New Members - Glenmary Challenge

the magazine of Catholic missioners to rural AmericaAutumn 2010www.glenmary.orgCelebratingNew MembersTwo men makeFirst Oath ashome missionersHome Mission LeadershipCalling all Catholics to be missionary

Glenmary Home MissionersFounded by Father William Howard Bishopin 1939, this Catholic society of priests andbrothers, along with numerous coworkers,establishes the Catholic Church in smalltownand rural America. Glenmary is theonly religious community devoted exclusively to servingthe spiritually and materially poor in the rural U.S. homemissions. Today, supported entirelythrough freewill offerings,it staffs over 40 missions andministries in Appalachia, theSouth and the Southwest.Glenmary missioners serve inareas where less than three percentof the population is Catholic,a significant percentage have noFather WilliamHoward BishopGlenmary Founderchurch affiliation and the povertyrate is almost twice the nationalaverage. Glenmary is known fordeeply respecting the many culturesencountered in the home missions—Appalachian,Native American, African American and Latino amongothers. Its missionary activity includes building Catholiccommunities, fostering ecumenical cooperation, evangelizingthe unchurched, social outreach and working forjustice.Glenmary ChallengeThis quarterly magazine has three goals: to educateCatholics about the U.S. home missions, to motivateyoung men to consider Glenmary priesthoodor brotherhood, and to invite allCatholics to respond to their baptismalcall to be missionary by partnering withGlenmary as financial contributors, prayerpartners, professional coworkers and/or volunteers.Glenmary Challenge is sent to all donors, to U.S.diocesan clergy and to anyone who requests it. (To beginreceiving issues, use the contact information below.)Publisher: Father Dan DorseyEditor: Jean BachAssistant Editor: Dale HansonArt Director: Tricia SarvakStaff Writers: Margaret Gabriel, Father John S. RauschPlanning-Review Board:Father Dominic Duggins, Father Gus Guppenberger, Brother CurtKedley, Patrick McEntee, Sister Mary Jean Morris, OSF,Kathy O’Brien, Father John S. Rausch, Father Vic SubbGlenmary Home MissionersP.O. Box 465618 • Cincinnati, OH 45246-5618513-874-8900 • 800-935-0975www.glenmary.org • info@glenmary.orgyears70© 2010, Glenmary Home Missioners. Reprint permission granted upon request.Realizing amissionary callFROM THE EDITOR / Jean BachOne of the goals of the Glenmary Challenge(see column on the left) is “to motivateyoung men to consider Glenmary priesthoodor brotherhood.” We hope that the coverand accompanying story (page 9) will do justthat.Brother Levis Kuwa andMichael Onuoha made FirstOath on May 29 and becamethe newest members of GlenmaryHome Missioners. Bothof these men traveled fromAfrica—which is no easy processin today’s visa system—toJean Bachjbach@glenmary.org‘I wanted togive back whatI received as achild.’join Glenmary with the hope that one day theywill serve in mission areas here in the UnitedStates.While their individual vocation stories aredifferent, they were both inspired to pursuereligious vocations by the missionaries whoserved them as children. “I wanted to give backwhat I received as a child,” Michael says.Glenmary is very fortunate to have 22 menin all areas of formation this year.Three of those men are preparingfor Final Oath next year (page 11)and seven are just beginning formation(page 8).This magazine, Glenmary’sWeb site, advertising and evenbillboards (back cover) help to encouragemen to pursue missionaryvocations, to tell Glenmary’s storyto a larger audience and to attractnew partners in mission.There’s a way you can help furtherthese efforts, too! Pass thismagazine on to a friend or a relative or to a son,grandson, brother or nephew. Have the personread about all those featured in this magazinewho are giving of themselves in service to thehome missions. Perhaps the reader will realizea call to service and discover what Brother Levishas: “This is what God wants me to do.” about the cover: Brother Levis Kuwa andMichael Onuoha receive statues of Our Ladyof the Fields, the patroness of Glenmary, fromFather Dan Dorsey at the conclusion of theFirst Oath Mass.2 Glenmary Challenge Autumn 2010 www.glenmary.org

THE MAGAZINE OF CATHOLIC MISSIONERS TO RURAL AMERICAAutumn 2010www.glenmary.orgVolume 73 / Number 3Photo / Tricia SarvakCover Story9First Oath CelebrationOn May 29, 2010, Brother Levis Kuwa and Michael Chidi Onuohatook First Oath, committing to the practice of poverty, chastity,obedience and prayer.Feature Story15Calling All Catholics to Be MissionaryGlenmary missioners and coworkers continue workingto raise missionary awareness locally and nationally.Departments & columnsMissionary, Page 1545121417From the President / Father Dan DorseyHow a missionary answers the question, “You’re notfrom around here, are you?”Glenmary News & NotesGlenmary Farm floods—again; new windows in Metter,Ga.; Legacy Society gathers; new students arrive.Then & NowThe Glenmary Commission on Justice continues givingvoice to the forgotten and neglected.Partner in MissionMaryland youth minister remains dedicated to helpingstrengthen people’s faith through VBS programs.2010 JubilariansFive Glenmarians mark significant anniversaries ashome missioners.Flood, Page 5COJ, Page 12www.glenmary.org19 www.glenmary.orgFind more news from the home missions and discoverGlenmary’s mission education materials online!Disaster relief, Page 19Autumn 2010 Glenmary Challenge3

