T H E M A G A Z I N E O F C AT H O L I C M I S S I O N E R S T O R U R A L A M E R I C A
wise missioner
Father Dave on Spirituality
G L E N M A R Y. O R G
cover story
St. Teresa of Kolkata from storefront to permanent church
signs of easter
New Life for Paschal Candles
SPRING 2019
Looking Ahead
FROM THE EDITOR / John Stegeman We are a Catholic society of priests and brothers who, along with numerous coworkers, establish the Catholic Church in small-town and rural America. Founded in 1939 by Father William Howard Bishop, Glenmary is the only religious community devoted exclusively to serving the spiritually and materially poor in the rural U.S. home missions. Today, supported entirely through freewill offerings, we staff missions and ministries throughout Appalachia and the South. Glenmary missioners serve in areas where frequently less than one percent of the population is Catholic, a significant percentage have no church affiliation, and the poverty rate is often twice the national average. Glenmary is known for respecting the many cultures encountered in the home missions. Our missionary activity includes building Catholic communities, fostering ecumenical cooperation, evangelizing the unchurched, social outreach and working for justice.
GLENMARY CHALLENGE Our quarterly magazine has three goals: to educate Catholics about the U.S. home missions, to motivate young men to consider Glenmary priesthood or brotherhood, and to invite all Catholics to respond to their baptismal call to be missionary by partnering with Glenmary as financial contributors, prayer partners, professional coworkers and/or volunteers. Glenmary Challenge is sent to all donors, to U.S. diocesan clergy and to anyone who requests it. (To begin receiving issues, use the contact information below.)
At Glenmary’s 80th anniversary this year, there is much to celebrate. Each Mass we see a re-presentation of Christ’s sacrifice happen before our eyes. We are connected in a mystical way as this event is made new again and again. Similarly, Glenmary’s mission to bring the church to places in the United States where it is not fully present is made new each day in the work of our missioners. Father William Howard Bishop had the vision for this mission eight decades ago and his dream has brought countless people to Christ. Through Glenmary’s work, supported by the prayers and gifts of our faithful donors, more than 140 parishes have been established in rural Appalachia and the South. This mission continues! In this issue, we see the dedication of one Glenmary church building in Tennessee. Another is under construction. Preparations are underway to celebrate the ordination of two young men to the priesthood in the spring. Our vocation team continues to search the globe to find men ready to answer God’s call. An old Glenmary saying is, “Times change, needs don’t.” How true. At Glenmary’s founding in 1939, World War II was beginning. The World’s Fair in New York introduced the public to futuristic ideas like the automatic dishwasher, superhighways and early versions of robots. Now, as then, there remain millions of Americans who do not know the fullness of Christ’s teachings. There remain hungry, cold, marginalized people on our streets. Fortunately, there also remain committed priests, brothers and lay coworkers dedicated to helping them. Happy 80th birthday, Glenmary!
GLENMARY HOME MISSIONERS P.O. Box 465618 · Cincinnati, OH 45246-5618 513-874-8900 · 800-935-0975 · challenge@glenmary.org © 2019, Glenmary Home Missioners. Reprint permission granted upon request.
ON THE COVER: Glenmary Father Steve Pawelk poses proudly with parishioners Scarlett Zammaron and Humberto Soto in front of St. Teresa of Kolkata's new church. It's dedication day for this multicultural parish. Photo by John Feister.
VOLUME 82
NUMBER 1
St. Teresa of Kolkata
from storefront to permanent church page 8 : cover story by john feister
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wise missioner:
father dave glockner
A closer look into Glenmary: New Q&A feature explores the unique spirituality of Glenmary Home Missioners.
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signs of easter: candle
making with brother craig
What better source for sanctuary candles than last year's Easter candle? Brother Craig Digmann's hobby is part of a simple lifestyle.
