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 2014
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Shining a Light on Ecumenical Relations Outreach effort launches
Anticipating, Meeting Needs in Georgia Pastor loves his ministry
The Church in northeast Mississippi:
Maintained & Nurtured
GLENMARY HOME MISSIONERS Founded by Father William Howard Bishop in 1939, this Catholic society of priests and brothers, along with numerous coworkers, establishes the Catholic Church in smalltown and rural America. Glenmary is the only religious community devoted exclusively to serving the spiritually and materially poor in the rural U.S. home missions. Today, supported entirely through freewill offerings, it staffs missions and ministries throughout Appalachia and the South. Glenmary missioners serve in areas where less than three percent of the population is Catholic, a significant percentage have no church affiliation and the Father William poverty rate is almost twice the Howard Bishop national average. Glenmary is known for deeply respecting the Glenmary Founder many cultures encountered in the home missions—Appalachian, Native American, African American and Latino among others. Its missionary activity includes building Catholic communities, fostering ecumenical cooperation, evangelizing the unchurched, social outreach and working for justice.
GLENMARY CHALLENGE This quarterly magazine has three goals: to educate Catholics about the U.S. home missions, to motivate young men to consider Glenmary priesthood or brotherhood, and to invite all Catholics to respond to their baptismal call to be missionary by partnering with Glenmary as financial contributors, prayer partners, professional coworkers and/or volunteers. Glenmary Challenge is sent to all donors, to U.S. diocesan clergy and to anyone who requests it. (To begin receiving issues, use the contact information below.) Publisher: Father Chet Artysiewicz Editor: Jean Bach Assistant Editor: Dale Hanson Art Director: Tricia Sarvak Staff Writer: Margaret Gabriel Planning-Review Board: Father Gus Guppenberger, Brother Jack Henn, Brother Curt Kedley, Patrick McEntee, Kathy O’Brien, Susan Sweet, Father Don Tranel
GLENMARY HOME MISSIONERS P.O. Box 465618 • Cincinnati, OH 45246-5618 513-874-8900 • 800-935-0975 www.glenmary.org • info@glenmary.org © 2014, Glenmary Home Missioners. Reprint permission granted upon request.
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A legacy left, a task undertaken FROM THE EDITOR / Jean Bach
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lenmary’s work in Mississippi, specifically in the Diocese of Jackson, over the past 49 years has been “outstanding,” according to Bishop Joseph Kopacz. “The dedication of missioners and coworkers has been incredible. They have truly carried the missionary work forward.” The last Glenmary missions were returned to the pastoral care of the diocese this past summer (see page 9), but the impact of the missioners’ presence continues to be felt. Msgr. Elvin Sunds, who serves as vicar general of the diocese, has worked with Glenmary priests, brothers and lay coworkers for 45 years. As a young seminarian, he saw small Catholic communities formed in the northeastern part of the state where very few Catholics lived. “And these mission churches not only survived, but they grew,” he says. “Glenmary has been a model for evangelization in this diocese, bringing information about the Church and sharing the Catholic faith with the unchurched in this region.”
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n the Summer 2014 Glenmary Challenge, Father Chet Artysiewicz said he was heartened that “many former Mississippi missions are continuing on with Glenmary’s missionary charism of nurturing the faith and reaching out to those most in need.” That’s quite a legacy to leave. And it’s quite a task to begin in Jean Bach counties where the Church is not jbach@glenmary.org effectively present. But missioners and coworkers remain undaunted by the challenge of ensuring that one day the Church is known and the faith celebrated and shared in every U.S. county. That’s a gift that truly keeps on giving. Merry Christmas! Correction: The beginning date of the Glenmary Lay Missioners was incorrect in the Autumn 2014 “From the President” column due to an editing error. The correct year is 1957. ABOUT THE COVER: Leslie Mote of St. Helen mission in Amory, Miss., was part of the legion of angels in a Christmas pageant led by Father Larry Goulding in the early 1980s. w w w. g l e n m a r y. o r g
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
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Vo l u m e 7 7 / N u m b e r 4
COVER STORY
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Maintained & Nurtured
Although there are no longer Glenmary missions in northeast Mississippi, the society’s ministry has left an indelible mark on the people and the Church in the region.
FEATURE STORY
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Shining an Ecumenical Light
The Catholic-Evangelical relations initiative begins a new chapter in Glenmary’s ecumenical efforts. Ecumenism, Page 15
DEPARTMENTS & COLUMNS
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From the President / Father Chet Artysiewicz
The gifts of Emmanuel and our Catholic faith make having a “poor” Christmas impossible.
Glenmary News & Notes
Tennessee youth take leadership roles; 75th-anniversary culminates; mission envisions a new church.
Tennessee youth, Page 5
Then & Now
Current Glenmary missions continue ministry, but there’s still much work to be done.
Missioner in Action
Father John Brown stays busy anticipating and meeting needs in two of Glenmary’s newest missions.
Busy missioner, Page 14
Partner in Mission
For the past 50 years, Dr. John Hall has been the face of Catholicism in Scottsville, Ky.
Final Words / from our readers
Anniversary wishes continue as readers reflect on the impact of missions and missioners. Wi n t e r 2 0 1 4
The Halls, Page 17
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FROM THE PRESIDENT / Father Chet Artysiewicz
A ‘poor’ Christmas? Impossible! The gift of Emmanuel ensures that Christmas—and our lives—could not be richer
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remember reading a column by Celestine Sibley in the Atlanta Journal Constitution years ago, which recounted the story of her father telling her mother that “the lumber business is going badly. It looks like a poor Christmas this year.” Her mother replied, “A poor Christmas. Shame on you! There is no such thing as a poor Christmas! Times can be hard and people poor, but Christmas stands by itself as glorious and unmatched by anything else in history.” Truer words were never spoken! The Christmas Mrs. Sibley wrote about could be described as a “hard-candy Christmas.” It wasn’t until I was an adult that I heard that phrase used to describe a Christmas celebrated during hard times, when all that could be afforded in the way of a gift was a bag of hard candy. Of course, looking through the eyes of faith, I know it doesn’t matter if there are gifts of chocolate candy, hard candy or no candy at Christmas. What we receive from each other isn’t important. It’s the gift of the newborn King that we possess, celebrate and give thanks for. As we prepare to commemorate the event that changed the world—the arrival of the One missionaries are sent to proclaim—we are immersed in dire reports on daily newscasts. But this season offers us reasons for hope and joy. Gratitude for our blessings builds to a climax with the celebration of the birth of the Savior.