from the president / Father Dan Dorsey‘Missionary’ equals ‘outsider’Despite the challenges of missionary work, missioners draw strength from the LordGlenmarians typically blend in well withpeople who live in the areas we serve.But once we open up our mouths andbegin to speak, it becomes evident that “You’renot from around here, are you?” Our accents,however slight, usually give us away!As missioners, we hear this question many,many times throughout our years serving thehome missions. In these areas populationsare small, family ties run deep and everyoneknows everyone else or at least knows of them.So, although it’s posed as a question, it is inreality a statement of fact.Brother Levis Kuwa, one of our novicesfrom Kenya who just made his First Oath (seestory on page 9), recently observed that whenAfrican Americans see him, they assume he,too, is African American. That is, until he beginsto speak with an accent similar to thosewho live in Great Britain. While serving ourIdabel, Okla., mission, he said people were curiousabout him and wanted to know where hewas from because “obviously I was not fromIdabel!”I once asked Brother Levis what he thoughtwas the greatest personal asset he brought tohis ministry in Idabel. I was surprised when heforeigner: As a Catholic priest and native of St.Louis, Father Dan has been asked “You’re not fromaround here, are you?” many times throughout hisyears of home mission ministry, even in a placelike Danville, Ark., that shares his name!photo / brother david henleysaid, without hesitation, “being from Kenya.Since I am not from around here, people areinterested in where I come from and why Iwould come all this way to serve them.”A missioner’s presence is sometimes startlingto those he has come to serve. They oftendon’t understand why someonewould leave everything to servepeople he doesn’t know. Jesus respondsto this question very simply:“Amen, I say to you, there isno one who has given up house orwife or brothers or parents or childrenfor the sake of the kingdomof God who will not receive backan overabundant return in thispresent age and eternal life in theage to come” (Lk 18:28-30).By definition, a missionary isalways an outsider. Some mightsee this as a liability, but others,like Brother Levis, see it as an asset. Catholicmissionaries bring new eyes, different perspectivesand, most importantly, the richnessof the Roman Catholic tradition to the areasthey serve, which are very typically quite differentfrom their native areas.While the missioner is first seen as an outsider,his goal is to gradually take on the cultureand the traditions of those being served.A missionary should never try to change thosethings. We only hope to add to them by becomingliving examples within our missioncounties of what being Catholic means.Father Dan Dorseyddorsey@glenmary.orgPerhaps the next time a missioner hearssomeone ask “You’re not from aroundhere, are you?” a prophetic response isneeded. “No, I am not from around here. Butlet me tell you about where I am from andwhere I am going. How about joining me onmy journey?”The work of missionaries is not always easyand the impact we have is not always visible oreven measurable. But through our faith in Godand with the help of the Holy Spirit—and theprayers of our faithful supporters—we continueto push forward in Christ’s name. We, as missioners,wouldn’t have it any other way! 4 Glenmary Challenge Autumn 2010 www.glenmary.org

glenmary farmFlood waterswreak havocin KentuckyGlenmary Farm staffand volunteers spendsummer 2010 cleaningup following floods[kentucky] For the secondtime in just threemonths, the GlenmaryFarm flooded on July 21.The first flood, on May 2,sent six feet of creek waterinto the downstairsof the volunteer houseand destroyed the bathhouse.The July flash floodsent about the sameamount of water intothe buildings, but thistime it rose and recededquickly.Damage throughoutLewis County was extensive.The county wasdeclared a national disasterarea in May, makingFederal EmergencyManagement Association(FEMA) assistancepossible. The county wasstill evaluating the damagefrom the July floodat the time this story waswritten.According to JoeGrosek, director of thevolunteer program headquarteredat the Farm,the cleanup at the Farmafter both floods wentwell.“The May flood soakedGlenmarynews& notesflooded again: Flood waters from the KinniconickCreek rise around the building that houses thechapel at the Glenmary Farm on July 21, markingthe second flood in three months. In both floods,over six feet of rushing water washed away windows,tools, a car and picnic tables and destroyedbooks and furniture.us for a while,” he says,“leaving more mud anddestruction in its wake.Because the second floodmoved quickly, it left littlemud, which made ourcleanup easier.”The cleanup by Joe,Farm managers and volunteersincluded disinfecting,rebuilding andthrowing waterloggeditems away.Volunteers and Farmmanagers also helpedthose throughout thecounty with cleanup.“We really fared prettywell compared to those inother parts of the county,”Joe says.In 2000, the Farmand Lewis County weredevastated by a flood.Following that disaster,the volunteer house wasrebuilt so future floodwaterswould pass throughthe doors and windows atground level where nothingof value is stored. Thestaff house was rebuilt torest on posts eight feethigh, similar to a beachhouse.Joe calls this year’sweather in EasternKentucky very unusual.“We’ve had tropicaldepressions dump 6-8inches of rain on us; thecreeks and streams justphotos / courtesy glenmary farmcan’t handle that muchwater.”Although the two floodsaffected different areas ofthe county, some property,like the Farm, wasaffected by both floods.Michele Bertot, pastoralcoordinator of Glenmary’sHoly Redeemermission in nearby Vanceburg,worked with localCatholic Social Servicesto help those affected bythe May flood. Some ofthose folks will need tostart all over again.“Renovating and rebuildingonce is badenough,” Michele says.“But twice in threemonths is a little morethan folks can take!”Joe says the Farm lostmost of its tools, somecouches and books. Theyare also in need of lumberto make repairs.The Farm welcomedvolunteer groups againin August. “We’re movingforward,” Joe says.“We’re pretty resilientthese days!”beds no more: Afterrebuilding the bunkbeds in May, volunteershad to rebuild themagain in July. This time,they were waterproofed!www.glenmary.orgAutumn 2010 Glenmary Challenge5

