Glenmary Challenge Autumn 2017

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

Autumn 2017

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Serving the Son through the sun Missioner brings eclipse glasses, hope to farm workers

One Family of Christ

Father Frank Ruff breaks ground in ecumenical relations with Evangelicals

One Body in Christ 500 years after the Reformation, Glenmary making strides

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. Today, supported through freewill offerings, it staffs missions and ministries throughout Appalachia and the South.

Glenmary serves in areas where frequently less than one percent of the population is Catholic, a significant percentage have no church affiliation and poverty rates are high.

Father William Glenmary is known for respecting the many cultures encoun- Howard Bishop tered in the home missions. Its Glenmary Founder 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 donors, U.S. diocesan clergy and anyone who requests it.

Publisher: Father Chet Artysiewicz Editor: John Stegeman. Assistant Editor: Molly Williamson.

Art Director: Tricia Sarvak. Staff Writer: Father John S. Rausch Planning-Review Board: Brother David Henley, Frank Lesko, Father Neil Pezzulo, Father John S. Rausch, Susan Lambert, Father Don Tranel, Father Dave Glockner, Brother Craig Digmann, Lucy Putnam, Margaret Gabriel Donor Advisory Board: Theodore A. Capossela, Jill Collet, Joseph F. DeAngelo, Deacon Richard P. Delio, Ivan D. Doseff, William G. Goslee, Terry Schneeman, Albert A. Vondra Glenmary Home Missioners P.O. Box 465618 • Cincinnati, OH 45246-5618 513-874-8900 • 800-935-0975 www.glenmary.org • info@glenmary.org © 2017, Glenmary Home Missioners. Reprint permission granted upon request.

about the cover: The statue of Father William Howard Bishop at Glenmary's headquarters frames the sun just before the solar eclipse Aug. 21, 2017. Photo by Brother David Henley.

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I've got joy, joy, joy down in my heart FROM THE EDITOR / John Stegeman

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fter a year of working here, I'm beginning to understand what Glenmary is about. Glenmary is about the joy of the Gospel, and that joy permeates this edition of the Challenge.

Back in June, Glenmary hosted its annual General Assembly in Charleston, W.Va. Almost all of the Glenmarians, students and coworkers were in attendance. I was fortunate to attend the last few days. What I saw was special.

I saw the concern Glenmarians have for each other as a family of faith. I saw their passion as they discussed ways to better serve the least among us. I saw their reverence as they celebrated Mass. But what struck me most was their joy.

At the Assembly, Glenmarians celebrated each other. They literally sang and danced. Our priests, brothers and students were living out God’s calling with abundant joy.

In “The Joy of the Gospel,” Pope Francis wrote, “The joy of the Gospel fills the hearts and lives of all who encounter Jesus. Those who accept his offer of salvation are set free from sin, sorrow, inner emptiness and loneliness.”

If the Holy Father had attended Glenmary’s Assembly, he’d have been proud to see the joy on display. In August, I marked my John Stegeman one-year anniversary in this posijstegeman@glenmary.org tion. It brings me joy to be a part of this team.

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peaking of joy, I love meeting the men in Glenmary's formation program. These men exude joy. On page 7 you'll read about the recent oath ceremonies. In the photos, the men are solemn as befits the occasion, but get them talking after Mass, and I bet they leave you smiling. There's also a joyful tone in the story of Collin Lally, a boy who followed his grandmother's example and turned his first Communion into a chance to support Glenmary. For that, see page 16.

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his edition also addresses the lack of Christian unity (pages 11 and 15). While that issue can bring up painful memories, the efforts Glenmary and other groups have made toward healing are cause for—you guessed it—joy.  w w w. g l e n m a r y. o r g

THE MAGAZINE OF C ATHOLI C MISSIONERS TO RURAL AMERI C A

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Vo l u m e 8 0 / N u m b e r 3

Cover Story

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Eclipse: Serving the Son through the sun

Father Vic Subb makes it a point to minister to the farm workers in his mission. Knowing they'd likely look up from their work during the eclipse, he acted to help.

Lead Story

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One Body in Christ

October marks 500 years since the start of the Protestant Reformation. While Glenmary has only been around for a fraction of that time, it has had a major impact on Christian unity.

One Body, Page 11

Feature Stories

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One Family of Christ

For 50 years, Father Frank Ruff has broken ground in Catholic-Baptist relations in the United States. He is still serving that cause.

One Family, Page 15

Giving Back

Supporting Glenmary became a family tradition when Collin Lally chose to send his first Communion money to Glenmary to support the home missions.

Giving, Page 16

Departments & columns

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From the President / Father Chet Artysiewicz

Glenmary participated in the Convocation of Catholic Leaders, which highlighted the universal church.

Glenmary News & Notes

Seminarians profess their oaths; Glenmary thanks donors; Father John S. Rausch appears on CNN; Glenmary breaks ground on a new church; and more.

Glenmary.org

Keep up with what's new at Glenmary.org, official website of the Home Missioners of America.

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News, Page 7

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from the president / Father Chet Artysiewicz

Glenmary part of a larger mission Just as the Holy Spirit moved Glenmary's founder, it continues to move people today

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experienced that “bigger picture” this past July when I attended the Convocation of Catholic Leaders in Orlando, Fla., an event that drew 3,200 participants from 159 dioceses, including 160 bishops. It was an event that focused on how the dioceses of our country could implement Pope Francis’ "Joy of the Gospel." In addition to the main speakers and the 66 smaller “breakout” sessions, there were many exhibits—tables sponsored by many religious groups, including Glenmary. I was especially struck by initiatives I had never encountered before.

Just as individuals can inspire us by their dedication and even heroism, the same can be said of groups. Part of my surprise may have been due to the limited scope of my own personal experience. But another aspect certainly had to do with new endeavors that have arisen

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to respond to contemporary challenges. I counted 90 different ministerial groups displaying their particular portion of “the mission.” Our schedule was so full, I did not have a chance to thoroughly investigate the various exhibits, but I could not help but be impressed by what they represented: people of faith responding to a wide variety of needs in our modern world, much as Father Bishop did in the 1930s.