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hat will Christmas 2014 bring? Might a family situation be altered for good or ill? Will it be a time to celebrate the gift of new life…or the promise of eternal life? How many times will we hear reports of how the season is or isn’t boosting the overall economy? What shape will the world be in when the Prince of Peace arrives? Will we sleep in “heavenly peace” or deal with insomnia, worrying about the next terrorist threat? To be sure, Christmas means a variety of things for those living in this very diverse country of ours. For the most part it is associated with positive things—family gatherings, an outpouring of generosity, a feeling of harmony—which disappear all too soon. 4
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We Catholic Christians should use the approach of proposing and not imposing our own particular meaning of Christmas and our faith. Respect is the starting point of meaningful dialog between people. But we can be unapologetically certain of what the Nativity means to us. Did you see what I just did? I constructed a bit of a changeup in substituting Nativity for Christmas. After all, the essence for us as believers is the birth, the Nativity, of Jesus. I fear sometimes that, even when the word Father Chet Christmas wins the word battle Artysiewicz with Holidays, the core event of cartysiewicz@glenmary.org Jesus’ birth is lost in a flurry of seasonal events. The Nativity scene should humble the world. How incomprehensible that almighty God became one of us! If we gift each other with substantial gifts or hard candy, know that we have already received the ultimate gift from God in the form of his Son. If our heartstrings are tugged and our generosity increased this time of year, can our God be outdone in generosity? If there is joy in family reunions, the ultimate joy awaits in the great reunion of heaven, where there are no good-byes.
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hatever our circumstances this year, the profound reality of Emmanuel— God with us—offers joy to the world and ensures that our Christmas celebrations and our lives could not be richer! Thank you for your generosity, which for the past 75 years has helped us share this message with those living in the home missions. The celebration of our anniversary in October will linger with us Glenmarians long into our future. We are truly grateful for the response of our supporters and the affirmation of our ministry. It was overwhelming and humbling, and the celebrations far exceeded our expectations. On behalf of Glenmary and those we serve, have a blessed Nativity season! w w w. g l e n m a r y. o r g
Glenmary
Tennessee youth lead at diocesan, local levels
news &notes PHOTO / COURTESY ST. MICHAEL MISSION
YOUTH MINISTRY
‘We have to keep the fire burning in them. They are the Church’s future.’ [tennessee] The members of St. Michael the Archangel mission’s youth group are not only taking leadership roles within their community, but also on a diocesan level. Luis Reynoso and Samuel Murillo have been named to the Knoxville Diocesan Youth Ministry Advisory Council, and Emily Briest is serving on the diocesanretreat peer team. This team helps sponsor the diocesan-wide SEARCH retreats for teens. Kathy O’Brien, pastoral associate at the mission and the youth group leader, says she encourages all the members of the youth group to take leadership roles within the group, the mission and the greater Unicoi County community. These three young people have been rising to the challenge and are now gaining leadership experience on the diocesan level. Kathy is encouraging them to bring these experiences home to share with their fellow w w w. g l e n m a r y. o r g
LENDING A HELPING HAND: Kathy O’Brien (far
right) and youth group members from St. Michael the Archangel mission in Erwin, Tenn., pause during a yard cleanup project for a legally blind homeowner.
ects for county residents; and much more. Kathy also works to help the youth become more aware of the larger Church by connecting them with other Catholic youth on diocesan and national levels. The youth have attended national and diocesan youth conferences and retreats and participated in other diocesan events on a regular basis. “It’s challenging for Catholic youth to live in a mission area because they’re a small minority,” Kathy says. “We can help them develop their Catholic identity by getting more involved in their parish and doing faithbased activities together. “I can see the Spirit moving in these young people. We have to keep the fire burning in them, because they are the Church’s future.”
youth group members. its youth activities and an Just as this three-year- anti-drug/alcohol mesold mission has grown in sage; done service projmembership, so has the youth ministry program. Today the 21 members F U N D R A I S I N G of the group meet each Sunday for faith formation, fun activities, a meal and planning for $143,140 helps support missionary outreach future activities. [ o h i o ] The winners ner of $1,500 wishes to These activities focus of the 2014 Glenmary remain anonymous. on helping the teens have Country Raffle were An additional 11 raffle positive new experiences, drawn by Father Chet winners received $100 serve those in need, have Artysiewicz on Aug. 31 prizes. A basket of items fun and grow in their in Cincinnati. from Glenmary missions faith. The first-place win- and a quilt from a misAs a result, they have ner of $5,000 was Msgr. sion county were also helped coordinate the George Ryan of Little raffled this year. mission’s Vacation Bible Neck, N.Y., and the $3,000 Proceeds from the anSchool; staffed a booth at second prize went to Ken nual fundraiser help supa downtown “block party” Pavlick of Ft. Lauderdale, port Glenmary’s mission to promote the mission, Fla. The third-prize win- and ministry.
Country Raffle winners announced
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N O T B R A L LY
Voting, fair wage encouraged National Catholic social justice lobby stops in Lexington [kentucky] Glenmary Father John Rausch was the master of ceremonies for a rally held on Oct. 2 in Lexington, Ky., by Nuns On The Bus (NOTB), a project of NETWORK, a national Catholic social justice lobby. Since 2011, women religious have boarded a large tour bus and traveled across the United States to hold rallies promoting social justice outreach. This year, the women embarked on a 10-state, 36-city, 75-event tour. In 2014, the group—headed by NETWORK executive director Sister Simone Campbell—focused on getting out the vote for the midterm election, and encouraged support for legislation to increase the minimum wage to a living wage. As emcee of the Lexington rally, Father John encouraged the 300 people who attended the midday outdoor event to make an effort to get to the
polls on Nov. 4. “Catholic social teaching asks us to be our brother’s keeper,” Father John said. “This means that we have a responsibility to vote.” Father John, who holds a master’s degree in economics, also told those gathered for the rally that increasing the minimum wage is a jobcreating activity. “When lower- and middleclass folks have more money, they’ll make more demands on the marketplace, which creates jobs,” he said. “By supporting a higher minimum wage, the women religious who are part of NOTB demonstrate support for a strong economy, a family-based economy,” Father John said. “That emphasizes the dignity of the worker. Working with dignity is something that builds community and sustains God’s garden.” Father John ministers from Stanton, Ky.