g l e n m a r y news & notes continuedmission improvementsWindows inspire communityGenerous donation makes stained-glass windows a reality[georgia] Thanks to thegenerosity of parishioners,Holy Family mission inMetter, Ga., has twonew stained-glasswindows.A donationwas initiallymade to createone windowabove the altar.But after planningbegan, mission memberssoon realized the donationwas enough to payfor two windows.The window above thesanctuary features symbolsof the Eucharist, and theother window, placedabove the front door,has an image of adove, representingthe Holy Spirit.“They are beautiful,inspirationaladditions to ourchurch,” says SisterMary Bordelon, CDP,pastoral coordinator of HolyFamily. The remaining churchwindows are clear glass.Have You Included Glenmary In Your Will?Don’t Keep It a Secret!If you have included Glenmary in your will orcharitable trust, please tell us so we have thepleasure of thanking you now—and includingyou as a member of the Father Bishop LegacySociety. These legacy gifts will help ensure thatthe needs of those we serve in the home missionswill continue to be met in the decades to come!To request informationon how to includeGlenmary in your willor to notify us that youhave already done so,please contact:Susan Lambert,Planned Giving OfficerGlenmary Home Missioners800.935.0975slambert@glenmary.orgAround the Missions Father Chet Artysiewicz has beennamed the new pastor of the CatholicCommunity of Bertie County in NorthCarolina, effective Aug. 1. Father Chetformerly pastored St. Francis de Salesmission in Idabel, Okla., which was returnedto the Diocese of Tulsa for continuedpastoral care on July 1. Father Steve Pawelk has been granteda sabbatical effective Sept. 1, 2010-Feb.28, 2011. Father Steve spent the last 10years as director of Glenmary’s vocationdepartment. Father Dave Glockner received seniormembership on July 1. He has spent thepast several years as the director of Glenmary’snovitiate program. Father Davenow lives in West Virginia and ministersat the West Virginia Institute for Spirituality,where he leads retreats and is involvedwith a training program for spiritual directors. Sister Kate Regan, pastoral coordinatorof Glenmary’s St. Matthew mission inRipley, Miss., celebrated her 50th jubileeas a Sister of St. Joseph of Carondelet thissummer. Sister Mary Bordelon, the pastoralcoordinator of Holy Family mission inMetter, Ga., marked her 25th jubilee thisyear as a Sister of Divine Providence. Father John Rausch has been namedto the board of the National Catholic RuralLife Conference based in Des Moines,Iowa. Glenmary’s founder, Father WilliamHoward Bishop, was a founding boardmember of the conference. NCRLC’smission is to apply the teachings of JesusChrist for the social, economic andspiritual development of rural America,with responsibility for the care of God’screation. The newly-constructed St. MatthewChurch in Ripley, Miss., will be dedicatedon Sunday, Sept. 18. The community hasgrown so much that it’s standing roomonly in the former drugstore the communityhas been using as its worship spacethe past decade.6 Glenmary Challenge Autumn 2010 www.glenmary.org

photo / tricia sarvakthank you: Evelyn Hentges of Lakeview, Ohio, talks with Father Dan Dorsey followingthe Mass at Our Lady of the Fields Chapel that kicked off the Father Bishop Legacy Societygathering on June 11 in Cincinnati. This year’s event holds the record for the most attendeessince the gatherings began in 2004.partners in missionGathering honors donors who make planned gifts42 members of Father Bishop Legacy Society gather in Cincinnati for Mass and luncheon[ohio] Members of the FatherBishop Legacy Society gatheredat Glenmary Headquarters inCincinnati on Friday, June 11,for the group’s annual Mass andluncheon.The society is named forGlenmary’s founder, Father WilliamHoward Bishop, and wasestablished in 2003 to recognizepeople who make planned giftsto Glenmary.Father Dan Dorsey, presidentof Glenmary, celebratedthe Mass in honor of LegacySociety members who had diedin the past year. His homily focusedon the parable of the lostsheep—which he said probablycaptures, better than any otherScripture story, who GlenmaryHome Missioners are. “FatherBishop’s efforts to found Glenmarywere driven by his love ofthe ‘lost one,’” Father Dan said.He expressed his deep gratitudeto Legacy Society membersfor their generosity.“It is because of you and allour donors that Glenmary isable to continue its mission ofestablishing the Catholic Churchand serving people in rural andsmall-town areas of our country,”he said.At the luncheon, new vocationdirector Brother DavidHenley spoke about his missionwork and new role.He told the group that as hewas preparing to leave Danville,Ark., for his new assignment, aDanville mission member askedhim who would take his place.Brother David responded that,right now, there is no one. But,he said, the future is promisingbecause of Glenmary’s growingvocation program.At the close of his addressBrother David thanked the membersfor their prayers and continuedsupport. “Both mean morethan you can imagine for ourhome mission effort,” he said.To find out more: ContactSusan Lambert, Glenmary’splan ned giving officer, at 800-935-0975 / slambert@glenmary.org orvisit www.glenmary.org, s e a r c h:l e g a c y s o c i e t ywww.glenmary.orgAutumn 2010 Glenmary Challenge7

