to come to the United States,” Juan began, in his native tongue. “Along the way we encountered 10 dead bodies in the desert. The sun was hot. I lay under a tree a while, not sure if I would wake up. When I did get up, I could not find José. I called his name, I looked all over. He was weak, like me.” Juan said his feet were so sore he didn’t even know how he continued. Now, he said, he couldn’t sleep at night. “I keep thinking of José. Why did I ever come?” Juan lamented.
of my parish. The parishioners had gone back to Mexico for family emergencies and were kidnapped on the way back, which often means that you will not return to the United States. If you do return, there are difficulties. The kidnappers will demand money from families “if you wish to see your loved ones again.” During the years I was in Georgia, the asking price generally was $1,000 per person, a sum that no one wishes to pay. For the life of loved ones, families are forced to come up with the money. When I could, I helped them. One Christmas I was speaking to a couple in Phoenix who were holding 10 people hostage. Nine of the hostages were returning to the United States after attending their father’s funeral in Oaxaca, Mexico. The $9,000 was collected, but the 10th person was a 12-year-old boy, Francisco, who was an orphan. His parents had been murdered so, with no family, he came north. The kidnappers vowed to kill him that night, Christmas Eve, if the $1,000 ransom was not met. Where to get $1,000 on Christmas Eve? We prayed, “Jesus, help us.” Out of nowhere our prayers were answered! One thousand dollars appeared at the church by the Nativity stable of Mary, Joseph and Jesus. Francisco came to Georgia. It was a great Christmas gift for all.
“Many stories are painful to tell, perhaps unpleasant to read. Yet I’ve learned over these years that to be faithful means to listen to those who cry out in need.”
People in Bondage
Three times in Georgia, I was in communication with people who had kidnapped members
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Human Misery
What motivates people to leave family and homeland to come to a strange country—separated from all they hold dear? Reasons range from desperation to economic improvement. These dynamics fuel the risk people take to cross a border without approved documents. As people of the Gospel, we are responding to the human need we encounter. Many stories are painful to tell, perhaps unpleasant to read. Yet I’ve learned over these w w w. g l e n m a r y. o r g
photo / GLENMARY ARCHIVE
years that to be faithful means to listen to those who cry out in need. Let me offer a few final ones.
FELLOWSHIP: Father Vic spends time with the Robles family outside their home near Hamburg, Ark. The migrant workers always welcomed him as if he were part of their family, says Father Vic.
People arrive in the United States in many ways. A common way is in the back of an SUV. People are stacked on top of each other, sometimes three or four deep. They are not allowed out of the van to stretch, go to the bathroom or eat until they reach their destination two or three days later. One time, three men arrived to work in the onion fields after traveling at the bottom of a stack of people. For three days they lay on top of a hot muffler. Their legs were badly burned. The boss gave them some cream and told them to begin work in the fields. When I visited the w w w. g l e n m a r y. o r g
men a week after their arrival, two of them, brothers, could no longer walk. We sought a way to send them back to Mexico by raising money. The poor are always generous in helping the poor. A year later, I visited the brothers in Puebla, Mexico. The grim news was that they would never walk again. This is part of the human price that migrants sometimes face. Many leave the fields and work in factories, hotels or construction. Workers without legal status are often paid less than those with papers. They live in a world where they are always looking over their shoulders. Their children, born in this country, are often victims of cultural confusion. They ask themselves: Am I Hispanic or not? What language should I speak? Nonetheless, so many families— good families with smart children—assimilate well into U.S. culture. When one hears that federal immigration agents are in a town, the streets become empty, but the Catholic church is a safe haven and a source of spiritual comfort. During these times, I have come home to find 40 or 50 people seeking to hide. People in town would ask, “Where is that nice Martinez family? They seem to have disappeared. Do you think that they could be illegal? I liked them so much.” I pray for the day when our country can achieve a just solution to this difficult immigration issue. Today, from my small parish in Tennessee, I visit tobacco camps two evenings per week, when the workers return from the fields. I go because they are our brothers and sisters. I have experienced the joy of birth as well as the pain of death with those who work our fields. So let us end here. Welcoming the stranger is a teaching that springs from the Gospel. Our immigrant brothers and sisters walk the unknown paths. They, in turn, call me to leave my comfort zone, to walk with them, to know them beyond the shadows. They are a challenge to all of us. A version of this article appeared first in the national Catholic family magazine St. Anthony Messenger (www.StAnthonyMessenger.org). This version has been altered from the original.