Around the Missions Glenmary’s Christ the King mission in Scottsville, Ky., was returned to the pastoral care of the Diocese of Owensboro in August. The members of the now-diocesan parish celebrated the 50th anniversary of the mission’s founding in November. Novices Paul Cottingham, Charles Aketch and Richard Toboso began mission placement assignments on Aug. 28. They are serving, respectively, in the following Tennessee missions: Erwin, Maynardville and Lafayette. On Oct. 26, the members of St. Michael the Archangel mission in Erwin, Tenn., hosted a Celebration of the Harvest to mark the end of the growing season and the departure of the migrant workers serving the county. Father David Boettner, vicar general of the Diocese of Knoxville, celebrated Mass for the more than 250 workers, their families and friends who attended the event. The Catholic Committee of Appalachia is currently working on the “People’s Pastoral,” a written summary of interviews of those living in Central Appalachia. The Glenmary Commission on Justice helped coordinate the collection of Glenmarian interviews. Target date for publication is February 2015. For more information on the pastoral, visit www.ccappal.org.
Take Time to Plan Ahead This Winter Consider establishing a Glenmary Gift Annuity
For a gift of cash or stock, Glenmary will pay you fixed payments for life. And better yet, a portion of your payments may be tax free! To learn more, contact: Susan Lambert • Planned Giving Officer 800-935-0975 • slambert@glenmary.org
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PHOTO / GREG GRUPENHOF
A CELEBRATORY EVENING: Clockwise from front left at the Oct. 18 dinner are Bishop Greg-
ory Hartmayer, OFM Conv. (Savannah, Ga.); Bishop Emeritus J. Kevin Boland (Savannah, Ga.); Bishop Edward Slattery (Tulsa, Okla.); Dorothy and Cyril Borchers; Deacon Ben Butler and Bishop David Choby (Nashville, Tenn.); Father Chet Artysiewicz; and Bishop Joseph Strickland (Tyler, Texas). DIAMOND JUBILEE
Weekend anniversary events include dinner and Mass Support and appreciation for Glenmary and its home mission ministry was ‘overwhelming’ [ohio] Glenmary’s 75th-anniversary weekend celebration on Oct. 18 and 19 will remain in the hearts of Glenmary priests and brothers for years to come, according to Father Chet Artysiewicz, Glenmary’s president. “It was an amazing weekend, which exceeded any of our wildest dreams in the sheer number (more than 500) of those who attended the Saturday dinner and Sunday Mass. It was in part a huge family reunion, as well as an opportunity for many new to Glenmary to learn about the mission need that exists in the United States and how they can help meet that need.” The weekend began with a dinner at Xavier University’s Cintas Center on Saturday, featuring guest speakers Brother David Henley, vocation director; Father Steve Pawelk, mission pastor; and Catherine Phillips, a member of Our Lady of the Assumption Church in Booneville, w w w. g l e n m a r y. o r g
Ark., a former Glenmary mission. Bishop Joseph Strickland of the Diocese of Tyler, Texas, served as the evening’s keynote speaker and was one of 10 bishops who attended the weekend’s events. Bishop Strickland, who grew up in a former Glenmary mission in Atlanta, Texas, spoke of the influence the Glenmary priests who served his parish had on him. “Their example of priesthood and of service is one of the reasons that I chose priesthood and one of the reasons I’m here today,” he told those gathered. On Sunday, Oct. 19, St. Peter in Chains Cathedral in downtown Cincinnati filled with an equal number of worshippers for Mass celebrated by Archbishop Dennis Schnurr. Glenmary priests and guest bishops concelebrated the afternoon Mass, which was followed by a reception. The bishops, representing past Wi n t e r 2 0 1 4
and current dioceses where Glenmary has served, also attended a special brunch at the Glenmary residence prior to the Mass. “We couldn’t have asked for a better celebration of this milestone in the Glenmary community’s history,” Father Chet said. “We are truly humbled and honored by the outpouring of support and appreciation we have received during our anniversary year. “I look to the future with great hope and anticipation as we continue working to fulfill Father Bishop’s vision that the Church be present in every U.S. county.” FOR MORE INFORMATION: Photos from the anniversary dinner and Mass are available at ghm75th.shutterfly.com. Video from both events will be posted on Glenmary’s Web site, and alerts will be posted on Glenmary’s Facebook and Twitter accounts.