g l e n m a r y news & notes continuedvocationsLandmark year for vocation programFor the first time since 1987, over 20 students in formation[ohio] As the new school yearbegins, Glenmary has a total of 22students in all stages of formation,including seven new students.“This is an exciting time forGlenmary,” says Brother DavidHenley, director of Glenmary’svocation department. “Thesestudents will eventually ministerin the mission areas we currentlyserve and will help us establishnew missions in the future.”Brother David noted this is thefirst time since 1987 that Glenmaryhas had over 20 students information and the first time since1993 that five students have beenunder Oath. (See page 9.)The new students come fromAfrica, Mexico and the UnitedStates. According to Brother David,they are all truly motivatedto be home missioners.“I’m impressed by the qualityof all the students, in particularthe new students. They possessso many wonderful gifts, and I’mhappy they are choosing to sharethose gifts with Glenmary andthe home missions.”The students are as follows:• John Guice Jr., 42, of Katy,Texas, is pursuing missionarypriesthood. He is studying at St.Meinrad School of Theology.• Isaac Kariuki, 37, from Thika,Ken ya, is a student at St. Meinrad,studying for priesthood.new videos: Missioners, students, coworkers and donors were interviewedand videotaped this spring in four locations—St. Meinrad,Ind., Pontotoc, Miss., Vanceburg and Grayson, Ky.—by a crew fromSchoen Media. The goals: a new promotional video and a new vocationvideo, produced in both English and Spanish. The videos will beready for release in early autumn. Above, Michele Bertot, pastoral coordinatorof Holy Redeemer mission in Vanceburg, is interviewed asthe crew and Father Steve Pawelk look on.8 Glenmary Challenge Autumn 2010 www.glenmary.orgphoto / jean bachphoto / brother david henleynew students: Three of Glenmary’sseven new students—(fromleft) John Guice, Juan Pablo SantosRodriguez, and Jerry Wilkerson—met in early August in Hartford, Ky.• Godfrey Musabe, 24, of Nairobi,Kenya, is an aspirant preparingfor priesthood. For thisyear, he is studying at TangazaCollege School of Theology inNairobi.• Victor Okello, 24, of Kisumu,Kenya, has been accepted as anaspirant but is waiting to receivea travel visa. He wants to pursuebrotherhood.• Juan Pablo Santos Rodriguez,30, of Lagos de Moreno,Mexico, has joined Glenmary tobecome a priest. He is enteringas an aspirant and attends DivineWord College in Epworth, Iowa.• Ambrose Mbire Wanyonyi,28, of Bungoma, Kenya, is an aspirantpreparing for priesthood.For this year, he is studying atTangaza College School of Theologyin Nairobi.• Jerry Wilkerson, 21, of Jacksonville,Ark., is an aspirant pursuingpriesthood. He is attendingDivine Word College in Epworth,Iowa.“I hope the large number ofstudents in formation inspiresother young men to respond totheir call to serve the home missionsby exploring a vocation withGlenmary,” Brother David says.

new membersfirstphotos / tricia sarvakoathThe Glenmary community welcomedtwo new members on May 29, 2010.With the addition of these men,Glenmary has five students undertemporary Oath, the most since1993.By Jean Bachcommitment: Father Dan Dorsey, president ofGlenmary (top photo), listens as Levis Kuwa declareshis intent to become a member of GlenmaryHome Missioners by reading the Glenmary Oath.Father Tom Kirkendoll (bottom photo, left) servesas a witness as Michael Chidi Onuoha signs hisOath. By taking First Oath, each man commitshimself to the practice of poverty, chastity, obedienceand prayer.On Saturday, May 29, Levis Kuwa and MichaelChidi Onuoha became the newest members ofGlenmary Home Missioners by making FirstOath at a special Mass at St. Matthias Churchin Cincinnati.Levis, who became Brother Levis following hisOath, and Michael, who is a theology student at St.Meinrad Seminary in Indiana, are natives of Kenyaand Nigeria, respectively, and have been studentswith Glenmary since 2007.Father Dan Dorsey, president of Glenmary, presidedat the First Oath liturgy. Referring to the readingsfor the Mass—Jeremiah, Ephesians and Luke—FatherDan told the new Glenmarians that God calledthem by name and that they have been blessed by theSpirit. “Draw your strength from the Lord and hismighty power, in both success and failure, as you www.glenmary.orgAutumn 2010 Glenmary Challenge9

call to oath: As members of Glenmary and guests look on,Levis Kuwa and Michael Chidi Onuoha begin the Oath ceremonyby asking “for God’s merciful love and for the grace of servinghim more generously as Glenmary Home Missioners.” are sent, as missionaries, tothe nations to evangelize,” FatherDan said. The road as a Glenmarymissioner won’t always beeasy, “but through prayer youwill find the strength you needto share the love of God with allyou meet.”Brother Levis and Michaelwere inspired to pursuereligious vocations by themissionaries working intheir countries who ministeredsign of peace: Liz Dudas ofGlenmary’s Department of PastoralMinisters and Pastoral Servicesshares a sign of peace withBrother Levis.to them as children. And bothsearched until they found Glenmaryvia the Internet. BrotherLevis and Michael are among22 students in Glenmary formation,the most since 1987.Of those 22, 13 are from Africa,three are from Mexico and sixare from the United States.For Brother Levis, discoveringthat Glenmary ministers tothose who are forgotten was keyto sparking his initial interest injoining the home mission society.“That,” he says, “is what Godwants me to do.”Michael was drawn to the ruralnature of Glenmary’s ministry.He grew up in small ruralvillages in Nigeria that didn’thave a Catholic church, so heknows firsthand whatit’s like to not have theopportunity to attendMass.“I wanted to giveback what I received asa child from the missionaries,”he says. “As amember of Glenmary, Ican do that here in theUnited States.”Adapting to theculture of the UnitedStates and to the ruralareas Glenmary serveshas been a bit of a challenge forboth men. Glenmary’s formationprogram addresses these issuesand helps all the internationalstudents acclimate to their newsurroundings.As part of their formation,Brother Levis and Michaeleach have completed ayear of candidacy and twoyears of novitiate to reach themilestone of First Oath. Theyhave learned about Glenmary’scharism through their academicstudies. And they have seen thecharism lived out as they havespent time and ministered inGlenmary missions.Prior to taking Oath, BrotherLevis spent a year in Glenmary’sformer Idabel, Okla., mission.Since then, he has moved on toSt. Jude mission in Waldron,Ark., where he hopes to use histalents on a daily basis to meetcongratulations and welcome:At the conclusion of the Oath ceremony,Michael and Brother Levis arecongratulated by those in attendance.the needs he finds there.Michael is in his secondyear of theology at St. Meinradseminary. Although his studiesprevent him from spendingextended periods of time inthe missions, he still managesto connect his academic stud-10 Glenmary Challenge Autumn 2010 www.glenmary.org