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Father Robert “Doc” Rademacher, 1922-2016
A priest in three words A remembrance / Father Neil Pezzulo
Deceased remembered as gentle, steady and faithful servant In a culture that rewards quick fixes and flashiness, in a culture that doesn’t seemingly reward steadiness, we have an unsung hero as a role model. Doc’s example of steadily working—often behind the scenes—can teach us a lot about service in the name of God. photo / GLENMARY ARCHIVE
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f you were given only three words to describe someone’s life, what would they be? For Father Robert “Doc” Rademacher, I believe they are gentle, steady and faithful. Regardless of how many words I can use to describe “Doc”, none of them actually are enough. Like God’s love for us, Doc and his life are beyond mere words. Many times I would ask him how he was doing. His response was always the same, “I’m half deaf, half blind, I need help walking and I’ve got one foot in the grave. All in all I’m doing OK, how ‘bout you?” That being said, Doc was gentle, steady and faithful.
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entle: The world today needs more "gentle" men. I cannot think of a greater honor than to be thought of as a gentleman. Doc was always a gentleman. Regardless of the circumstances he faced, he always remained gentle. I can only imagine how his gentle manner was helpful when he was a medic in World War II, or when he was a pastor in Mississippi during the 1960’s. I personally witnessed how he maneuvered through the odd circumstances and contradictions of the Appalachian culture, always being gentle. We are all better people, better disciples because we have Father Doc seen this quality come through Rademacher Doc. His witness challenges us to be gentler.
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teady: Regardless of where, when or how we encountered Doc, he was steady. He never became too excited or too timid. He stood up for what he believed, continued to steadily work, often without many people noticing. Doc rarely called any attention to himself, so even many Glenmarians never truly appreciated how steadily and how hard he worked as a missioner. As the stories unfold, I am sure we will find out only a fraction of the good Doc did.
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Good Shepherd: Shown here in Murphy, N.C., Father 'Doc' and two other Glenmarians were charged with caring for 953 square miles of territory. He passed away Sept. 25, 2016.
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aithful: To understand what it means to be faithful—not simply in the letter of the law but in the spirit of faithfulness— all we have to do is look at the Scripture readings from Doc’s wake service. “I give praise to you, Father, Lord of heaven and Earth….Yes, Father; such has been your gracious will. …for I am meek and humble of heart; and you will find rest …” For my yoke is easy, and my burden light.” (Matt. 11:25-30) Whenever I read or hear this passage from the Gospel of Matthew, I will think of Doc. I will also offer up a little prayer. I invite you to do the same. As a child of the depression, a young man in a world war, a priest in a time of unprecedented growth in our Church, the circumstances of his life were shaped by those of the world. Regardless of what was going on, Doc always remained gentle, steady and faithful. w w w. g l e n m a r y. o r g
feature story
photo / Smokey Barn News via Brandy Trejo
photo / Frank Lesko
CHURCH DESTROYED: When Sts. Mary and James Catholic Church in Guthrie, Ky., burned down last year, fellow Chris-
tians came to its aid. According to one parishioner, local Amish and Protestant ministers helped rescue sacred items.
After the Fire
When a Catholic Church in Guthrie, Ky., burned to the ground, ecumenical ties with a local Baptist congregation became a saving grace
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By Frank Lesko
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photo / FRANK LESKO
fire engulfed Sts. Mary & James Church Guthrie, Ky., and the residents of Todd County. in Guthrie, Ky., on February 10, 2015. The The missioners constructed Sts. Mary & James blaze originated in an Church in 1948 and have appliance in the adfostered robust ministry joining hall and spread to efforts in the county. Glenthe sanctuary. No one was mary Father Frank Ruff hurt, but damage to the served as pastor to Sts. structure was total. In the Mary and James, as well as aftermath, local ecumeniSt. Susan in Elkton, from cal ties have grown stronAugust 2000 until the parger. ishes were returned to the “That church had been pastoral care of the Diocese there a long time, and it of Owensboro in 2008. Fabecame part of the comther Frank took senior munity,” said Buck Tidwell, membership at that time, pastor of nearby Tiny Town but he has continued servBaptist Church. “Even folks LOVE THY NEIGHBOR: Tiny Town ing as Sacramental Minisfrom other denominations Baptist Church Pastor Buck Tidwell, ter in Guthrie. felt like they had lost some- left, and Glenmary Father Frank Ruff The Catholic community have maintained strong ecumenical thing.” would have been “homeIn 1942, Glenmar y ties. The Baptists have hosted the less,” but when the church Home Missioners began Catholics since Sts. Mary and James burned down, the congreserving the community of church burned down. gation was able to lean Wi n t e r 2 0 1 6
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PORTABLE STORAGE: Tiny Town Baptist Church lets lo-
cal Catholics use its space for Mass. The materials for Mass are stored here when not in use.