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MISSION GROWTH
Community members working together for new church Blessed Teresa of Calcutta congregation, outgrowing storefront church, begins fundraising efforts has grown steadily since its founding and is quickly outgrowing its storefront location. The mission acquired land on which to build earlier this year. Father Steve, pastor of the mission, credited Michelle for organizing the fundraising event, which featured concession stands, a bounce house, crafts and face-painting, karaoke, an auction and a raffle. Michelle said a number of community businesses contributed items that were auctioned,
PHOTO / COURTESY SUSAN SWEET
[ t e n n e ss e e ] Father Steve Pawelk knows well the Scripture passage about how children will lead the faithful. Michelle Morales isn’t exactly a child, but the young college student led Blessed Teresa of Calcutta mission’s first major fundraising event on Aug. 30 that attracted scores of people and vendors. The event raised a few thousand dollars to help build a new Blessed Teresa church. The three-year-old mission
VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR: Father Francois Pellissier received
the Volunteer of the Year Award from Joseph Shields, chaplain at Stewart Detention Center in Lumpkin, Ga. Although he has served as a volunteer at the center for less than a year, Father Francois has logged hundreds of hours visiting the detainees and inmates, hearing confessions, celebrating Mass and providing Bibles. He has been working in outreach ministry in Georgia since last April, focusing on being a Catholic presence in South Georgia prisons. In addition to the detention center, Father Francois also visits Rutledge State Prison in Columbus, Muscogee County Jail in Columbus and Pulaski State Prison in Hawkins. 8
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while many Blessed Teresa families made food such as cakes and tamales to sell in the weeks leading up to the fundraiser. “We’re excited. It’s our biggest fundraiser yet, and it turned out really well,” Michelle said following the event. “It surpassed our goal by far.” A separate fundraiser, which earned $12,450, culminated in the crowning of a “queen” of Blessed Teresa mission. Over a six-week period, sponsored children in the mission worked to raise funds, and the child that raised the most money received the coronation. According to Father Steve, seven-year-old Vanessa raised over $3,000 and was named queen of the mission. Brother Craig Digmann, who is part of the mission’s pastoral team, says he’s “amazed how people have come together to do this.” Parishioner Kimberly Deleon is looking forward to the day when Blessed Teresa of Calcutta celebrates Mass in the new church. She said she is grateful for the Maynardville mission, which is located much closer to her home than churches in Knox, Claiborne or Anderson counties. “It’s exciting because we’ve had to travel an hour to attend Mass, and now our church is only 10 minutes away.” This article was adapted, with permission, from an article by Bill Brewer published in the Sept. 3, 2014, issue of the East Tennessee Catholic, the newspaper of the Diocese of Knoxville. w w w. g l e n m a r y. o r g
PHOTOS / GLENMARY ARCHIVES
COVER STORY
EARLY COLLABORATION: Soon after Father Joe Dean’s 1965 arrival in north-
east Mississippi, he joined with members of the African-American ministerial association in West Point to create co-ops to help residents earn much-needed income. This past summer, the last Glenmary missions in Mississippi were returned to the pastoral care of the Diocese of Jackson.
The Church in northeast Mississippi:
MAINTAINED & NURTURED I
By Jean Bach
n a letter of appointment in 1965, Bishop Richard Gerow of the then-Diocese of NatchezJackson welcomed Fathers Clem Borchers, Joe Dean and Bob Rademacher to northeastern Mississippi with a suggestion to “keep clear of the race question.” The missioners were arriving in Mississippi at a pivotal time in the history of the United States and the Church. Mississippi was embroiled in racial strife, violence and drastic social change related to the U.S. civil rights movement. The Civil Rights Act had been signed into law in 1964 and the Voters Rights Act had just been enacted in July 1965. But “the race question” was still very much an issue, one which the missioners did not sidestep. They were threatened for having integrated congregations. Some black Catholics in West Point were afraid to attend Sunday Masses, so unscheduled Masses were celebrated in a house trailer. The trailer was eventually burned. Glenmarians, ostracized often for the mere fact of being Catholic, were harassed for reaching out to and working with the black population. Volunteerism in the United States was also on w w w. g l e n m a r y. o r g
an upswing. President John Kennedy challenged the youth of the United States to “ask not what your country can do for you—ask what you can do for your country” in his 1961 inaugural address. They responded by volunteering to serve the poor both in the U.S. and abroad. And there was also major change occurring within the Catholic Church as a result of the Second Vatican Council, which concluded in 1965. One of the council’s documents, the Decree on the Apostolate of the Laity, called the Catholic laity to active evangelization and service in the life of the Church and its members. “Since the laity… live in the midst of the world and its concerns, they are called by God to exercise their apostolate in the world like leaven, with the ardor of the spirit of Christ.” The influence of all these factors produced a “leaven” of coworkers (pastoral ministers, Glenmary Lay Missioners, volunteers) and local people collaborating with Glenmarians to establish Catholic mission communities in Mississippi counties where the Church had never been effectively present. And together they began social outreach efforts that spread like wildfire. Wi n t e r 2 0 1 4
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The summer of 2014 marked the return of mis-
sions in Bruce, Pontotoc and Houston to the pastoral care of the Diocese of Jackson and Glenmary’s departure from Mississippi. But according to Father Bob Dalton, Glenmary’s 49-year presence in the region has created an impact that lives on.
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ather Bob has served in the region since 2005, first as pastor of the mission in Aberdeen and most recently as a senior member serving as sacramental minister to nearby missions. “The cooperation between blacks and whites, clergy and laity, and Catholics and non-Catholics was not commonplace in the South or in the Church in the mid-1960s,” Father Bob says. “People then—and some probably now—thought we were crazy to try it!” But the “craziness” worked. From the initial four missions in West Point, New Albany, Aberdeen and Pontotoc, satellite missions popped up in the years that followed. Eventually Glenmary would serve those living in and around Amory, Fulton, Houston, Okolona, Vardaman, Eupora, Ackerman, Ripley and Bruce. “Father Clem Borchers, who was energetic and practical, had a vision of how coworkers and volunteers could be utilized to serve the large number of counties that Glenmary took responsibility for,” says Father Tim Murphy. He was the last Glenmarian to serve in Mississippi as a mission pastor and has spent more than two decades serving in the diocese. “It was a time when young missioners, full of excitement and enthusiasm, arrived in new mission territory. The possibilities were limitless,” Father Tim says, adding that Father Clem’s vision helped create “a church of service and prayer, of sacrament and community.” His vision of Church, Father Tim says, continues on today. After missioners arrived, missions were called together and parishes without resident pastors were
COLLABORATION: Sacramental minister Father Ger-
ry Peterson prepares to bless palms in Ripley. Mission team members included pastoral coordinator Sister Kate Regan (right) and multicultural worker Sigi Bonilla (left).
COWORKERS: Glenmary Lay Missioners Mary Lu-
ebbe and Kathy Riehle lead a Bible school in West Point for children of the area. The lay missioners were among the many coworkers and volunteers that helped establish the Church throughout the region.
staffed. Numerous social outreach programs to clothe, feed, support and provide medical services to those in need were launched with the help of volunteers and residents. “Catholics in these small rural counties had and continue to have a great gratitude for the gift of the Church,” Father Tim says. “It’s through this gratitude that they have been open to the many innovative ways of being Church that have been introduced in the region.” Among those innovations was the Three Rivers Regional Ministry (TRRM) begun in 1972. An ecumenical, regional team ministry, TRRM was designed to share resources, personnel, talents, ideas and finances across parish, county and denominational borders. It was the brainchild of Fathers Lou McNeil and Kent Lewis with the help of fellow Glenmarians, diocesan clergy, religious, professional coworkers and volunteers. The team members provided services to those living in an eight-county area that ranged from Meals on Wheels to religious education and services to youth and aging. One of the by-products of TRRM, which ended in 1977, was Camp Glenmary. The camp, founded by Father Lou and Father Larry Goulding and staffed by Glenmarians and local and national volunteers, began in 1974 and was among the first integrated programs of its kind in the state. Today participants attend four weeks of camp each June: two weeks for at-risk children and two weeks for Catholic children to experience being with Catholic peers. Father Tim has served as the camp’s director for the past 20 years and calls it a “privilege.” The camp is “holy ground for me,” he says. “I inherited something that is a jewel and I do my best to keep it going in the spirit in which it was founded.”