ies to practical experience. Forexample, while at St. Meinradlast year he worked with a localCatholic Charities office helpingneedy families access resourcesto pay rent and utility bills.Both say they look forwardto one day serving theU.S. home missions asfully professed membersof Glenmary.And both know that FatherDan’s words to them duringtheir First Oath Mass will ringtrue during their years as missioners:it will be rewarding andchallenging.But, Father Dan said, “It’sthrough prayer and our faith thatall is made possible.” So, he advised,on a daily basis, “pray, pray,pray and pray some more. It’sthen you will find strength.” thanks be to god: At the conclusion of the First Oath Mass, BrotherLevis and Michael pose with (back row, from left) Father Vic Subb, codirectorof candidacy/post-novitiate; Father Tom Kirkendoll, co-directorof novitiate; Father Dan Dorsey, president; Brother Joe Steen, co-directorof candidacy/post-novitiate; Father Dominic Duggins, first vice president;(front row, from left) Father Mike Kerin, second vice president;Father Dave Glockner, former director of novitiate.Oath RenewalCelebratedn May 28, 2010, Aaron Wessman,OBrother Craig Digmann and CrispineAdongo renewed their GlenmaryOath for the second time during aMass at Our Lady of the Fields Chapelat Glenmary’s Headquarters inCincinnati.Over the next year, all three menwill prepare to take Final Oath in2011.Aaron and Crispine, who are studyingfor priesthood, have entered theirthird year of theology at St. Meinradin St. Meinrad, Ind. Brother Craig isministering at Glenmary’s mission inHouston, Miss.called to serve: Aaron Wessman,Brother Craig Digmann andCrispine Adongo (from left) awaitthe beginning of their Oath renewalMass on May 28.www.glenmary.orgAutumn 2010 Glenmary Challenge11

Then & NOWCommissionon JusticeOver 25 years of helping theneglected and oppressed.The Glenmary Commission on Justice(COJ) was formed in 1979 onthe recommendation of Glenmary’sTask Force for Social Justice. Father BobBerson, Glenmary’s president at thattime, believed “that the Catholic missionChurch in rural America can begin toevangelize the poor only after it is clearlyidentifiable” that the Church is “for” themand on the side of the oppressed.For over 25 years, the COJ has provideda forum through which action on behalfof justice is fostered as a constitutive partof proclaiming the Gospel both locallyand nationally.photos / glenmary archives 1977: In calling for the formation of the Commissionon Justice, Father Bob Berson reflected on his earlyyears in the 1950s as a Glenmary missioner servingin the poorest county in Virginia. ”Glenmarians’ concernfor those locked into these kinds of communitieshas shown itself in their open response…to the shiveringand hungry person standing at the rectory door, inthe rummage sales…in the emergency food and housingthat has been arranged…. I’m proud of what we’vedone from 1939 to 1977, but it is not enough.” 1987: Ten of the 14 members of theCommission on Justice gather. GlenmaryFather Les Schmidt (back row, far right) andBenedictine Sister Evelyn Dettling (frontrow, far right) worked full-time implementingthe activities of the commission. 1990: Glenmary Father Bob Rademacher talks withmine workers during a labor strike in Southwest Virginia.The Commission on Justice worked to help promote theminers’ cause of obtaining adequate health and retirementbenefits. Today, the COJ still works to give voice tothe voiceless in Appalachia, primarily focusing on environmentalissues related to coal mining, such as stripmining and mountaintop removal.12 Glenmary Challenge Autumn 2010 www.glenmary.org

photo / chea prince 2000: The process leading to the publicationof Voices and Choices, a pastoral messagefrom 41 Catholic bishops of the Southon the U.S. poultry industry, was initiatedand facilitated by the Catholic Committee ofthe South (CCS), a group that has receivedsupport from the Glenmary Commission onJustice since the 1980s. The COJ has held follow-upmeetings between growers and workersin the years since the pastoral’s release. 2004: The Commission on Justicereleased Removing the Blindfold, avideo and study guide that examinesthe criminal justice system through theeyes of both prisoners and guards. Theareas in which Glenmary missionersand coworkers minister—especiallyAppalachia and the rural South—have large numbersof for-profit prisons. 2007: With the support of the COJ andthe leadership of Father Les Schmidt, eightpastoral statements from the CatholicBishops of the South were published to addresscriminal justice issues caused by theescalating prison population in the South. 2010: A new decade marks change forthe COJ. After 10 years, Marcus Keyes (center)retired as director and Father Bob Dalton(left) resigned as co-convener, replaced byFather Tim Murphy. Betsy Dwyer (inset) washired as the new director. Brother Larry Johnson(above, right) continued as co-convener.No matter the leadership, the commissionremains true to its mission, providing nationaland local leadership in the areas ofpeace, justice and protection of the environment.www.glenmary.orgAutumn 2010 Glenmary Challenge13