It is hard, of course, to capture the spirit of such an event on paper. As a participant, I just wanted to share with you that in the midst of our troubled world, the Spirit of God is very much alive, inspiring people to respond to the needs of today’s society.

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ince we, too, were exhibitors, I hope the people who visited with us came away with an appreciation for the ministry of Glenmary.

Whether their focus is the inner city, the campus, the “nones” or any other segment, I hope they appreciate the fact that somebody is striving to address the Home Mission need.

Indeed, we sometimes refer to Glenmary as a wonderful secret, waiting to be revealed.

Glenmary realizes we are only a small part of God’s vineyard—but it’s the region we feel the Lord is calling us to serve. Thank you for your prayers and support that enable us to  serve God’s people.

Courtesy photo

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s we bid adieu to summer activities and settle into our autumn routines, I reflect upon what has transpired over the past three months.

In many ways, summer represents “appeal season” as we travel throughout the country, describing our ministry. In addition to necessary fund raising to support our mission churches and other mission endeavors, these ventures afford an opportunity to raise awareness of the home missions. Indeed, a common refrain we hear after our presentations is “I never realized a missionary need existed in our own country.”

Jesus urged His followers to go out to all the world. That’s a big mission. But it is addressed by various smaller missions— all of which have their place in Father Chet the overall composition. Our Artysiewicz founder, Father William Howcartysiewicz@glenmary.org ard Bishop, praised the foreign missionary efforts of his day.

But, he also reminded us that the need for missionary activity is every bit as valid in our own homeland, given the vast areas where the Catholic Church was not present.

Glenmary sent five people to the convocation,

including, from left, Father Dennis Holly, Lorraine Vancamp and Father Chet Artysiewicz. Brother Craig Digmann and Tom Navin (not pictured) also attended. They were part of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati's 52-person delegation.

cover story photos / courtesy Craig Laake

Eclipse

Serving the Son through the sun Cover story / Molly Williamson

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TOTAL ECLIPSE: Taken in Princeton, Ky., this

picture mirrors what the tobacco workers in Lafayette, Tenn., would have seen on Aug. 21, 2017. While widely discussed and highly anticipated throughout the nation, the natural phenomenon was unknown to a group of Hispanic tobacco workers who had been cut off from the media.

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s Father Vic Subb slowly approaches the tobacco workers’ residence, people pop out of the landscape. Scattered around the barracks where they live, men sit on hay bales, stand near tractors and hide away in corners trying to catch a cell phone signal or carve out a little privacy.

All day long, the men labor with each other planting, harvesting and cutting tobacco. They sleep alongside each other in bunk beds and share the same laundry facilities, kitchen and gathering space. They can only leave the property on Sundays, when the boss takes them into town to shop for food.

It is a carefully controlled existence, but the work is necessary for many of the Mexican men working in Lafayette, Tenn. They can earn a year’s wage for their family by working for three, six or nine months in the tobacco fields. Each has been given a work visa, which allows them to work for a specified period of time in Lafayette.

Knowing that the men were cut off from the media and oblivious to the dangers of looking at the Aug. 21 eclipse, Father Vic, pastor of Holy Family mission in Lafayette, worried about the workers. He feared the men, who were working in the path of the total eclipse, might look up when the sky darkened and damage their eyes looking at the sun.

By the time Father Vic learned that the men were ill prepared for the eclipse, all of the safety glasses were sold out. His Lafayette mission borders Kentucky, where Hopkinsville was the hub  of solar eclipse activity.

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photo / MOLLY WILLIAMSON

“My brother bought 100 glasses for $300 online, and I received 100 pairs from a parishioner who is the librarian in Celina,” Father Vic said. “I visited seven tobacco worker camps and distributed 120 glasses.

They were surprised, because they knew nothing of the eclipse, and were very appreciative of the glasses.”

He also held a prayer service at each camp, blessing the workers. Though he is busy with his parish, Father Vic makes the tobacco workers a priority. Quoting Luke 10:2, he said the work is great, but the laborers are few. In many fields, the tobacco remains uncut, because the bosses cannot find enough people to harvest the plants.

Last year, 40 men helped cultivate and harvest the fields. This year, the number of workers is fewer.

Early in the season, only 10 men stay in the large barracks. They plant and cultivate the tobacco crop on more than 2,000 acres of land. All in their early 20s,

A HELPFUL HAND: Father Vic Sub greets and blesses

10 of the tobacco workers in his mission. He regularly visits the men, who he knows sacrifice to work several months in the fields. The temporary employment gives the men a year's worth of wages for their families.

they are reluctant to comment on the hardships they face. They rise early in the morning, usually around 5 a.m. or 6 a.m. and drive up to an hour and a half away to work. They often do not return to their barracks until 8 p.m.

More men will join them later in the season to cut and hang the tobacco in three Walmart-sized barns.

“Macon County is the number one producer of tobacco in the world,” said Father Vic. “The fields here are tremendous, and we need these men to harvest the fields, but they still are not accepted by the community.”

Some in the community resent the men’s presence, though there is no one else to fill their role. Every 6

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year, the tobacco farmers advertise for workers in the local newspaper. Few locals, if any, apply, and the people who accept the position usually do not last a week, Father Vic said. It is grueling physical labor in the sun, but it is a blessing for many of the Mexicans.

Back home, work is scarce for the young men. They sell flowers in the local market or fish in Oaxaca, Mexico, to provide food and shelter for their loved ones, but the daily wages do not usually cover their expenses. Many need an opportunity like tobacco cutting to survive.

Cutting is a lucrative job compared to what they could earn back home. They earn money for each cut they make, so they must work fast and diligently to make a good sum.