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he region was also ground zero for the implementation of Glenmary’s Lay Pastoral Coordinator Program in the 1990s. The program enables professionally trained laypersons, appointed by a
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local bishop, to serve as pastoral leaders of mission parishes while Glenmary priests serve as sacramental ministers. At one time, seven missions in northeast Mississippi were led by lay pastoral coordinators. Four of the seven were new mission communities in counties where the Church was not present. Two of those four are now in the third generation of lay leadership. The increased role of lay ministry professionals has been “very positive in the life of the Church and the growth of these mission communities,” Father Tim says. “They have made it possible for the Church to be present here.” Pastoral coordinators eventually served missions in Kentucky, Alabama, Tennessee, Georgia, North Carolina and Mississippi, which had the largest cluster. “Northeast Mississippi is about three hours away from Jackson,” Father Bob explains. “There aren’t enough priests to cover a diocese this large (64 counties). Having these folks (lay leaders) living in mission counties, being the local face of the Church day in and day out, has made a huge difference in both the lives of Catholics living here and in the way Catholics are perceived by the larger community.”
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lenmary’s efforts to promote lay ministry have expanded thanks to a collaborative effort with the diocese and Loyola University, New Orleans. The Loyola Institute for Ministry EXtension (LIMEX) program has been offered in the diocese for many years as a way to help prepare future lay ministers. The graduate program offers Catholics the opportunity to earn master’s degrees and certificates in pastoral studies and religious education. “What we’ve done here is pioneered a program working with the laity to serve the needs of Catholics in this diocese,” Father Bob says. WELCOME: Father Tim Murphy bapCurr en t ly, tizes a new member of the Bruce four diocmission. Glenmary missions have esan parwelcomed the Spanish-speaking Catholic immigrants who have moved ishes in the northeastto the region. ern deanery are being led by lay leaders, and two of those leaders are graduates of LIMEX. “Glenmar y has given this region a vision of collaboration w w w. g l e n m a r y. o r g
INTEGRATION: Camp Glenmary, staffed by local
and national volunteers, provides camping experiences and much more for 200 poor and Catholic children during four weeks of camp each June.
and lay ministry,” Father Bob says. “And people have been empowered with tools to ensure the Church’s active presence here for years to come.”
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bout 20 years ago, the landscape of the region began to change with the arrival of Spanish-speaking Catholic immigrants who were employed at local furniture factories and in agriculture. Staying true to Father Bishop’s mandate 75 years ago that missioners serve all those living in their mission areas, outreach efforts began to the newly arrived. Missioners worked to learn Spanish to ease communication efforts. And pastoral associates and multicultural workers, fluent in Spanish, helped the immigrants assimilate to U.S. life, provided religious education and assisted in any other ways needed. “We’ve had a model in place for 30 years where missioners and the laity use their talents to meet the needs,” Father Bob says. “Glenmary couldn’t have been here to open the doors of the Church and receive and serve many recently arrived Catholics without these lay leaders and this model of ministry.” Today, the leadership roles are being filled by both English- and Spanish-speaking Catholics working together to ensure their parishes remain vital and growing.
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hen asked what Glenmary’s legacy has been in Mississippi, Father Tim says it’s difficult to briefly sum it up when a book could be written about all that has taken place in the past 49 years. But, he says, “Glenmary’s ministry has maintained and nurtured the Church in Word and sacrament in these small towns, which feeds people spiritually. We’ve also nurtured the vision that Fathers Clem, Joe and Bob brought to the region in 1965: the Church is all of us working together to serve each other. That’s the gift that remains.” Wi n t e r 2 0 1 4
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THEN & NOW
A look at today and the future Current missions continue ministry, but there’s still work to be done
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his section of Glenmary Challenge could be more appropriately called “Now” for this issue. In the previous three issues, these pages have given a glimpse of Glenmary’s 75-year history in 25-year increments. With this issue, we celebrate Glenmary today and look to the future. Mission communities in North Carolina, Georgia and Tennessee are representing the Catholic Church in counties where the Church has not been effectively present. But there are still many counties throughout the United States, especially in the South and Appalachia, where the Church is not known and not present. Glenmary missioners and lay coworkers have begun the next era in Glenmary’s history as they look to serve those still waiting for the Church to arrive in their counties. And they do so following founder Father Bishop’s words of guidance: “Adopt all the people of your mission area as your own...They are yours because you are (Christ’s) ambassador.”
2013: Filipino members of Holy Spirit mission in
Windsor, N.C., celebrate the Feast of Santo Niño de Cebu last year. Established 10 years ago as the first Catholic church in Bertie County, this Catholic community has become well known within the county, in part because of its outreach efforts, including sponsorship of the Good Shepherd Food Pantry.
2013: McKenzie, one of the newest members of the mission
PHOTOS / GLENMARY ARCHIVES
in Rutledge, Tenn., receives her first Communion from Father Aaron Wessman. She and three friends joined the Church during the Easter Vigil. Prior to Glenmary’s coming to Grainger County, there was no Catholic church in the county.
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2013: When Susan Sweet arrived
in Cuthbert, Ga., to lead one of Glenmary’s newest missions, she was surprised to learn the 25 members of the mission had not had the opportunity to celebrate the Easter Triduum liturgy for a very long time. They were not only given the opportunity to learn about the importance of this liturgy but were able to revive the tradition that same year.