partner in mission / by Dale HansonA bridge to the missionsYouth ministry leader helps connect people through Vacation Bible School programsJulie Gartrell’s first encounter with Glenmarydates back to 1999 when she got toknow Neil Pezzulo, a Glenmary seminarianworking as a transitional deacon at her largeOwings, Md., parish, The Covenant Communityof Jesus the Good Shepherd (JGS). Juliewas a volunteer on the youth ministry team.Fast forward to 2010: As JGS coordinator ofyouth ministry, Julie just completed her ninthsummer of conducting Vacation Bible School(VBS) programs at Father Neil’s strugglingGlenmary missions in Arkansas. She says theexperiences have been life-changing. “The goalis to become stronger disciples of Christ. I feellike we’ve been given a wonderful gift. It hasenriched so many lives,” she says.In 1999 Julie knew only a little about Glenmary.“But Neil educated many of us aboutGlenmary’s ministry. We became strong Glenmarysupporters,” she says, “and he and I becamevery good friends.” Father Neil adds,“They told me ‘Wherever you go, we’re goingto help you and your missions.’”During his first mission assignment as associatepastor in Crossett and Hamburg, Ark.(2000-2003), Julie became one of Father Neil’skey JGS connections when his communitiesneeded assistance. Today, “JGS is one of themost generous parish supporters of Glenmarymissions,” he says.arkansas VBS: Maryland youth ministry coordinatorJulie Gartrell and teen volunteer workersplan a day of activities for Vacation Bible Schoolparticipants.photo / Peter chowAfter Julie became youth ministry coordinatorin 2001, she wanted to take her parishteens on a mission trip. Father Neil promptlyinvited them to coordinate a VBS program forthe Hamburg kids. For the next two years, JGSvolunteers ran the one-week sessions.In 2003 Father Neil was named pastor ofGlenmary missions in Waldron and Danville,Ark. Julie and JGS volunteers have organizedannual VBS programs for both missions since2004. These programs are held two consecutiveweeks and are led by two groups of teenagevolunteers (57 in 2010) and adult chaperones(14 in 2010).“Personal relationships are what changeyou,” Julie says. “The children, JGS and missionteens, and adults gain new perspectives onlife. I’ve seen how this experience strengthenspeople’s faith.“That’s why I want to keep doing the work.It’s also been an unbelievable eye-opener to seewhat Glenmary missioners do—and a wonderfulchance to be part of it.”Julie adds that the Waldron teens are close torunning their own VBS. In addition, led by pastoralassociate Kathy O’Brien, they’ve also ledBible school programs at Glenmary’s Heavener,Okla., mission the last five summers.This year, under Julie’s guidance, theMaryland and Waldron teens also leda Bible school program for the Catholiccommunity in Wickes, Ark. “In spite of ourlimited resources, we can still reach out andshare,” says Father Neil, “in the same way ourfriends from Maryland have shared with us.”Father Neil describes Julie as “the bridge thatconnects the Maryland and Arkansas youth,and connects her large parish to our small, developingmissions.”JGS parishioners also support the missionsthrough prayer; by sending a moving van filledwith supplies for young families biannually; andwith private donations. Father Neil also emphasizedthat his mission members can provide servicesto the poor largely because of an outreachaccount established with JGS donations.“We couldn’t do local outreach withoutthem,” he says.14 Glenmary Challenge Autumn 2010 www.glenmary.org

mission leadershipCalling All Catholicsto beMissionaryHome mission leadership has been a crucial aspect of Glenmary’s ministry since 1939.By Margaret GabrielGlenmary missioners and coworkers educatethe “people in the pews”—as well as the largerChurch—about the home missions in order tofurther the home mission effort.Whether it’s giving presentations, sponsoring workshops,publishing printed and electronic communications,sponsoring essay contests, spearheading researchprojects at the Glenmary Research Center orserving on national boards,Glenmarians and coworkerscontinue to fulfill oneof Father Bishop’s goals infounding Glenmary HomeMissioners: to educate allCatholics about the needsof the home missions.Mission appeal presentationsin various diocesesare an annual way Glenmarypriests, brothers andcoworkers bring the homemissions to life for membersof parishes throughoutthe United States.While fundraising is animportant part of missionappeals, the educationalaspect is key. Often thesepresentations are the firsttime folks become awarethat the Catholic Churchmission conference: Glenmary Father FrankRuff (left) and Cardinal Joseph Bernardin ofChicago field media questions at a 1989 Glenmary-sponsoredmission symposium. CardinalBernardin delivered one of six papers on thetheme “The Future of the Catholic Church in theSouth.” These papers were published in Mission2009, a book available from the Glenmary ResearchCenter, www.glenmary.org/grc.is not accessible to everyone living in the UnitedStates.Glenmary, as the only religious society dedicatedsolely to establishing the Catholic Church in the U.S.missions, is also a national leader in promoting homemission ministry opportunities and home missioneducation, for both adults and children.For example, the Educate and Inspire series, developedby Glenmary for usein Catholic schools andparish religious educationprograms, was developedto raise awareness of missionneeds among youngpeople and hopefully toinspire them to becomeinvolved as volunteersor in some other ways.Volunteer opportunitiesfor adults and teens areavailable through a groupvolunteer program basedat the Glenmary Farm inVanceburg, Ky.As Glenmary’s pointperson for homemission leadership,Father Wil Steinbachercoordinated a nationalsymposium in 2004, in www.glenmary.orgAutumn 2010 Glenmary Challenge15