Publisher: Father Chet Artysiewicz Editor: John Stegeman Asst. Editor: John Feister Art Director: Cassie Magnotta Staff Writer: Father John Rausch
Planning-Review Board: Lindsay Braud, Br. Craig Digmann, Fr. Dave Glockner, Br. David Henley, Frank Lesko, Fr. Neil Pezzulo, Lucy Putnam, Fr. Don Tranel
Donor Advisory Board: Theodore Capossela, Jill Collet, Ivan Doseff, William Goslee, Ken Mahle, Terry Schneeman, Albert Vondra
photo by john feister
Keeping It Simple – and Profound FROM THE PRESIDENT / Father Chet Artysiewicz
My first priestly assignment in 1973 took me to Morehead, Ky. Glenmary’s mission territory covered six counties including three churches and campus ministry at Morehead State University. One of the football coaches at the school told me, “We use the ‘KISS technique’ here.” He responded to my puzzled look by saying “K I S S: Keep It Simple, Stupid.” Many years later I smile recalling the encounter— but also the wisdom it expressed. While keeping it simple may not be best in every situation, surely it constitutes great advice in many instances. And how about the central truth of our faith in the Resurrection? Could we really refer to Easter as simple? To be sure, something that shatters the limits of our comprehension would not seem to qualify for that designation. Jesus had no instructional guide for 4
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reference before his resurrection (though I suppose we could smile and say, “He wrote the book!”). Complex gives way to unfathomable in trying to grasp—how? While standing in awe before this mystery, I do think there is a simple message for us that is so very basic to our faith: “God gave us eternal life” (1 John 2:25). There you have it, God’s gift to us. From a God who loved us so much that He embraced crucifixion on Good Friday. A God who loved us so much that He didn’t want a world without us. A God who loved us so much that He wants our company forever and wants us to reunite with our loved ones separated by the curtain of death. Eternal life. Sounds simple, yet of course, “Eye has not seen, ear has not heard what God has in store for those who love him” (1 Corinthians 2:9). The specifics are fuzzy, demanding faith. Sometimes a word like “everlasting” can be misleading, suggesting
glenmary news & notes Glenmary Priest Is Keynote Speaker
l e adershi p / Father Rausch urges respect for human dignity Glenmary Father John Rausch gave the keynote address at the Sacred Heart Seminary and
School of Theology Preachphoto by kimberly gardner
a simple continuation of what we daily experience, whereas “eternal” perhaps opens it to realms unknown. Certainly we celebrate the arrival of the Christ Child with great joy— but the birth receives recognition because of what transpired about 33 years later. For every heart broken by loss through death, the great Paschal Candle stands tall in our sanctuaries, symbolizing Christ’s promise of eternal life. “I am the resurrection and the life” ( John 11:25). As we are baptized into Christ’s death, we are baptized into His resurrection. It is that simple— and profound. Our missioners are very busy preparing to celebrate again these central mysteries of our faith. They will be overjoyed to welcome new members, sharing God’s promise of eternal life. For those who embrace the Catholic faith for the first time this Easter and for all of us who have been part of it already, it is a time to reflect on God’s promise and to rejoice in the hope it provides in the midst of our losses and tears. Thank you so much for enabling us to share this incredible Good News. On behalf of all of us at Glenmary, we wish you a deep and joyous Easter Season. Indeed, it is really pretty simple:
ing Conference Jan. 7 and 8 in
Hales Corner, Wis. The conference drew priests and deacons from around the Midwest to hear a variety of talks.
Father John spoke about
preaching the parables from a socioeconomic standpoint.
Glenmary men in formation Matthew Solarz and Jose Carlos Miguel Lo-
pez are among the nearly 150 students attending Sacred Heart Seminary and School of Theology.
The Church Keeps Growing in Tenn.
pr o g r e ss / Holy Family parish builds permanent church home Church building is in Glenmary’s blood.
Not long ago Glenmary’s St. Michael the Archangel in Unicoi County,
Tenn., dedicated a new worship space. On page 8 you can read about St. Teresa of Kolkata in Union County, Tenn., doing the same.
Right on the heels of that, Glenmary’s Holy Family in Macon County,
Tenn., is nearing completion of a new church for their community too. Glenmary Father Vic Subb, pastor, hopes the project will be complete and ready for worship sometime this summer.
courtesy of holy family
HE IS RISEN AS HE SAID. ALLELUIA!!
(Opposite) A young parishioner at St. Teresa receives communion from Father Chet. (Above, right) Father John Rausch Speaks at Sacred Heart Seminary. (Right) Holy Family is under construction.