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2014: On Oct. 26, more than 250 agricultural contract
workers gathered for a Mass to celebrate the end of the growing season in Unicoi County, Tenn. The Mass was organized by St. Michael the Archangel mission, which serves the county. The mission was established just three years ago and has already moved once to accommodate the growing congregation. Pictured above, from left, are Father Peter Iorio, Glenmary Lay Missioner Kathy O’Brien, Father David Boettner and Glenmary Father Tom Charters.
2013: Father Vic Subb blesses the Ad-
vent wreath on the first Sunday of Advent at Holy Family mission in Lafayette, Tenn. Father Vic and members of the mission have hopes that soon they will have the resources to move from their present worship space, which they are outgrowing.
U.S. Catholic Population Highlighting Counties With Low Percentages of Catholics
The home mission challenge continues today! 2014: The home mission need in the United States is clearly illustrated by this map that shows
counties which have a Catholic population of 3 percent or less; counties with no Catholic presence; and former and current Glenmary mission counties. It’s Glenmary’s mission to ensure that one day the Church is effectively present in all U.S. counties. w w w. g l e n m a r y. o r g
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MISSIONER IN ACTION / by Margaret Gabriel
Anticipating and meeting needs Father John Brown, pastor of one of Glenmary’s newest missions, loves his work
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cold rain dampened guests walking from the parking lot to the Cintas Center on the campus of Xavier University for Glenmary’s 75th-anniversary celebration in October. Father John Brown, in a raincoat and with a large umbrella, crossed again and again from the building to the parking lot to escort those who had arrived without badweather gear. Those who don’t know him might have been surprised. Those who do know him probably thought “How like Father John!” They weren’t surprised because anticipating needs—and reaching out to meet them—describes Father John’s ministry, especially in Early County, Ga. Although Holy Family mission opened over 25 years ago, Glenmary was invited to provide its pastoral care in 2013. Father John was assigned as pastor of the mission in Blakely and also provides sacramental ministry to the mission in Cuthbert about 30 miles away. “The people in Blakely are proud of their church and community,” Father John says. “It’s good that they have a place where they’re used to coming together.” He calls the church building humble, but soundly constructed. “Humble is good,” he says.
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ver the past two years, Father John has been working to encourage mission members to become more active as a community. He proudly reports that they are PROUD PASTOR: Father John Brown, next to one
PHOTO / COURTESY FATHER JOHN BROWN
of the windows at Holy Family mission, says he loves “gathering parishioners around the Body and Blood of Christ.”
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always willing to select music for Masses and to serve as acolytes or eucharistic ministers. “But,” he challenges them, “What do we do outside of Mass?” For example, prior to his becoming pastor in Blakely, there were no religious education classes for 10 years, which meant a generation of Blakely young people had grown up without a consistent religious education program. Those preparing for first Communion and confirmation received sacramental preparation through a program of home study and attended classes at a parish located an hour away. So, shortly after Father John arrived, parents of parish children asked him about starting a class for First Communion preparation. When he suggested that such a class could begin in a few months, they pushed him to begin much sooner. He listened, catechists were soon trained and classes began.
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oly Family is a very diverse mission with English- and Spanish-speaking members and those of Vietnamese and Filipino descent. Father John is working to encourage the mission members to come together socially by planning parish covereddish suppers and coffee and doughnuts after Mass. He has also presided over bilingual services on holy days, Ash Wednesday and Good Friday. A reenactment of La Via Cruces (The Way of the Cross) was held on Good Friday and Father John made sure that those in attendance were involved in the presentation. “We had a good mix of people,” he says. The “good mix” increased attendance at the Good Friday service from about eight in 2013 to nearly 60 in 2014.
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sked what he enjoys about service to his mission, Father John first says there are challenges such as struggling to keep the youth group active and starting a choir. But then he has a much longer list of things he loves. “I love being in touch with people of other cultures, in touch with God’s little ones. And I love gathering the people around the Body and the Blood of Christ.” w w w. g l e n m a r y. o r g
CHRISTIAN UNITY
Shining an
Ecumenical Light Glenmary is embarking on an initiative to build ecumenical relations, and to seek out and share successful grass-roots ecumenical approaches, to assist in the cause of Christian unity. By Dale Hanson church membership—was established “to enhance understanding, reduce alienation and foster reconciliation between Catholics and Evangelicals, primarily in the southeastern United States.” The June 2014 hiring of Frank Lesko as direccumenism is the effort to bring Christians tor of Catholic-Evangelical relations was the key together to work and pray in a spirit of step in launching the grass-roots-based initiative. harmony, respect and hope for eventual He’s an experienced leader in outreach, justice unity. Glenmary’s Catholic-Evangelical relations and ecumenical efforts—for instance, as a founder initiative is another chapter in ecumenical efforts and director of the Catholic Worker in Columbus, that have been an integral facet of its ministry for Ohio. The launch of this ministry also coincides with 75 years. This initiative, says Father Neil Pezzulo, is true to God’s call, the Church’s teachings, and the 50th anniversary of the Second Vatican Council’s 1964 Decree on Ecumenism—which says “the Glenmary’s charism. attainment of “ We c a n ’ t union is the conignore Jesus’ cern of the whole prayer for unity Church…This in Scripture,” concern extends says Father Neil, to everyone, acchair of the cording to his Glenmary Comtalent….” mission on EcuFather Neil exmenism. “We are plains why Glencalled to share mary is uniquely our unique gifts suited to ecuand experiences menical work: in ecumenism “Our charism with others to takes our mishelp bring about sioners to areas this unity. Our where they and goal is for Glentheir mission mary to again members are a take its place small Catholic as a leader in SHARING IDEAS: Frank Lesko, Glenmary’s director of minority. But by ecumenical rela- Catholic-Evangelical relations, talks with an attendee at building friendtions.” the 2014 Wild Goose Festival in North Carolina, hosted by ly, prayerful reThe commis- the Emerging Church movement. Glenmary was the first lationships sion—with inter- Catholic group ever to sponsor a table at this gathering. “I pray…that they may all be one, as you, Father, are in me and I in you, that they also may be in us, that the world may believe that you sent me.” —Jn 17:20-21
PHOTOS / COURTESY FRANK LESKO
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with non-Catholic ministers and congrega- deceptively simple, but they can be powerful:
tions and partnering with them to serve those in need, Glenmary missioners and parishioners overcome prejudices and become respected, valued members of the larger community.” That’s the ecumenical foundation on which Frank hopes to build. As an undergraduate at a small Protestant college, he studied, volunteered, p r ay e d a n d dialogued with mainline Protestants, Evangelicals and other Catholics. “Some of those folks have become my closest friends,” he says. Ecumenism has been a central theme in Frank’s life. Hi s r u ra l EDUCATING: Frank Lesko points roots help him out some of the areas where relate to GlenGlenmary missioners serve in mary missions. the United States to a Wild Goose He grew up in Festival participant. an immigrant farming community where his family’s small Catholic parish helped form his faith. “I’ve been amazed by how well Glenmary develops ecumenical relations in innovative ways,” he says. “Being a missionary group puts them in a unique position to be pioneers. It’s a tremendous story that needs to be shared. Glenmary can be an ecumenical light for the whole Church.”