aising awareness: FatherJohn Rausch spends much ofhis time giving presentations,leading workshops and guidingtours of Appalachia in aneffort to raise awareness of socialand economic needs in thehome missions. Here he speaksat the North American Institutefor Catholic Evangelizationconference in Cincinnati. cooperation with the UnitedStates Catholic Mission Association.The symposium, “God’sMissionary People: A New Wayof Being Church,” challengedalmost 300 attendees to focusmore on mission and less on“Church business.”Even today, Father Wil says,people who attended the symposiumtell him they draw onresources they gained from thegathering.Glenmary has used a varietyof techniques over the decadesto care for the forgottenand neglected.In 1999, Father Wil coordinateda gathering of religiouscommunities with a home missionemphasis to discuss collaboration.Father Wil hopedthrough collaboration, the religiouscommunities could sharetheir charisms in unique wayswith the larger Church. ForGlenmary, that means sharingits unique approach to ministryand its innovative, successfulministry model of working withprofessional lay ministers.As a result of the 1999 gathering,the Home Mission LeadershipConference (HMLC) wasformed in 2001 and two areasfor collaboration were defined:increasing awareness of thehome missions and developinglay leadership in mission dioceses.“Hundreds of years of missionaryservice come togetherwhen HMLC gathers for its yearlymeeting,” Father Wil says.Acertain amount of educationtakes place in mission areasserved by Glenmary. Often,those living in mission countiesaren’t familiar with Catholicismor they have a very narrow understandingof the Church andCatholics in general.Glenmary’s Department ofPastoral Ministers and PastoralServices helps orient newcoworkers—and often diocesanpriests new to mission areas—to life in mission counties andthe cultural challenges they mayface.For Sister Mary Jean Morris,pastoral coordinator at the Glenmarymission in Bruce, Miss.,this orientation was helpful onmany levels, especially when shewas asked, soon after her arrivalin Bruce, to speak at the chamberof commerce meeting.Since the group didn’t knowmuch about Catholics or aboutnuns, she was asked to give thehistory of the Catholic Churchand of nuns—in 10 minutes! Shesaw this as an educational andevangelization opportunity andshe accepted the invitation.Sister Mary Jean, the firstCatholic ever to address thechamber, gave a presentationon the seven-year history of theCatholic Church in Bruce. Yearslater, she says that 10 minuteshelped identify her as a communityleader.One of the results of missioneducation is to createa desire among those whoreceive the message to becomemore active, to find other waysof supporting the missions beyondprayer and financial contributions.“All Catholics are called to bemissionary through baptism andwe most definitely want themto embrace thatvocation,” FatherWil says. “There’s agrowing number ofCatholic lay people,age 55 to 65, cominginto ministry.”What if, FatherWil asks, a nurseis inspired to moveto a mission countyto use her medicaltraining to givepresentations onwellness? What if‘The Church, byits very nature,is missionary,reaching outespecially tothose who areforgotten andneglected.’— Father Wil Steinbachera doctor retires and moves to acounty to open a clinic for thosewithout health insurance? Whatif a retired lawyer moves to amission area and uses his skillsto represent members of the localHispanic community?That kind of thinking andaction continues to be nurturedand encouraged byGlenmary missioners, on botha national and local level.“People won’t know aboutthe opportunities to help unlessthose of us who are working inthe missions share our storiesand create ways to spread thosestories,” Father Wil says.“We all are called to be a missionarypeople, and there aremany ways to answer the call inthe home missions.” 16 Glenmary Challenge Autumn 2010 www.glenmary.org

2010 jubilariansCelebration!Five Glenmarians mark 60, 50 and 25 years since taking First OathWhen Brother Tom Kelly entered Glenmaryin 1948, he was already familiarwith the society’s mission and ministry.His biological brother, Father Jim Kelly,joined Glenmary in 1945 and was serving assecretary to Glenmary’sfounder, Father WilliamHoward Bishop.Brother Tom celebratesthe 60th anniversaryof his FirstOath this year. In thosesix decades, he has beeninvolved in a variety ofministries, from servingas a parish brother toheading up Glenmary’sprint shop.After joining Glenmary, the Sidney, Ohio,native found that life as a brother was a perfectmatch for him because he could use his talentsand skills as a handyman to serve the Churchand people in need.His soft-spoken, laid-back personality hasbeen a good fit for his ministerial assignmentsthat have taken him to missions in Virginia,Ohio, West Virginia, Alabama and Kentucky.He was also part of the innovative BackroadsMinistry begun by Glenmary to reach out tothe “poorest of the poor” in South Georgia.From 1976 to 1984, Brother Tom and his goodfriend, Brother Ralph Riehle, lived among thepoor in andaround Manassas,Ga.Their ministryfocusedon buildingand repairinghomes—andsimply spendingtime withlocal folks.Through theiroutreach, aCatholic presence was established in an areawhere the majority of the natives had nevermet a Catholic!Brother Tom received senior member statusBrother Tom in Manassas, Ga.www.glenmary.orgBrother Tomin 1998 and settled in Glenmary’s mission inVanceburg, Ky. In 2002, he moved to the Glenmaryresidence in Cincinnati. He currently residesat a health care facility in Cincinnati.Father Charlie Hughes also celebrates his 60thanniversary this year. He was featured in theSummer 2010 issue of Glenmary Challenge.The article can be found at www.glenmary.org.Father Dennis Holly is currently pastoringtwo Glenmary missions in two differentstates and dioceses. As pastor ofHoly Family mission in Lafayette, Tenn., andChrist the King mission in Scottsville, Ky.,Father Dennis not only cares for the spiritualneeds of Catholics living in both missions,but also attends a plethora of meetings at bothmissions and in both dioceses.In addition, he has overseen theconstruction of a new church inScottsville and hopes to build anew church in Lafayette.Multitasking has been a hallmarkof Father Dennis’ ministryover his 50 years as a Glenmarymissioner. In addition to his assignmentsas associate pastorof missions in North Carolinaand Tennessee and as pastorFather Dennisof missions in Virginia, Tennessee, Kentuckyand Texas, the Fort Wayne, Ind., native hasalways been active on Glenmary committeesand commissions that work to promote ecumenismand evangelization.An original member of the Glenmary Commissionon Evangelization, Father Dennis alsospent almost 20 years as director/consultantof Glenmary’s Department of Pastoral Services,(now the Department of Pastoral Ministersand Pastoral Services) a support ministry thataims to, among other things, promote effectiveevangelization efforts in Glenmary missions.For almost 10 of those 20 years, he served twoterms as first vice president on Glenmary’s ExecutiveCouncil.According to Father Dennis, evangelizationis key to building community within a Autumn 2010 Glenmary Challenge17