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ar o un d t h e mis s ion s
• The Glenmary Ecumenical Commission met at the Benedictine Convent in Cullman, Ala., Jan. 22-24. "Our Commission on Ecumenism is planning to build contacts with the Churches of Christ in the hopes of establishing a Catholic-Churches of Christ dialogue and increasing local ecumenical partnerships with Glenmary missions," Glenmary Director of Catholic-Evangelical Relations Frank Lesko said. "We also brainstormed ways to continue to reach out to the Baptist community as well as the historic black churches." • Efforts at becoming better stewards of creation have also reaped financial rewards for Glenmary. Switching to LED lights with motion sensors and updating HVAC systems at the Cincinnati headquarters has lowered the cost of office expenditures by almost 70 percent. • Glenmary Father John S. Rausch is featured in a documentary by Salt+Light TV entitled “Magisterium of the People.” The film focuses on the Catholic Committee of Appalachia and the story of the People’s Pastoral. It can be rented online at saltandlighttv.org/magisterium.
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photo by mae humiston
• Holy Family Church in Early County, Ga., continues to benefit from partnerships with other churches. A group from the Marion Catholic Community in Maria Stein, Ohio, visited recently with several work crews. Some continued the work of Hurricane Michael cleanup, while others renovated an old gym into a space for an afterschool tutoring program.
Blessed to Invest
part ners / Glenmary Supports Appalachian Community Needs
Glenmary is committed to investing in local communities and being
socially responsible with its investments. Toward that end, Glenmary has
invested $100,000 with Redbud Financial Alternatives of Hazard, Ky. Redbud is a community development financial institution that facilitates and promotes economic development among underserved communities. It serves a four-county region.
“Redbud, like Glenmary Home Missioners, is committed to giving a
hand, not giving a hand-out,” said Glenmary first vice president Father Neil Pezzulo. Father Neil serves as sacramental minister to a trio of parishes in
the area, including Mother of Good Counsel in Hazard. “This shows a concrete commitment to being with a struggling community and to building ongoing and lasting relationships.”
The invested funds will go toward various needs in the Appalachian
community, such as financial counseling, literacy and advocacy.
Though the churches Father Neil serves are not Glenmary missions, the
region is part of Mission Land, USA. Hazard is the seat of Perry County, Ky.,
where Catholics make up only 0.7 percent of the population and almost 30 percent of people live below the national poverty line.
"Communities such as Hazard have so many needs," Father Neil said.
"Glenmary takes any chance we can to support local efforts to meet them."
(Above, l to r) Executive Director of the Housing Development Alliance Scott McReynolds, Mother of Good Counsel Catholic Community Parish Life Director Lori Helfrich, Redbud Financial Alternatives CDFI Director Mae Humiston, Glenmary Father Neil Pezzulo and Housing Board member Russell Olivier are all committed to improving lives in and around Hazard, Ky.
glenmary.org
Wise Missioner
interviews on glenmary spirituality
father dave glockner : trusting in god focus there; I see that the slower pace of small towns allows me to be a little more reflective.
Father Dave Glockner, from Portsmouth, Ohio, took his First Oath with Glenmary in 1962. He has served missions in West Virginia, Virginia, Georgia, North Carolina, Oklahoma and Ohio. In senior membership, he serves the people in Lewis County, Ky., and visits incarcerated men nearby. He recently sat down with Glenmary Challenge to discuss the spirituality that he lives in the missions. Q: Father, how do you find God? A: Part of my spirituality, although I'm not always conscious of it, is contemplating the vastness of God, finding God in creation. Then I think the spirit of God works within me and works within all of us. Q: Does living in rural Glenmary areas affect that? A: I’ve lived with some priests, like the late Glenmarian Father John Garvey, who were really excited by being in nature. I don’t
Q: Is your approach to God different than the way it was years ago? A: Back in the 1980s, over four summers, I studied for a Masters degree in spirituality that really changed my outlook. We studied a lot of different disciplines and people. I came out with a little bit more of a contemplative spirit, and concrete things, like the idea of working with victims of spouse abuse. It also was a joyful experience. It rejuvenated me. Q: Are you any wiser now? A: I think age has helped my preaching a lot. I’d say that I’m wiser in some ways, and not in others. Q: What do you mean by that? What is wise, anyway? A: Wise might mean being able to accept the hard knocks of life better. Maybe it’s not getting carried away so much with the immediate problems. Hopefully it’s trusting more in God, and certainly in the awareness of Divine Mercy. St. John Paul's influence touched me personally. I’m grateful to God for his mercy. Spring 2019