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rank and Father Neil are working collaboratively to plan the ecumenical initiative in three overlapping phases. The first phase involves learning as much as possible about the ecumenical “best practices” used at Glenmary mission and ministry sites. Frank is talking and walking with missioners and their non-Catholic ecumenical partners to gain a deeper understanding of their rich experiences in ecumenism. “I ask them: What does ecumenism mean to you? How do you live out Jesus’ prayer for unity? How do you foster ecumenism? What is the essence of your ecumenical partnerships? “This helps me pull stories out of these mission areas for future sharing. In the meantime, I’m relating these individual experiences and other information through my blog (travelingecumenist. blogspot.com) and Facebook page (Together-inMission-Evangelicals-and-Catholics).” Some ecumenical best practices may sound 16
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praying together and for each other, visiting each others’ churches and collaborating on social outreach. For the tentative second phase, Frank will distill the information and narratives from his experiences at the Glenmary sites. He will then create documents, workshop/training materials and published materials for sharing. Ultimately, in the proposed third phase, Frank and others will share this information at every opportunity with Glenmary and the larger Church and community—to provide ecumenical models and inspiration for their future lives and ministries. “Our first audience will be Glenmary missioners and students, and then possibly Catholic and Evangelical Christian seminaries, clergy, congregations and conferences.” A planned Web site will also offer ecumenical resources, links and online discussions. “One of my responsibilities,” says Frank, “is to provide online support for people in ecumenical marriages.” In addition, he’ll work to further develop relationships with regional and national Christian groups/movements. Examples include the Southern Baptist Convention, the Emerging Church movement, the Charismatic movement and more. He and Father Neil will also participate in the 2015 National Conference on Christian Unity.
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atican II stated that “the movement toward unity is the work of the Holy Spirit,” Frank says. “The Decree on Ecumenism says division between Christians ‘openly contradicts the will of Christ.’ St. John Paul II cited the same passage 30 years later. And he and Pope Benedict XVI both expressed their strong commitment to ecumenism. These statements reinforce the importance of our ecumenical efforts. “The mainstream culture will say this work is against all odds. But I’ve seen through Glenmary the amazing, visible signs of the kingdom. I’ve seen Glenmarians who have won the trust of the local community and who have become close friends with Evangelical pastors, leaning on and trusting one another. “Some Glenmarians say their ecumenical ministerial alliances are their lifeblood. I think these experiences can help Christians everywhere figure out how to build relationships.” Unity will occur in God’s time, Frank says. He quotes Pope Francis from his recent video address to an Evangelical group: “A famous Italian author named Manzoni once wrote in a novel of a simple man…who said this: ‘I’ve never seen God begin a miracle without finishing it well.’ He will com plete this miracle of unity.” w w w. g l e n m a r y. o r g
PARTNER IN MISSION / by Dale Hanson
A constant Catholic presence Local physician, family witnessed to faith and helped build up mission community
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t first, the closest Catholic church was Glenmary’s Franklin, Ky., mission 25 miles away. But in 1964, Glenmary established the Scottsville mission. The thenGlenmary pastor celebrated the first Mass with eight Catholic families in their worship w w w. g l e n m a r y. o r g
space—a trailer. “We were so glad Glenmary came,” says Dr. Hall. He and his family were always very involved in helping and supporting the mission (for instance, by holding religious education classes in their home for a while) as well as the larger community (for example, through Dell’s service as a city council member and mayor). New church MISSION LEADERS: Dell and buildings were Dr. John Hall participate in the constructed to ac- diocesan transition Mass for commodate the the Scottsville, Ky., mission in growing congre- August. gation in 1967 and again in 2008. And local ecumenical relations have grown steadily stronger, partly thanks to Glenmary missioners and mission members—through the ministerial association and joint church meetings—and certainly thanks to Dr. Hall. Upon his retirement in 2012, he was honored for his many years of service as a physician. PHOTO / COURTESY JOHN AND DELL HALL
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ow in their 80s, Dr. John Hall and his wife Dell say they feel like the grandparents of Christ the King Church in Scottsville. But in 1961, before there was a Catholic church in the area, the Hall family moved to Scottsville so the young physician could begin practicing family medicine. Dr. Hall went on to care for generations of local residents and touched the community in many other ways. The Hall family would also become founding members of the local Glenmary mission, which has had its own unique, lasting impact. “Dr. Hall has been the face of the Catholic Church in Scottsville and Allen County for over 50 years, ” says Father Dennis Holly, former pastor of the mission community. Dr. Owen Davis, a Methodist and highly respected in the community, welcomed Dr. Hall, a Catholic, as his partner. And although Catholics were a very small minority in the county, “Our family felt accepted right away,” says Dr. Hall. With no resident priest living in town, the one Catholic that local people encountered most frequently was Dr. Hall. They quickly discovered ‘Dr. Hall has he was a good doctor and a kind been the face man—and would care for people even if they were short on money. of the CathoAlso, Father Dennis says, “Dr. lic Church in Hall is upfront about being CathScottsville and olic.” Dell says she thinks local resiAllen County for dents “concluded we were just over 50 years.’ normal people who treated them nicely.” She grew up Baptist and converted to Catholicism in 1994. But the couple and their five children always attended Sunday Mass, and Dell took the children to Baptist Sunday school until they were old enough to attend Catholic CCD classes.