But it is not without sacrifice. At least three of the men working at the farm in July were expecting their first child. Their wives update them each night about the progression of their pregnancies. The week Father Vic visited, one young man received bad news.

His wife was just eight months pregnant, but the umbilical cord was wrapped around the baby’s neck. She was going to have an caesarean section the following week to save the baby.

Though the man was not a practicing Catholic, he asked Father Vic to bless him and his family. It gave him comfort in a difficult time. He promised to keep Father Vic informed of his wife and child's conditions.

Father Vic has become a familiar face and trusted confidant for many of the tobacco workers. He periodically visits the barracks to say Mass or to offer the men supplies, reading material, company or a quick blessing.

He gets regular donations of deodorant, soap and other personal care products from Glenmary donors and people within the Lafayette community. When he visits the tobacco workers, he doles out the products, because he knows they have little opportunity to buy necessities, and they need to save their money.

However, Father Vic must be careful in his ministry. Many tobacco farm bosses do not appreciate his presence. He has been escorted off farmland and his life has been threatened.

But, he keeps coming back. He must coordinate his visits perfectly to avoid the bosses and to spend enough time with the men to address their concerns.

He has hosted Thanksgiving dinner for workers and tries to provide them anything they need.

“It is a hard existence,” Father Vic said. “They have no life outside of working. They cannot come to church, so I try to bring it to them.”  A version of this story first appeared in the September 2017 BOOST-A-MONTH CLUB newsletter. To support Glenmary and access exclusive stories each month before the general public, visit Glenmary.org/BAM. w w w. g l e n m a r y. o r g

news & notes photo / John Stegeman

glenmary G l e n ma r y O aths

Three novices profess First Oaths Two men renew oaths in separate ceremonies

them to a special practice of poverty, chastity, obedience and prayer. Jose is from Chiapas, Mexico.

Samuel and Kenneth are from Nakuru and Busia, Kenya, respectively.

All three men are studying to become Glenmary priests. Taking their First Oath officially makes the former novices members of the Glenmary society.

Richard Toboso receives Holy Communion from

Glenmary president Father Chet Artysiewicz on the same day he renewed his Glenmary oath.

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During their formation, the men will renew their oaths at least three times before becoming eligible to profess their Final Oath, a lifetime commitment.

Glenmary president Father Chet Artysiewicz celebrated the Mass and administered the oaths to the three men at the St. John XXIII Pastoral Center chapel in the Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston, W.Va.. Novice directors Father Tom Kirkendoll and Father Dan Dorsey concelebrated the Mass.

Glenmar y priests, brothers and well-wishers filled the chapel to worship alongside.

"It is always exciting to see young men make the first commitment on this journey," Father Chet said. "With these three especially, they've come from other countries and left a lot behind. They left everything that was familiar to embrace the Autumn 2017

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photo / Glenmary Vocations

Newest Members: Glenmary president Father Chet Artysiewicz, left, leads part of the First Oath ceremony for Samuel Mungai, Kenneth Wandera and Jose Carlos Miguel Lopez June 8 at the John XXIII Pastoral Center in Charleston, W.Va.

photo / John Stegeman

[West Virginia] Three men took their First Oath and became members of Glenmary Home Missioners during a June 8 Mass at Glenmary's annual Assembly in Charleston, W.Va. Jose Carlos Miguel Lopez, Samuel Mungai and Kenneth Wandera each recited and signed the Glenmary Oath, promising for a period of one year to dedicate themselves to "the missionary apostolate in the rural areas and small towns of the United States and to the Glenmary way of life."

The oath also commits

Charles Aketch signs his oath renewal as Father John Brown looks on.

mission."

In May, two Glenmary men in formation, Charles Aketch from Kisumu, Kenya, and Richard Toboso from Kakamega, Kenya, professed their Third temporary Oath.

Both are studying for the priesthood and will be eligible to profess their Final Oath in 2018.

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P a r t n e r s i n M i ss i o n

Around the Missions

Father Bishop Legacy Society gathering a hit [ohio] Forty-five members of the Father Bishop Legacy Society, with their guests, gathered June 2 for their annual Mass and luncheon at Glenmary’s Cincinnati headquarters.

Planned Giving Officer Susan Lambert, who organized the event, said that these donors’ gifts—through wills, trusts, gift annuities and other means— play a significant part in ensuring the future of Glenmary’s ministry.

photo / tricia sarvak

Group of planned givers crucial to Glenmary's mission

The Glenmary Home Missioners are praying for all those affected by the hurricanes.

VIP: Glenmary first vice president Father

Neil Pezzulo, center, poses with luncheon attendees Dennis and Fran Halaby, left, and Joan Herbert.

Take STepS

For a sample, no obligation calculation, please contact: Susan Lambert, Planned Giving Officer 800.935.0975 • slambert@glenmary.org All information is strictly confidential. This information is not legal advice. A future donor should seek the guidance of a qualified estate and/or tax professional to understand the consequences of a gift. Glenmary gift annuities are not issued in Alabama or Hawaii.

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 The Glenmary Volunteer Program in Grainger County, Tenn., is seeking longterm volunteers to serve as Mountain Managers. The position receives a monthly stipend, housing and health insurance. For more information, visit Glenmary.org/long-term-volunteers.  Father Aaron Wessman was elected to serve a one-year term on the Board of Publications for the American Society of Missiology.  Brother Levis Kuwa, who is assigned to Glenmary's mission in Early County, Ga., earned his nursing license, making him a registered nurse. He is seeking employment in the mission area.

Climbing through life to retirement can be a challenge.

If you are age 55 or older, one step you might consider along the way is a Glenmary DeferreD paymenT GifT annuiTy. Fund the annuity with at least $5,000 cash now for an immediate tax deduction and receive payments at a later date to supplement your retirement income. The payout rates are higher because the payments are deferred. You may also receive capital gains savings if funded with appreciated securities.

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 Glenmary's Holy Family Mission in Early County, Ga., and St. Luke Mission in Randolph County, Ga., were affected by the September storm Irma.