own ways. In particular, Father John Brown (pastor, 1987-94) and Father Tom Charters (pastor, 1994-99) were active in the local ministerial association. This group would plan ecumenical worship events, address charitable needs and simply build relationships with each other. “That’s one of the values of Glenmary,” Father Frank said. “You get a sustained and consistent approach to the missionary endeavor. The attitude of general positivity between denominations was there before I came.” Father Frank said good relationships between denominations are a matter of the heart as well as the head. “It is not enough to have formal agreements and scholarly statements,” he cautioned. “You have to bring the attitude of respect and cooperation with each other.” The Diocese of Owensboro recently established the new parish of St. Francis of Assisi in Todd County, on March 24, 2016. It is made up of the former parishes of Sts. Mary & James in Guthrie and St. Susan in Elkton. Both communities were already discussing a possible merger long before the fire. They were outgrowing their buildings and were already sharing Father Frank and Deacon Heriberto. A new church is being built for the Elkton and Guthrie communities to share, but for now the former Sts. Mary and James parishioners remain at Tiny Town. The new parish name comes from three sources: First, it honors Francis of Assisi, a popular saint, even among non-Catholics. Secondly, the name is a tribute to Pope Francis, much beloved by parishioners. Finally, it recognizes Father Frank, whose given name is actually “Francis.” The name is a good reminder that buildings may come and go, but the influence of Glenmary has left a profound and lasting mark on this community.
other churches—which Father Frank Ruff, and other Glenmarians before him, helped nurture. “(Protestant) ministers and Amish people came running during the fire,” explained Anita, a Catholic parishioner. “Before the roof collapsed, everyone from town rescued everything ... It was a sight to see a Baptist minister carrying out a statue of the Blessed Mother.” With the church gone, offers started pouring in almost immediately. Five churches and two civic organizations offered space for the Catholics to celebrate Mass. After a brief stint at the Guthrie Transportation Museum, the Catholic congregation worked out an arrangement to meet at Tiny Town Baptist Church. A warm and friendly relationship between the two faith communities has developed. All agree that respect has been key. The Baptist and Catholic communities work hard to share the building and to be good neighbors. The Catholic congregation keeps the necessary items for Mass on carts at the back of the church. They set up for Mass and then meticulously return the space to its original configuration so that it’s ready for Baptist Sunday School and worship. The Catholic and Baptist communities share more than just a church building. Friendships have been formed and strengthened. They pray for each other regularly and assist each other when needed. In January, the Catholic community treated their Baptist hosts to an afternoon meal and social time in appreciation for their hospitality. “It’s bringing the (larger) community closer together,” remarked Pastor Buck. “It has really been a blessing.” One evening, Pastor Buck walked into the dark Baptist church and was surprised to see the tabernacle candle still lit. He wanted to blow it out, figuring it had been left burning accidentally. When he reported this discovery to Deacon Heriberto Rodriguez, parish life coordinator, he was surprised to learn there are times when Catholics leave the candle burning continuously. “He explained what it means and reassured me that it’s in safe (fire-resistant) glass,” remarked Pastor Buck. “Now when we go in there, we look to see that it’s lit.” Father Frank is an ambassador of the Catholic faith to people from all denominations throughout Todd County, Ky. He is a friend to clergy and is a regular face at Wednesday night revivals hosted by various evangelical churches. However, he acknowledges he is building on an established tradition. “The ice was broken long ago,” he said. “The Glenmary Sisters began their ministry in Guthrie in 1944, reaching out to everybody, regardless of church affiliation.” The men of Glenmary have followed suit in their
photo / FRANK LESKO
on longstanding relationships of goodwill with
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Father August “Gus” Guppenberger, 1934-2016
Between heaven and Earth A remembrance / Father Neil Pezzulo
Life of faithfulness showed that ‘even dry bones’ can serve
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We read about dry bones in the reading from Ezekiel at Father Gus’ funeral. Gus was insistent we read about the dry bones. He found God in his life through his own dry bones. He knew that even dry bones could serve. Even dry bones can be brought back to life.
he search for self, for wisdom, for love, for truth is the search for God. The search is strenuous, changing as we change. It is within this ever-changing tension that we live, caught between our personal relationships with God, and our fraternal/communal relationships with each other. Within Glenmary, this is usually the tension between being a “lone ranger” missioner—a single individual, called by God to serve as a missionary—versus being a community member, called by God to be a missionary. Somewhere in this tension between our search for God and our search for ourselves, and our unique call to be a missioner, can be found the liminal space between the human and the divine. It is here, in this space, we find ourselves now when mourning the loss of Father Gus. From the moment we realize we need God until our deaths, we are in this space between. In this space we face setbacks and sometimes feel like giving up. But we cannot. We may be tired, but we continue because we know that we need God. Somewhere in this space between is where I often found my friend, Gus. He had the special and unique gift of being able to walk with people who were struggling on their journey. He could also rejoice with them, too. In all his humanity, Gus was a wounded healer, because he was also a wounded warrior who knew that he needed God. photo / Glenmary Archive
“‘Son of man, can these bones come back to life?’ ‘Lord God,’ I answered, ‘you alone know that.’ ‘Prophesy over these bones, and say to them: Dry bones, hear the word of the Lord.’”