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his year, Glenmary returned the mission to the pastoral care of the Diocese of Owensboro. And he and Dell, now with 16 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren, were among the principal participants in the Mass marking Christ the King’s 2014 transition to a diocesan parish. “I look around the church filled with many people and remember our first Mass in the trailer,” says Dr. Hall. “Glenmary’s guidance and support made a great difference. We couldn’t have come this far without them. We’re very thankful.” Wi n t e r 2 0 1 4
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FINAL WORDS / from our readers
Anniversary sparks comments Readers reflect on contributions, impact made by Glenmary in the past 75 years THE SMELL OF THE SHEEP
as a native of cincinnati, and as a priest of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati for 25 years, I am very aware of the important ministry of Glenmary Home Missioners. Glenmary has made an enormous contribution to the strengths of the Church in the areas where the Church might otherwise struggle, even more, to make ‘The work and itself present ministry of your and vital. Glenmarians Good Company has have always helped build the exemplified a faith in so many spirit of selfsacrifice and a American parishgreat commites....’ ment to the people they serve. In this time of Pope Francis, who is now famous for inviting pastors to “have the smell of the sheep about them,” the members of Glenmary Home Missioners have lived that way for 75 years. May the Lord bless you and all your apostolates in the years ahead. Bishop R. Daniel Conlon Diocese of Joliet, Ill. INSPIRING MINISTRY
when i can, i try to read your publication. A Jesuit of 80 years, I have spent my life in high school and retreat ministry. I find most admirable the humble, devoted, grace-filled work of the Glenmary community. I hope you all know how inspiring your ministry for the Church and the Lord is to others. 18
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May God continue to bless you and draw others to join you in your labors. Father Lucien Longtin Wernersville, Pa. CONSIDERABLE ADMIRATION
i am a claretian missionary, currently serving at San Gabriel mission in California. From 1975 to 1982 I taught at St. Thomas Academy in Mendota Heights, Minn. Each year a member of Glenmary visited to recruit young men to participate in the summer (volunteer) program, and for a number of years Father Tom Kolar escorted a group of our students. The experience made a lasting impression on our young men. For many years I have admired the work of Glenmary missioners. I’ve driven the length and breadth of the hardscrabble South, and I know how deep and seemingly impenetrable the hollers of Kentucky and West Virginia are. I have more than considerable admiration for Glenmary. Father James E. Curran San Gabriel, Calif. GROUP SEVEN
when i was 24, I joined what was then called Group Seven. It was post-Vatican II and Glenmary was recruiting the laity to become involved in Glenmary missions. I was a young journalist at the time, working at a daily newspaper outside of Philadelphia. I left that job to join other Group Seven members in Hazlehurst/ McRae, Ga., working with Father Joe Dean, now deceased. At the time, Glenmary asked
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for a two-year commitment, but I stayed for four years. It truly was one of the most beautiful and healing periods of my life. Group Seven had some amazing members, consisting not just of single women like me, but families, religious and priests. Some stayed on to live and work in the Glenmary areas where they served. The people and friendships forged during that time were truly a gift. Marielena Zuniga Newtown, Pa. GOD’S BLESSINGS
congratulations on the 75th anniversary of Glenmary Home Missioners. The work and ministry of your “Good Company” (Autumn 2014 issue) have helped build the faith in so many American parishes—but in a special way at St. Bernard Church in New Bloomfield, Pa. As current pastor, I offer the heartfelt congratulations of all our parishioners in thanksgiving for your work among us and in pledge of God’s blessings. Father Bob Sharman New Bloomfield, Pa. Editor’s Note: St. Bernard Church was served by Glenmary from 1966 to 1975. Today the parish of more than 400 families is the largest congregation in New Bloomfield. READERS’ VIEWS WELCOME! Send comments to: Editor, Glenmary Challenge, P.O. Box 465618, Cincinnati, OH 45246. Fax: 513874-1690, E-mail: challenge@ glenmary.org. Please include a postal address. w w w. g l e n m a r y. o r g
w w w.glenmary.org T H E W E B S I T E O F C AT H O L I C M I S S I O N E R S T O R U R A L A M E R I C A
O n line Co nte nts
WHAT’S NEW Efforts Help Mission County Students
Parishes in two states, local Christians, and a local nonprofit agency all combined efforts to provide free school supplies to many children of struggling families in a Glenmary mission county. glenmary.org/efforts
School supplies
DEPARTMENTS Ways to Give
Make a secure, year-end gift to help Glenmary missioners continue their missionary outreach. glenmary.org/ways-to-give
Vocations
Want monthly updates from the Vocation Office? Sign up for the vocation e-newsletter today. glenmary.org/enews
End-of-year giving
Commission on Evangelization
Discover and implement evangelization ideas that have worked in Glenmary missions. glenmary.org/coe
News and Publications
Follow us on Facebook (Glenmary Home Missioners) and Twitter (@GlenmaryMission). glenmary.org/social-media
Social media
FEATURE STORY Volunteer, Donor and Annuitant
Father Jim McAlpin, who first connected with Glenmary as a volunteer, hopes his financial support will help Glenmary continue its mission for years to come. glenmary.org/mcalpin
Father McAlpin
Stewardship Report for FY 2013-14
An updated Statement of Accountability for FY 2013-14 is posted. A 20-page report and an audited financial statement are available. glenmary.org/stewardshipreport Remember Special People at Christmas and Beyond!
Celebrate & Remember family and friends at Christmas and throughout the new year with Glenmary’s all-occasion and Mass cards. glenmary.org/cards
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Stewardship report
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PHOTO / GREG GRUPENHOF
GLENMARY G L I M P SE / Thanks Be to God!
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lenmarians, students and bishops who attended Glenmary’s 75th- anniversary Mass of Thanksgiving, on Oct. 19 at St. Peter in Chains Cathedral in downtown Cincinnati, pose in the cathedral’s sanctuary following Mass. More than 500 Glenmary friends and supporters were in attendance and enjoyed a reception that followed. Glenmary’s president, Father Chet Artysiewicz, described the weekend as an “amazing, humbling celebration of Glenmary and our 75 years of establishing the Catholic Church in the home missions.” For more about the anniversary events, please see page 7.
Catholic Missioners to Rural America
Glenmary Home Missioners P.O. Box 465618 Cincinnati, OH 45246-5618