Q: What does mercy mean in your life? Did you used to be a harder on yourself? A: My mother died young and I was a person who took on a lot of responsibility. I felt responsible for too many things. So I had to kind of work through some of that. That type of wisdom comes very gradually. It comes from experience. It has to be like a light turned on in your life. Q: If you could turn back the clock, would you do anything differently? A: Oh, yeah, I’d do some things differently (laughing)! But, really, you have to think of the grace you had at that time. Did I have the knowledge, the insight, the wisdom at that time? Sometimes I did, sometimes I didn’t. I think with our regret of the past we need to seek healing and trust God. Q: What one piece of advice would you give today to a young person? A: Live a good life. Have faith in God. But, also, be yourself, your good self. Accept yourself. That’s what I’d say: Believe in God and believe in yourself. —John Feister This interview is part of a continuing series on the spirituality of Glenmary Home Missioners. GLENMARY CHALLENGE
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St. Teresa of Kolkata
from storefront to permanent church by john feister Ostrich-plumed hats of the Knights of Columbus and the peacock-plumed hats of a Latino dance troupe weren’t on the minds of Glenmarians who scouted a home for a new mission back in 2010. But Feb. 2, at the dedication of St. Teresa of Kolkata parish in Union County, Tenn., the celebratory feathers were everywhere. The Maynardville congregation gathered under the leadership of Diocese of Knoxville Bishop Richard F. Stika to celebrate a series of ancient Catholic rituals unique to the Mass of Dedication. It was the centerpiece of a three-day celebration. “You know, each of the three days had its own special moments and special meaning,” says Glenmary Father Steve Pawelk, pastor. “For me the best part, overall, was to see the joy on people’s faces, their sense of accomplishment, and that they really own it. They took pride showing that to their friends. That’s where there was great joy for me.” It was a climactic moment for a group of Catholics who had devoted eight years of effort establishing a parish. 8
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photo by cassie magnotta, all others by john feister
(Left) Parishioners and guests, some in processional attire, assemble before the Mass of Dedication. (Below) The spacious, beautiful interior of St. Teresa replaces the crowded storefront that has been St. Teresa's worship space for close to a decade.
Humble Beginnings “At that time, 2011, there were six counties in eastern Tennessee that had no permanent Catholic church,” recalls Glenmary Father Don Tranel. He, Glenmary Brother Craig Digmann and others had been looking for areas for Glenmary to expand its mission. “We had criteria, for example, of percentage of folks in poverty, a percentage of folks who are unchurched, percentage of folks who are Catholic, to name a few.” They studied the situation in and around Union County, visited organizations in that and surrounding areas and listened to anyone willing to talk. “We told them we were considering starting a Catholic church and inquired whether there was a need,” explains Father Don. They were encouraged by the conversations. Though Maynardville is fairly close to the outer rings of Knoxville in one direction, in the other is rural territory. Glenmary wanted to find a location where several parishes
could be developed. Maynardville fit the bill. Father Steve was pastor from the beginning. He presided at Mass first in a carport until the parish could become situated in a local storefront. It remained there for years until this new, permanent church, was built. The building’s construction was a labor of love for the community. Skilled workers who are members of the parish helped with construction. For example, says Father Steve, some families have bricklayers. “One of our parishioners is a flooring professional. He brought in 20 different tiles to choose from.” A selection committee was put to work. Father Steve was the tiebreaker. Another parishioner is a painter, another is a landscaper, one makes signs. “We’d have one Sunday when people would have a chance to vote on the color of the paint and the stain on the brick. All of that was presented to the congregation, then we went with the majority.” A group of volunteer carpenters from Ohio dedicated time at a key point in construction. Contractors were involved throughout. Then there was Brother Joe Steen’s handiwork. “His woodworking talents are unbelievable,” says Father Steve. “First and foremost is that those floorboards come from Sacred Heart Cathedral in Knoxville.” (That cathedral was replaced with a new, bigger one just last year.) “We took all the pews and many other fixtures
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from the old cathedral. Brother Joe transformed those pews into that flooring. I don’t know how many hours and days that took.” He had the wood planed and grooved it for fitting. “Then he laid it, sanded it and so forth. Then Brother Joe built the altar top [with wood from the pews]… He built the altar on which the tabernacle sits [rebuilt from the altar of the temporary storefront church]. He built the stand for the baptismal font and he made the [hymn] book rack.” It was a dream-come-true for Father Steve. The result is a truly beautiful, new, Catholic church. The crowded storefront days are over.