mission. “It takesplace informally, asCatholics witnesstheir faith to theirfriends and neighborsin their everydaylives,” he says.“The first step ineffective evangelizationis for CatholicsFather Dennis led many to be more comfortablewith theirworkshops on evangelizationwhile serving as directorof the Department of ing that faith.” Overfaith and with shar-Pastoral Services.the past 50 years,Father Dennis hashelped many missions and many Catholics takethat first step.For almost half of Father Steve Pawelk’s 25years as a Glenmary Home Missioner, hehas worked to help others discern their religiouscalling, first as a vocationcounselor and lateras director of Glenmary’svocation office. This yearmarks the end of his 10years as director.A native of Maple Lake,Minn., Father Steve servedas a transitional deacon atGlenmary mission in Russellville,Ala., before hisordination. His first assignmentfollowing ordination was as associatepastor at the Claxton, Ga., mission. He eventuallybecame pastor of St. Francis of Assisi mission inNew Albany, Miss., in 1995.But it is in vocation work that Father Steve hasinvested his energy for the past decade. When hebecame vocation director,he had a list of six prospects.Today, the numberof men in formation hasgrown and has expandedto include internationalstudents.Father Steve givesthanks to God for Glenmary’ssuccess in recruitingefforts. He attributesWhile serving in Mississippi,Father Stevewas active at the localBoys and Girls Club.Father Stevethis success in part toGlenmary’s attractive,distinct charism.“We’re also investingthe resources necessaryto keep new membership a priority,” he says.“And we’ve responded to the times by openingourselves to accepting international students. Inturn, these vocations seem to attract U.S. prospectswho like the increased diversity and multiculturalism.“As we continue our work, we need to keeptrusting in God and prayer,” says Father Steve.“As much as I love Glenmary, God loves Glenmarymore. Things will happen in God’s time.”Meeting new challenges is always part ofa missionary’s life, and it’s one of thethings that attracted Father Don Tranelto Glenmary 25 years ago. Ashe has pursued his missionaryassignments, he has often remindedhimself of the messageprinted on his ordination card:“The will of God will never leadus where the grace of God won’tcare for us.”During his years as a missioner,Father Don has relied onthose words and their meaningas he learned Spanish to betterFather Donminister to a growing Hispanic population in aMississippi mission, as he started a new missionin a South Georgia county and as he ministeredto those living in three Appalachian counties.“Glenmary seemed like a hand-in-glove fit forme,” Father Don says. A native of East Dubuque,Ill., he grew up on a farm and “here was a‚ religiousgroup that worked with the poor in ruralareas,” he says. “It was perfect.”Father Don has served as pastor of Glenmarymissions inMcRae, Ga., Spencer/Grantsville/Elizabeth, W.Va. andNew Albany/Pontotoc,Miss.Currently he isserving as the firstresident pastor ofOur Lady of the Assumptionmission inBoone ville, Ark., andas pastor of SacredHeart mission in Father Don studied SpanishHeavener, Okla., 60 to better minister to Catholicsmiles from Booneville.living in Pontotoc, Miss.Father Don’s goal as a missioner: “I just wantto be available and accessible to the folks. Ourjob is to let people know they’re loved.” 18 Glenmary Challenge Autumn 2010 www.glenmary.org

the web site of Catholic missioners to rural Americaw w w.glenmary.orgOnline ContentsWhat’s newMississippi Mission Continues to GrowFather Tim Murphy says if the membership of St. Christophermission in Pontotoc, Miss., continues to grow, a new churchwill be needed. That, he says, is a good problem to have!s e a r c h: life o f fa i t hGrowing missionDepartmentsMeet a MissionerBrother Craig Digmann is more than ready to begin his firstfull-time assignment. s e a r c h: b r o t h e r h o u s t o nHow to HelpAnnuity rates are going up. Now is the perfect time to establisha Glenmary gift annuity. s e a r c h: a n n u i t i e sCommission on JusticeFind a variety of environmental and justice and peace resourcesprovided by the COJ. s e a r c h: COJ r e s o u rc e sGlenmary FarmStay up to date with the happenings at the Glenmary Farmon Facebook. s e a r c h: g l e n m a r y fa r mBrother CraigFarm on FacebookFeature StoryParish Helps Tornado VictimsA Michigan parish, through their adoption relationship with aGlenmary mission, helped the residents of Choctaw County,Miss., following an F-4 tornado. s e a r c h: c h o c taw t o r n a d oTornado recoveryGlenmary Challenge OnlineAll major articles since 1999 are available online. You canalso fill out an online form to sign up family and friends toreceive the magazine in their mailboxes. s e a r c h: challengeMission Education MaterialsAs the school year begins, plan ahead for mission month inOctober by ordering your mission education materials forelementary and junior high students today! s e a r c h: m i s s i o n-e dResources for teacherswww.glenmary.orgAutumn 2010 Glenmary Challenge19

Glenmary Home MissionersP.O. Box 465618Cincinnati, OH 45246-5618NONPROFIT ORGANIZATIONU.S. Postage PAIDGlenmary Home MissionersGlenmary Glimpse / Spreading the messageThanks to workers from a local sign company, a large image of FatherBruce Brylinski baptizing a young man in Danville, Ark., nowgreets drivers who pass by the Glenmary billboard in Greater Cincinnati.The billboard sits on the property where Glenmary’s residenceand office buildings are located bordering the northern loop of the I-275beltway. The billboard’s purpose is twofold: to increase Glenmary’s namerecognition in Greater Cincinnati and to entice those who see the billboardto find out more about Glenmary’s home mission ministry by visitingthe society’s Web site, www.glenmary.org.photo / tricia sarvakCatholic Missioners to Rural America