By the time it reached the missions, Irma was reduced to a tropical storm.

At the churches, a downed tree and some fallen limbs were the worst of the damage.

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 Four men have been accepted by the Admissions Committee for 2017.

Stephen Kuria (brother candidate) and Erik Orandi (priest candidate) are from Kenya. John Okpara (priest candidate) is from Nigeria but living and studying in Cleveland, Ohio.

Willy Kyagulanyi (priest candidate) is from Uganda.  At Glenmary Headquarters, Jamie Rickett was hired in August as assistant to the treasurer/chief administrator, replacing Mary Taylor who retired after more than 20 years of service. Rachel Thome was also hired in August to replace Jodi Mott as office projects coordinator in the Mission Education and Ministry Office.

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photo / Screen capture

G l e n ma r y No v i c e s

Mission bell tradition sends off novices [Ohio] The ringing of the mission bell Aug. 25 celebrated the send-off of two novices, Matt Solarz and Josiah Kimani, as they received a blessing before leaving for their mission-placement assignments.

Matt, a priesthood candidate from North Olmstead, Ohio, will serve at Holy Family Mission in Union County, Tenn. Brotherhood candidate Josiah, who is from Nyahyruru, Kenya, is assigned to Glenmary’s St. Teresa of Kolkata Catholic Church in Macon County, Tenn.

Both men's assignments run from Aug. 25, 2017 to Jan. 30, 2018, when they will return to their studies. Solarz and Kimani each hope to profess their First Oath as Glenmarians next summer.

NATIONAL TV: Glenmary Father John S. Rausch appeared on CNN during a town hall event, posing a question to former Vice President Al Gore.

Glenmary priest on CNN for climate event with VP Gore Former vice president praises Pope Francis calling him an 'amazing spiritual leader' [New York] Glenmary Father John S. Rausch appeared on CNN Aug. 1 as part of a climate change town hall event with former Vice President Al Gore.

"There are many who are living in poverty, and they're not only living in poverty, they're living right next to polluted streams and mountains that have been destroyed," Father John said. "Mr. Vice President, how can we influence people to see a spiritual connection in their consumer habits (so) that they can see the consequences of their buying, the consequences (they) have on people in Appalachia and also in other parts of God's kingdom?"

Before responding, Gore took a moment to thank Father John for his ministry and expressed admiration for Pope Francis.

"I'm a Protestant, but I'll tell you, because of Pope Francis, I really could become a Catholic," Gore said.

"He is really an amazing spiritual leader."

Gore, who was raised a Southern Baptist, went on to recommend that people of all faith traditions read Pope Francis' encyclical Laudato Si. "Now, I was taught in my church that the purpose of life is to glorify God, and if we are heaping contempt on God's creation, then we're not living up to the duty that God is calling us to."

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photo / tricia sarvak

Ca r e fo r c r e at i o n

Bon Voyage: The mission bell outside Glenmary's no-

vitiate house in Cincinnati was rung, and the cars were blessed as two novices left for their assignments.

G l e n ma r y S i st e r s

Sisters elect leadership [Kentucky] Sister Darlene Presley was elected Mother Superior of the Glenmary Sisters on May 18, succeeding outgoing president Sister Sharon Miller. Sister Aida Badillo was elected First Councilor and Sister Kathleen Mulchrone was elected Second Councilor.

The election took place at the Sisters' Chapter.

The Glenmary Sisters are separate from Glenmary Home Missioners, but both were founded by Father William Howard Bishop and serve the U.S. home missions.

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A c c o l ad e s

Glenmary Challenge earns 4 Catholic Press awards [Canada] Glenmary Challenge was honored with four awards at the Catholic Press Association's 2017 convention June 2023 in Quebec City, Canada.

The magazine earned an honorable mention for Magazine/ Newsletter of the Year in the category of Mission Magazine (Overseas and Home).

Glenmary's Director of Catholic-Evangelical Relations, Frank Lesko, won first place for Best Personality Profile on a Religious Leader for his piece on Brother

Curt Kedley from the Summer 2016 Glenmary Challenge.

Father John S. Rausch and Brother David Henley earned second place and honorable mention respectively for Best Essay Originating with a Magazine or Newsletter, Mission Magazine.

Father John's essay on the People's Pastoral, entitled "A vision for the future of Appala-

chia," appeared in the Summer 2016 edition.

Brother David's look at historic Smith County, Tenn., appeared in the Autumn 2016 edition.

Glenmary Challenge Editor John Stegeman earned two awards in the newspaper category from his work at The Catholic Telegraph, the Archdiocese of Cincinnati's newspaper.

G l e n ma r y o n th e mo v e

Glenmarians get new assignments [Ohio] Glenmary president Father Chet Artysiewicz, with the consent of the Executive Council, approved the following assignments, pending the approval of the local ordinary or diocesan administrator where applicable.

Father Mike Kerin, will become missionary pastor of Holy Family Church in Early County, Ga., and St. Luke Church in Randolph County, Ga., effective the Sept. 30-Oct. 1 weekend.

Father Aaron Wessman will become missionary pastor of Holy Spirit Church in Bertie County, N.C., and missionary pastor/sacramental minister of St. Joan of Arc in Washington County, N.C., effective the Sept.

30-Oct. 1 weekend. Father Aaron is returning to the U.S. after studying in Belgium.

Father John Brown was transferred to the Glenmary residence in Cincinnati to recover from surgery.

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Building A church: St. Teresa of Kolkata in Maynardville, Tenn., celebrated the ground breaking for their new church on Sept. 2. From left are Bishop Richard Stika of the Diocese of Knoxville, Father Steve Pawelk, pastor of St. Teresa of Kolkata, and Mayor Micheal Williams of Union County. Learn more at Glenmary.org/maynardville-groundbreaking. a l l so u l s day

Remember loved ones in a special way Nov. 2 liturgy to be celebrated at Glenmary’s chapel [ohio] A special Mass will be celebrated at Glenmary’s Our Lady of the Fields Chapel in Cincinnati on the feast of All Souls'.