hole drilled into the altar. There the bishop would place a relic of St. John Neumann, a missionary to the U.S. and later Bishop of Philadelphia. Flowers were being situated, and vestments were being brought from St. Teresa’s storefront church by Glenmary Deacon Richard Toboso (to be ordained a priest this spring) and Novice Willy Kyagulanyi. Parishioner Walter Stone was finishing up landscaping and parishioners from the Mercado family were doing brickwork on the permanent entrance sign as parishioner Martin Shafer (“The Sign Guy”) put up a temporary one for the event. A dump truck pulled down the driveway unloading gravel for mud-free passage. Final paving of the
A Weekend of Dedication A church dedication is a ritual event whose actions publicly identify the church building as a sacred space. The local bishop performs key actions during Mass, which is celebrated by the whole community. The day before the dedication Mass, frantic last-minute details were wrapping up. Brother Joe had finished the altar and was painting the aperture, which is a small
driveway has awaited the end of construction. Friday evening the parish hosted a Gospel sing, when people got a first look at the finished church interior. Several country-style singers led parts of the program. This is Tennessee, after all. A children’s choir from Knoxville’s St. Joseph school, where some parishioners attend, was one of the evening’s highlights. Saturday’s Mass of Dedication was a festive event, one that reflected the cultural diversity of the region. Among those at St. Teresa of Kolkata’s parish are people who have lived in Union County most of their lives, living alongside Knoxville retirees, nearby tourists who built houses at local resort Norris Lake and “halfbacks,”
(Above) Last step: Brother Joe Steen finishes the altar aperture for a relic of St. John Neumann. Brother Joe reused the pews of Knoxville's old Cathedral to make the main altar, tabernacle station and sanctuary floor. 10
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retirees from the North who found Florida too hot and settled halfway home. Then there is a booming community of Latinos, who came to this area for agricultural and manufacturing jobs years ago and settled with their families. Like European immigrants of yesteryear, they are hardworking, upwardly mobile and deeply Catholic. The bishop was greeted by Matachines dancers, led by parishioner Santiago Soto. His dancers perform a Hispanic ritual praying for purity, stamping out sin as they go. The troupe of Latino parishioners had shiny new outfits for the event and had practiced weekly. Traditional ostrich feathers, a key part of the costume, were too costly, but Father Steve had a solution: “My brother Pat raises peacocks!” he says with a laugh. “I had to get an extra-large tube to ship the feathers.” Father Steve clarifies that the dance is fully Christian.
“All of these steps are done in praise,” he says. “They pray before, they pray after and then they form an archway. People walk underneath the peacock feathers as a blessing. It’s no different than the Knights of Columbus [Color Corps] that was there with their swords.” The Rituals Cross-bearer Brother Craig, Bishop Stika, deacons and visiting priests processed beneath plumes and swords. They stopped at the front door of the church, which (Above, left) Glenmary novice Willy Kyagulanyi delivers vestments; (above, right) Father Steve welcomes visitors to Friday’s Gospel sing. (Below, left) Bishop Stika shares a light moment as he prepares to enter St. Teresa’s; (below, right) a ceremonial knocking on, and opening of, the church door starts the dedication.