Stained Glass Lessons: Father Gus, who died Nov. 6, 2016, used the stained glass windows in Our Lady of the Fields Chapel to explain Glenmary’s ministry. They show the five essential elements of Glenmary’s mission. w w w. g l e n m a r y. o r g
For those of us who believe, we also know that when we become discouraged on the journey, we are like the dry bones. As dry as we may feel, we are people of the light. We believe in resurrection. We hold to the sure and certain expectation that our own dry bones can be brought back to life. God can put flesh on our dry bones and breathe life into us so that we can come back to life. It is then that we Father Gus will once again know that he is Guppenberger the Lord. Mary and Martha in the Gospel of John were distraught at the death of their brother Lazarus. They were like the dry bones. They had seemingly given up. But then Lazarus came out. He was raised. They once again believed Christ was Lord. Our search for God is strenuous. It is often hard and discouraging. This journey requires time, patience and an ability to persevere. This search never loses its importance or urgency. It never loses its constant reminders that we need God, particularly when our bones are dry. It is God, and only God, who can transform us and call us to be raised. It is God, and only God, who can bring our dry bones back to life. When this journey ends, and the dry bones are brought back to life, our only response is to offer thanks. Wi n t e r 2 0 1 6
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final words / from our readers
Father Rademacher a cut above A reader writes about deceased priest; Challenge editor asks for letters Remembering Father “doc”
For 30 years I was a Lay minister in Appalachia and had the privilege of knowing many great Glenmarians. But, as always, there will be a few that will stand above the many. Such a person was Father Bob “Doc” Rademacher. He wasn’t a big flag-waver or barn burner, more a laid back and easy going, steady-as-the-rockhe-was-standing-on type with a heart as big as Texas! “The Doctor” was totally dedicated to healing the ills and injustices he found in the mission fields. Social justice and the coming of the kingdom were his No. 1 priorities. The poor, the marginalized, the forgotten were always remembered by “Doc.” He was a great thread of soli-
darity and support that wove together many of us on the back roads of isolated hollers or gritty coal camps. “Doc” was a great Glenmarian, a cut above whom all that knew will never forget. Will Brickley Lottie, La. This is your space
Hello again, dear readers. Ordinarily, you only hear from me in my column, way back on page 2, but I needed a little more ink to request your help. The space I'm writing in now is borrowed from you. Your names, not mine, belong here. And so, I am asking you to write to us. We want to know what you think of Glenmary Challenge. We
want to know how we can better serve the Gospel, the mission of Glenmary, and you, the readers. The best way to do that is for us to hear from you. See the blurb below my name for instructions, and we look forward to hearing from you. John Stegeman Challenge Editor Cincinnati, Ohio Readers’ Views welcome! Send comments to: Editor, Glenmary Challenge, P.O. Box 465618, Cincinnati, OH 45246. Fax: 513874-1690. 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.
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Fast Facts
Featured Stories Lesko helps Glenmary reach non-Catholics, too
When 97 percent of the population isn’t Catholic, and you’re looking to establish a Catholic presence,you make friends where you can. glenmary.org/frank-from-columbus
Frank Lesko
Pilgrimage to Shrines of Italy with Fr. Don
Travel with Glenmary Father Don Tranel and others on a spirit-filled pilgrimage to historic and sacred locations in Italy, including Rome and the Vatican. glenmary.org/italy-trip
Challenge staff adds new member
Meet Molly Williamson, the newest member of the Glenmary Challenge staff. glenmary.org/meet-molly Molly Williamson w w w. g l e n m a r y. o r g
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Glenmary G l i m p s e / Santa's Helper
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ith a white beard and smiling persona, Father Gus Guppenberger, center, was a natural to play Father Christmas. “Father Gus was a man who bestowed and received the joy of the Gospel,” Glenmary president Father Chet Artysiewicz said. “He delighted that he was able to elicit joyful responses through his Santa Claus portrayal.” Father Gus so looked that part of Kris Kringle that he hardly needed a costume. Even outside the holiday season, he would sometimes remind a rowdy child that “Christmas is coming.” The admonition from old St. Nick would inspire them to behave. Father Gus died Nov. 6.
Catholic Missioners to Rural America
Glenmary Home Missioners P.O. Box 465618 Cincinnati, OH 45246-5618