The All Souls' Day Mass will be offered on Nov. 2 for the deceased family members and friends of Glenmary donors.

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Father Don Tranel, director of Glenmary’s Development Office, will preside.

For more information: To have loved ones remembered at the All Souls' Mass, contact Donor Services at donorservices@glenmary.org or call 800-935-0975. Or complete the secure form found at www.glenmary.org/allsouls. w w w. g l e n m a r y. o r g

Lead story

MEET THEM WHERE THEY ARE: Glenmary Brother Craig Digmann (right) shakes hands with

photo / Molly Williamson

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Pastor Blake Montgomery before attending his Wednesday night Bible Study. Brother Craig has visited nearly 200 Protestant churches, including Sneedville First Baptist, to build relationships.

Body in Christ

Glenmary's 78-year history making mark on 500-year rift

By John Stegeman

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he first prayer for the unity of Christians came from the mouth of Jesus Christ. Before his passion and death on the cross, he prayed to the Father for his followers, "that they may all be one, as you, Father, are in me and I in you." (John 17:21) More than 2,000 years later, Christians are not united. Arguably the most famous event in the history of Christian division is being marked this year.

On Oct. 31, 2017, the world will note the 500th year since the start of the Protestant Reformation. While Glenmary Home Missioners has only been around since 1939, the society has placed itself at the forefront of Catholic-Protestant relations. The Catholic Church, both at the Vatican level and locally, has made strides toward Chris-

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tian unity, but to understand this important milestone, one must go back half a millennium.

The Protestant Reformation's story is well known. On All Hallows' Eve 1517, Martin Luther, a Catholic priest at the time, is said to have nailed a copy of his "95 Theses" to the door of a church in Wittenberg, Germany. His theses were widely distributed throughout Europe and the Protestant Reformation was underway.

Luther's concerns were multifaceted, but the best remembered concerned certain abuses in the Church, including the sale of indulgences and certain aspects of papal authority. Shortly after Luther broke with the church, more divisions followed. No one is sure exactly how î‚Š Autumn 2017

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ger to join the ecumenical movement was the nature of missionary service.

"The whole ecumenical movement really started with missionaries," said Frank Lesko, Glenmary's director of Catholic-Evangelical Relations. "Missionaries in Africa were having a hard time proclaiming the Gospel when locals saw the divisions within Christianity. Domestic missionaries like Glenmary real-

"A lot of folks think that the anniversary of the Protestant Reformation is only a Lutheran concern. Not true," Lesko said.

"All of the Evangelical Christians that we are in relationship with are children of the Reformation. In fact, many of them are more actively concerned about the issues of the initial reformers while most Lutherans have moved on to a much more complex and fruitful relationship with Catholics. Evangelicals are still very concerned about Mary, the saints, religious artwork, indulgences and Catholic views of Scripture and the priesthood."

ty exist, but most believers agree such divisions are not a manifestation of Christ's will.

The Catholic Church recognized the issue at the Second Vatican Council, promulgating the decree "Restoration of Unity" in 1964. At the time, Glenmary was a 25-year-old religious community ready to join the effort.

After the council, Glenmary adopted its five categories of mission: Catholic nurture, evangelization, ecumenism, social outreach and connection to the universal church.

"While there were efforts to heal the divisions of Christianity before Planting Seeds Vatican II, I think the Council provided great Those concerns are no impetus to the movesmall matter, but Glenment," Glenmary presimary missioners don't dent Father Chet Ardwell on differences. tysiewicz said. "To me, In Glenmary's mission the spirit it promoted territory, it isn't uncomcould be summarized mon to encounter peoby a shift in perspective. ple who have never met Instead of emphasizing a Catholic, so step one is our differences, let's try often just saying hello. concentrating on what Visiting One Another: Father Frank Ruff, "When I meet my we hold in common. right, has made a career of working with Bap- brothers and sisters who Pope John XXIII used tists. He is seen here visiting a Baptist church are not Catholic, we bea phrase that captured in the early 1980s. gin with what we have in it; 'In essential things, common," said Brother unity; in non-essential things, ized that when Catholics are less Craig Digmann, who ministers than 1 percent of the population in Hancock County, Tenn. "I'm liberty; in all things, charity.'"

A desire to work with non- you are working with, you can't all about relationships. That's Catholics was present in Glen- avoid interactions with Prot- where the door opens for the mary even before the council. In estants. As a result, Catholics Spirit to really move."

1952, Glenmary founder Father spend time trying to understand Brother Craig, like other William Howard Bishop wrote, their relationship to other Chris- Glenmarians, looks for ways to “I am convinced that side by side tians — how to get along, how to become part of the community. with the great convert-making avoid conflicts, how to reconcile He greets students at a local purpose, there is another objec- their different beliefs." school, leads an ecumenical BiAnd there are many different ble study and is often invited to tive … to lift up and improve the moral lives of the people around beliefs. Many Christian sects trace visit Evangelical communities. us, regardless of their beliefs or their lineage to Martin Luther Brother Craig visited 143 Proteslack of beliefs; regardless even and the Reformation. Glenmary's tant congregations in Union and whether they will ever accept mission areas primarily include Grainger counties before beginEvangelicals (particularly Bap- ning his current assignment. the faith or not.”

One reason Glenmary was ea- tists) and a smattering of others.

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in the 1980s, and later got to know Father Frank. Previously he had limited exposure to Catholicism.