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was locked as a symbol of newness. The bishop knocked. Father Steve opened the door and invited the bishop in. The people gathered began to sing. There are many elements of liturgy that followed. A blessing of the altar, walls and people with water drawn from the baptismal font happened early. There was, of course, a litany of the saints, and candles lit from the Paschal candle, signifying the Light of Christ. During the liturgy Bishop Stika carefully placed the relic of St. John Neumann deep into the spot on the altar Brother Joe had so carefully prepared, then, with a loud, decisive strike, used his ceremonial hammer to place the cover. The bishop poured the oil of chrism, which is blessed at the cathedral, over the altar and worked it into the wood with his bare hands. He then proceeded to anoint appointed places along the inside walls all the way around the church. Plumes of smoke arose as the altar, bishop, people and walls of the church were incensed. Bishop Stika was effusive in his homily, marveling at the dedication and generosity of Glenmary, and the outpouring of effort and goodwill in the community. It was a long liturgy, but no one seemed to mind! A Step on the Journey The day after was the first Sunday Mass, followed by an open house. Some of Father Steve’s Protestant minister friends were there, as was Glenmary president Father Chet Artysiewicz and several Glenmary coworkers and volunteers. Father Steve spent time in his homily calling out the parish, as well as various people to thank for all 12
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that came to this joyful moment. Brother Joe was last on his list: “All I could say was, Brother, I love you. I couldn’t say what needed to be said—I left it at that because I would have cried.” Father Steve is passionate in his commitment to the community of St. Teresa of Kolkata. For one thing, he’s committed to honoring the catholicity of the church, that is, its welcome to people of all cultures. “Everyone’s culture blesses the building and blesses the community. One of the things I’ve tried to assist is to give people permission to worship in the way that fits their tradition.” Father Steve sees a lot of potential for growth beyond the current 300 members. “There were a lot of Catholics who live in the area whose friends brought them along to see the new church. I’ve had people tell me, ‘When you get a church, then I will come.’” He is hopeful. One might think it’s time for Glenmary to move on. Not so. Says Father Steve, “This marks that we’re kind of halfway there now." Financial independence, stronger local leadership, these are next. “But to watch the community grow and change and develop and take ownership for this! It's amazing for a community to accomplish this in such a short time, under eight years.” He speaks as a proud father. (Above) Glenmary Deacon Richard Toboso helps things flow at the Mass of Dedication. He directs altar servers Leonor Perez and Teresa Valenzuela to their places as Father Steve (r), Bishop Stika and Deacon Larry Rossini prepare for the offertory.
Candle Making
with brother craig photo essay by john feister It’s 6 a.m. Glenmary Brother Craig Digmann is eating a simple breakfast, part of his simple Glenmary lifestyle. On his day off, he unwinds by working with his hands, recycling the remains of Paschal candles for a new sacred use: as sanctuary lamps. Their glow a reminder of the real presence of Christ in the tabernacle. “I think of the Paschal candles, being used for sacraments, and at Mass each Sunday during the Easter Season. This will continue their use.” He’ll be refashioning these candles over the next six hours.
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As Brother Craig works, he hums a gospel favorite: "Lord prepare me to be a sanctuary, pure and holy, tried and true..."
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The Paschal candle is a key element of the Easter liturgy, calling to mind “the light of Christ, risen in glory, scattering the darkness of our hearts and minds.” On the candle are symbols of Christ’s death and resurrection, centerpoint of the Catholic faith. The Paschal candle is important enough to be replaced each Easter season. But Brother Craig has no need for more. He’s been gifted enough candles to last for years. He suggests readers who wish to recycle Paschal candles ask a candle supplier for advice. (Left) Brother Craig starts by stripping symbols from the spent candles, then splitting the wax into small pieces for melting. “It’s prayerful, meditative, solitary when I make candles. I reflect on the mission work I'm doing.” (Right, from top) He places the pieces in a double boiler on his stove, at just the right temperature to melt the wax. He has cut wicks from a spool, affixed a thin metal clip and dips them into the wax, twirling slowly. The wicks must be well coated to keep them straight and centered in the candle. Spring 2019
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As he perfects his skill, Brother Craig hopes to use these candles in more Glenmary parishes: “We can save [our resources], and that can help us a little in our mission.”
(Above, left) It’s precision work, as Brother Craig sets wick bases dead-center: Wrong spot, failed burn. He’s reusing the tubes from old sanctuary candles, too. (Far left) Candle tops are poured into a crowned shape that allows the candle to begin burning evenly. Plastic pop-bottle tops become molds, removed when the wax cools; a table cover catches the drops. (Above) It’s a satisfying final step to trim the wicks. (Left) Jesus' presence is announced and revered as Brother Craig places the finished sanctuary lamp in nearby St. James the Apostle Catholic Church. Spring 2019
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letters to the editor
T H E W E B S I T E O F C AT H O L I C MISSIONERS TO RURAL AMERICA
glenmary.org
great to see father les
Was proud to see the long-time coming article on the ministry of one of Glenmary’s Greats, Father Les Schmidt (In the Footsteps of a Saint, Winter 2018)! The writing and photography of John Feister sure kicks The Challenge up a notch or two. Hope we’ll be seeing a lot more from him in the future. Will Brickley · Lottie, La. encouraged
+ inspired
I was overjoyed to read John Feister's article In the Footsteps of a Saint (Winter 2018). I met Father Les Schmidt a number of years ago at a conference on religion and peacemaking in Montezuma, N.M. I was so impressed by his unflagging spirit, his energy and his limitless dedication. Father Les introduced me to Glenmary, and led me to begin to contribute in my own small way. It was wonderful to see evidence that Father Les still has that energy, joy and commitment. I believe Father Les has walked "in the footsteps of a saint" all his life!
The Home Missioners of America have teamed up with LEAP Spark agency to design a web presence that reflects the passion, spirituality and work of
Glenmary as a community. The website is in development now, with the launch date scheduled for this April.
“Glenmary is known for being on the cutting edge in mission work and
this website is going to put us on the cutting edge of sites for religious communities,” said John Stegeman, manager of communications and marketing for Glenmary. “Vocations prospects, potential volunteers, donors
John Geffroy · Las Vegas, N.M. loved the 3 wise missioners
Thanks for sharing Christmas memories of three special priests (Winter 2018) who show what a life dedicated to mission looks like. Betsy Bown · Cincinnati, Ohio
and people curious about our ministry will all find what they need in a wellpackaged format. We’re excited to share the finished product.”
Most of the information presently available will come over to the new
site, but that’s not all. Additional features include the “Missioner Saint of the
Week” (see opposite page) and an interactive map of Glenmary’s past and current missions.
Missioner Saint of the Week will highlight those saints whose lives ex-
emplify a Glenmary-like love for mission and focus on serving our brothers we want your feedback !
Send to: Editor, Glenmary Challenge, P.O. Box 465618, Cincinnati, OH 45246. Email: challenge@glenmary.org. Comments are printed at the discretion of the editor and may be edited for clarity and space. Please include a postal address with your letter.
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and sisters living on the margins of society.
The new site will feature more photos, an easy-to-use donations page,
increased use of video and will be significantly more mobile-friendly.
“Glenmary.org has always been the go-to digital source for news and
information about life in Mission Land, USA,” Stegeman said. “We’ll continue sharing the work Glenmary does, but with a fresh design that will make it easier than ever to partner with Glenmary and share our passion."
glenmary.org
F O L L O W O U R N E W F E AT U R E O N T H E WEBSITE OR SOCIAL MEDIA!
Glenmary's on the run!
Missioner Saint
You can partner with Glenmary as a runner or as a raffle ticket buyer in one of the midwest's biggest racing weekends:
st . damien of molokai `
glenmary.org/flyingpig2019
weekly feature
Come & See Discernment Weekend
In 1864, Father Damien De Veuster travelled halfway across the world, from
his Belgian home to the Kingdom of Hawaii, to bring Christianity to Hawaiians. He discovered there that people with leprosy had been exiled to the
Kalaupapa peninsula on the island of Molokai to die from the slow, lethal,
If Glenmary stirs your heart, come and see the missions, meet the missioners, and see if this is where God is calling you to make a difference!
glenmary.org/come-and-see
then-incurable and believed easily contagious disease.
At the leprosy colony, small at the time, people lived malnourished and
sickly in filthy, makeshift conditions. As their skin decayed they eventually, perhaps after years, died. Father Damien, the "Mother Teresa" of his day, was dropped offshore with a single suitcase of clothes and sacramental materials. He literally waded in to minister to people as they lived and died.
Meanwhile the colony grew (8,000 were sent there over the next cen-
tury). During his 16 years on Molokai, after which he himself contracted and
Share this publication online! At Glenmary.org the Glenmary Challenge is always available to read! You can find the current and past issues in an easy-to-read format.
glenmary.org/viewcurrentissue
died of leprosy, Father Damien oversaw construction of simple hospitals,
schools, churches, led the organization of local government, made coffins, dug graves, cared for the sick, and conducted many other missionary activities.
Beatified by Pope St. John Paul II, he was canonized in 2009 by Pope
Benedict XVI.
Pray today in the spirit of St. Damien:
St. Damien, you gave your all to serve the poor, the abandoned, those left
without spiritual or material care. Help us to see in them, and in all of the poor in our lives, the face of Jesus. Help us to see in your life a witness to
the love of Jesus. Inspire us to minister to and advocate for the poor in our midst.
Amen!
Spring 2019
CONSIDER
Boost-aMonth Club Automatic monthly donations help Glenmary have steady income we can count on to fund our ministries. Thank you for your continued generosity to support the home missions!
glenmary.org/bam
GLENMARY CHALLENGE
19
lord, show me the way! live a life of adventure and meaning as a glenmary priest or brother glenmary.org/vocations
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