"In my relationship and conversations with (Father) Joe and (Father) Frank, I found a deeper understanding and appreciation of many of the rituals, which had been unfamiliar," Reverend Kimbrough said. "Both Joe and Frank were full of humility, sincerity Keeping the Conversation Going and openness as our friendships Dialogue has been a long-standdeveloped." ing part of ecumenical Father Frank and Revoutreach. In the wake of erend Kimbrough have the Second Vatican Counremained friends over cil, the Catholic Church the years. The nature opened talks with a variof Glenmary's mission ety of Christian groups. work means sometimes Soon thereafter, Glena missioner is the only mary incorporated that Catholic leader in an into its own mission. area. The relationships "Since we adopted they form with Protesthe five categories of tant ministers can be a Glenmar y ministr y, lifeline in an otherwise working for Christian lonely situation. unity has been norma"Protestant pastors tive for Glenmarians," have been the stronsaid Father Frank Ruff, gest part of my support a Glenmary priest who FOLLOWING EXAMPLE: Father Frank Gardsystem wherever I have has worked alongside ner, right, shakes hands with an Episcopalian been in the missions," Baptists for more than pastor in 1966, following the model of Pope Father Frank said. "I 50 years. "It is as foun- Paul VI and the Archbishop of Canterbury. have the joy of knowing dational as helping the that I am on the same poor, working for justice team with the Protestant or giving the children religious ful discussion. Many tears were pastors to build the Kingdom of education. Some may not even shed as we confronted prejudices God. We are not competitors." realize that we have simply fol- and misunderstandings we had That team mentality is seen lowed the teaching of the Cath- of each other. We learned to find throughout Glenmary's misolic Church when we adopted oneness in the Spirit and recsions.

When Glenmary arrives ecumenism as normative for ognize the good in each person, in a new mission territory, the Catholic ministry. The Second even if we never resolved all conpriests usually join the local Vatican Council in 1964 led the flicts from our denominational ministerial association, if one way by teaching Catholics that backgrounds. Those tensions exists. If it doesn't, Glenmarians the divisions within Christianity and questions have been strong are happy to start one. are contrary to the will of Christ in my mind since then, so I natuand concern for restoring unity rally gravitated to this work."

Reverend Kimbrough G. Sim- Working Together is the responsibility of the whole mons, pastor of Masonville Bap- The people Glenmary serves, church, lay and clergy alike."

On the macro level, dialogue tist Church in Utica, Ky., has had whether they are Catholic, Luhas produced milestones like the the opportunity to learn more theran, Baptist or non-believJoint Declaration on the Doc- about Catholicism through his ers, have more concerns than trine of Justification, released interactions with Glenmarians. just which church to attend on by the Lutheran World Federa- He met Father Joseph O'Donnell Sundays. Many are worried î‚Š go to these churches," he said.

"I've been invited to 48 here in Hancock County. Often they'll come to me with questions.

"Part of what I do is invite people to come to our churches.

At Glenmary in general, we do a lot of seed planting. What has resulted is the opportunity for dialogue and friendship."

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tion and the Catholic Church in 1999. On a more personal level, those conversations have inspired Catholics and Protestants to get to know each other better.

"When I was in college, Catholic students went on mission trips with the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, an Evangelical-based organization," Frank Lesko said. "On those trips, there were many difficult nights of religious debate and prayer-

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and staffed by Father Frank until this summer, a fire destroyed the church. More than five Protestant congregations stepped up right away to offer to host Mass on Sundays, with Tiny Town Baptist Church becoming the Catholics' temporary home.

In Bertie County, N.C., Glenmary's Holy Spirit Mission has celebrated Mass at Windsor United Methodist Church for more than a decade.

Planning for the Future

Pope Francis spoke last October at a service in Lund, Sweden, marking the start of the 500th anniversary of the Reformation.

The Holy Father said, "We can feel (Jesus') heart beating with love for us and his desire for the unity of all who believe in Him." In the work of ecumenism, it begins with relationships. Once established, the next step is moving toward unity.

At the moment, how Christians might accomplish this fully is unclear, said Father Frank.

Will everyone become Catholic in the traditional sense, or might there be some establishment of separate rites after full communion is attained? Will denominations have their own church buildings, or will all worship together? Much of this is yet to be determined.

"We know the next step, but we don't know the final journey, because that is the work of the Holy Spirit," Father Frank said. "The next step is we've got to do something to move toward unity, because the Church teaches very clearly that the divisions are contrary to the will of Christ. We build our separate church buildings and that implies we're separate from one another. A much more true symbol of our relationship would be to find a way

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of building a church together, with separate rooms in there."

In the meantime, Glenmary will continue to build on relationships with its family in Christ.

"Looking toward the future, the more we can get together, know one another, the better witnesses to the world we can be," Reverend Kimbrough said.

"Too often, we are so isolated in our own churches that we forget about the larger body of Christ.... The more we live, rubbing shoulders in work and play, the more we can accomplish as the larger family of faith." photo / Glenmary Archive

about finding their next meal. As cold weather approaches, some fear they will be unable to heat their homes or properly clothe their children. It is in helping the needy that Glenmary's ecumenical relationships really shine.

"We have been able to help so many more people who are poor because we have cooperated with many other churches," Father Frank said.

In late July, a group of Catholic and Protestant churches came together to donate $2,000 worth of school supplies to students in need in Elkton, Ky. In Bertie County, N.C., a backpack program and food pantry operate with help from the Glenmary mission as well as their Protestant counterparts. Working together in the service of the poor has the benefit of helping those in need and also fostering unity.

At the Glenmary Volunteer Program in Grainger Country, Tenn., led by Joe Grosek, volunteers don't ask people's religion before offering to help. With groups from high schools, colleges and other organizations, the program helps repair local homes, distributes food from a communal food pantry, works in nursing homes, a children's home and more.

"Our service to those in need who are not Catholic is always a very positive experience," Joe said. "Many of those we serve love to talk about faith and like to share their faith with us, and we with them. I have never really had a negative interaction with those we serve when we talk about faith. Oftentimes, it has led to an eye-opening and fulfilling discussion about God." Relationships built with Protestants have also benefitted Glenmary itself. In Guthrie, Ky., a former Glenmary mission successfully returned to the diocese,

Side-by-side: Father Wil Stein-

bacher, right, prays alongside a Methodist pastor. This photo appeared in the Autumn 1996 edition of Glenmary Challenge.

"I think it's wise to realize that a tremendous amount of progress has been made over the past 50 years," Father Chet said.

"Offsetting centuries of painful separation doesn't occur overnight, but it is happening. I am proud of Glenmarians and coworkers who explore ways of working together as brothers  and sisters in Christ." w w w. g l e n m a r y. o r g

Missioner in Action / by Frank Lesko

One family of Christ Father Frank Ruff’s lifelong outreach to Southern Baptists leads to 50-year relationship

S

omething unusual happens when the he recalled. “They had such enthusiasm for Executive Committee of the Southern missions, but they were so isolated from others.

Baptist Convention meets.

“The SBC accepted my request (to attend Leaders of America’s largest Protestant the next year as an observer) but didn’t know denomination are recognized in a roll call. where to put me,” Father Frank said. “They asThese include presidents of state conventions signed me to the press booth.” and seminaries, elected officers and more. In So began a long tradition for Glenmary. Atthat litany of names, one stands out — Catho- tending the SBC was quickly adopted as an lic priest, Glenmary Father Frank Ruff. He official Glenmary role and helped Glenmary is greeted in goodwill with a blessing for his further its reputation as a society committed many years attending and partnering with the to ecumenical relationships.

Southern Baptist Convention.

“It was not just my minisIn a denomination where the try,” said Father Frank. “Ecugap between Catholics and Bapmenism was a whole commutists is still wide and anti-Cathonity value for Glenmary.” lic sentiment can still flare up in the ranks, this is unprecedented. ecause of Father Frank’s Father Frank had a life-changpioneering work, Glening experience with Southern mary attends the SBC Baptists when speaking to stueach year as the representadents at Furman University in tive of the U.S. Catholic Bish1965. He was scheduled to speak ops Secretariat for Ecumenical to the Baptist Student Union. The and Interreligious Affairs. interaction was still going strong The SBC remains isolated. when the building closed at 9 p.m.

All formal dialogues between They moved to the library and the SBC and Catholic Church continued until it closed, too. ended in 2000. Glenmary is “It was like meeting relatives I Father Frank Ruff at SBC the only group from a nonnever knew I had,” Father Frank Baptist denomination that atsaid. “That’s when I discovered tends the SBC. that we were family on the emotional level.”

Despite that, Glenmary has been welcomed.

This year marks the 50th anniversary of Glenhe next year, a unique opportunity al- mary's presence at the SBC. Executive Comlowed him to explore that connection. A mittee President and Chief Executive Officer Southern Baptist family invited Father Rev. Dr. Frank S. Page presented Father Frank Frank to Christmas dinner. They asked the as- with a gift for his years of attendance. sociate pastor of their church to take him to When Father Frank walks the convention the annual meeting of the Southern Baptist floor, his clerical collar makes him stand out.

Convention the following summer.

He shakes hands and responds to questions The SBC annual meeting is traditionally about Catholicism. It is hard for him to walk for members only. It is open to the press, but from one end of the hall to the other, because otherwise, there are few outside visitors. The friendly faces continually call out to greet him SBC’s convention is a meeting where they elect with a warm embrace. leaders and pass resolutions, but it is also a “I want my presence to say that we are famtime for worship, networking and socializing. ily, and not just any family, but the family of The closest parallel in the Catholic Church is Christ,” he said. “Families are better when they a Vatican council or synod of Bishops. communicate and work together than when Father Frank’s first SBC meeting was in 1967. they are isolated from one another.”  “It was a transformative experience for me,”

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Giving Back

Second-grader honors grandmother, recognizes value of the home missions photo / COURTESY OF RACHEL LALLY

By Molly Williamson

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athleen Malane of Fairfield, Conn., wanted to show her grandchildren that when they are generous to God, he is generous to them. She thought their first Communions were the perfect time to teach that lesson.

It all began with her oldest grandchild. She made him a deal when he made his first Communion. She would make a donation to a local charity of his choice in the amount of his choice.

Then, she gave him a matching amount as a gift.

The only problem was her grandson was very generous.

“Letting them choose can get dangerous,” Kathleen said.

It set a precedent. For each following grandchild, she would make a donation in their honor to the charity of their choice. It was a way to give thanks to God for allowing them to make their first Communion and a gift to those in need as well as to her grandchild. The children would participate by writing a letter to the charity to accompany the gift.

This year, Kathleen had four grandchildren make their first Communion. She limited their options to a list of charities that Kathleen and her husband already support. Her grandson, Collin Lally, chose Glenmary.

“I want to donate money to your organization for my first Communion and to help poor communities,” Collin wrote to Glenmary in a letter accompanying his gift.

Collin was not aware of Glenmary before his grandmother told him about it, but he liked its mission.

“I want to help poor communities, because they have many needs,” Collin said. “If you donate to charity, they can help poor communities get what they need. I am glad (my grandmother) told me about charities, because giving back is an important lesson to learn. If you don’t learn to be generous now, life could 16

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Family ties: Kathleen Malane, left, wanted her grandchil-

dren to think with a giving mindset, and used their first Communions as the opportunity. Her grandson, Collin Lally, chose to make a donation to Glenmary Home Missioners, continuing a family legacy of giving.

be very miserable for you.”

Kathleen is continuing the legacy of generosity that her parents started. She grew up as one of eight children. While her family never struggled, they were not wealthy, yet her parents w w w. g l e n m a r y. o r g

feature story always gave to charity.

From a young age, they instilled the value of giving back in their children. Her mother began giving to St. Anthony’s Guild in New York City in the 1930s, and Kathleen continued to give in her memory after her mother passed away. This year, one of her grandchildren chose to benefit St. Anthony's Guild with her first

Communion money.

“When (my mother) died, I continued to give to continue the legacy she started,” Kathleen said. “I guess that is what I am trying to do with my grandchildren. It is like a drop in a pond.

(Your impact) spreads. I wanted to honor their first holy Communion and let them know that these charities exist.” w w w. g l e n m a r y. o r g

Kathleen first connected with Glenmary in college. She was attending Southern Connecticut State College in New Haven, Conn., and a Glenmary priest from the nearby Glenmary house of studies visited the college to talk about Glenmary’s work.

“Living in New England, I was amazed that people did not have access to the sacraments or to Mass,” Kathleen said. She also liked Glenmary’s focus on ecumenical work and enjoyed seeing the strides it made in the South over the years, particularly returning many parishes to the local dioceses.

The Glenmary House also introduced people in the Northeast to Glenmary's mission. Glenmarians ran vocational and fund raising activities from the house, allowing them to reach prospective candidates and donors in New York, Boston and Philadelphia. The house moved to Kentucky in the 1980s.

Kathleen began giving $1 a month to Glenmary, and Glenmary sent her a bank book where she could track how much she had given and see how much the total had grown. She recorded the monthly donations so she could see the impact her gift had on the missions.

When she got a job, she raised her monthly contribution to $5. More recently, she switched from a monthly donation to an annual donation.

Rachel Lally, Collin’s mother and Kathleen’s daughter, said the tradition of giving was a wonderful one to pass on, especially by tying it to the sacraments.

“It is a nice opportunity to bond over something that is so important to my mom,” Rachel said. “She has always been generous. My whole life, she has been a great supporter of charities in general, and Catholic charities in particular.

It was important to her to share that message of reaching out to others with the kids.”

Collin, who is a twin, loves geology, science and drawing. He used his talents to draw a picture on his letter to Glenmary. Overall, he was pleased with the giving experience. He said it made his day even more special, which was hard, because he was anxious to finally receive the Eucharist.

“It was the first time I was receiving Christ, and it was very exciting,” Collin said.  This story first appeared in the July 2017 BOOST-AMONTH CLUB newsletter. To support Glenmary and to access exclusive stories each month before the general public, visit Glenmary.org/BAM. Autumn 2017

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final words / from our readers

Short letters, big hearts Many readers wrote in with short notes accompanying gifts to support the missions Great Article

more members like dear Brother Bob Hoffman.

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

Great article on Father Stanley Rother.

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Sr. Marguerite Senesac Cincinnati, Ohio

Rev. Martin Siebenaler Hastings, Minn.

Gained a lot

Meeting a Marytr

Excellence Appreciated

The article on Father Rother was excellent and most appreciated.

Barbara Higgins Bronx, N.Y. Praise for cover

What inspired me to make this present donation was the grand picture on the cover of the 2017 Summer issue (Meeting a Martyr, Father Stanley Rother).

Love, care, hope, confidence are all present in this. Blow it up and hang it where it can be seen by many people. The story of Father Stanley Rother is most inspirational.

P.S. Over the years I have appreciated your "No Priest Land"

I enjoyed and gained a lot from the article on the burial (Enlisting the Help of Friends), the jubilarians, and Father John Rausch's analysis (Public Prayer to Move Hearts) in the Spring edition.

Thank you.

Glenmary priest remembers two encounters with Father Stanley Rother

Packfulls of food

Glenmary brother plays key role in getting food to hungry kids

145 years of service

3 Glenmary priests mark milestones in 2017

John Williams Flushing, N.Y.

map of the United States.

Rev. Phillip Ryan Davenport, Iowa Neighborly thanks

Yo u r recent issue (Summer 2017) of Glenmary Challenge was very well done.

Brother Bob Hoffman and I were neighbors at St. Margaret Hall nursing home.

May the Good Shepherd send

&

Come See Come & See weekends are an essential step in the discernment process. God may be calling you to follow Jesus as a Glenmary missioner, but the first step is to come and see. Visit the missions, meet the missioners and see if this is where God is calling you.

Readers’ Views welcome! Send comments to: Editor, Glenmary Challenge, P.O. Box 465618, Cincinnati, OH 45246. E-mail: challenge@glenmary.org. Comments are printed at the discretion of the editor and may be edited for clarity and space.

Please include a postal address.

2018 Dates

Age Group

Jan. 19-21 Feb. 16-18 March 16-18 April 6-8 July 6-8 July 20-22 Aug. 10-12 Sept. 28-30 Oct. 19-21 Nov. 21-25

18-45 18-45 16-19 18-45 18-45 16-19 18-45 16-19 18-45 18-45

To learn more or to register for a Come & See, contact us at vocations@glenmary.org or visit glenmary.org/vocationinfo.

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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

Glenmary billboard promotes vocations

Glenmary Home Missioners aim to promote vocations whenever possible. Toward that end, a new billboard has been put up on the busy road near Glenmary's headquarters. glenmary.org/route4billboard

Billboard

Departments Vocations

People often ask, what's it like to be a Glenmary seminarian? Daniel Ochoa Saldana, a Glenmary seminarian, recently shared his summer experience. glenmary.org/seminariansummer

Volunteer Opportunities

Glenmary is seeking long- and short-term volunteers to serve our Volunteer Program in Tenn. glenmary.org/volopps

Seminarian Summer

Challenge

Want to share this magazine digitally? View this edition online at our website. glenmary.org/viewcurrentissue

Boost-A-Month Club

Join the club to support Glenmary and get access to exclusive stories via a monthly newsletter. glenmary.org/bam

Toppa Joppa

Featured Items Father Rother Revisited

The story of Father Stanley Rother's connection to Glenmary appeared in the summer issue. Read it again before his beatification, scheduled for Sept. 23. glenmary.org/fatherrother Father Rother

Glenmary in the News

The faithful service of Glenmary Missioners causes others to take note. Check out a monthly roundup of news coverage related to Glenmary. Visit glenmary.org, search "in the news"

Home Mission Stories

Glenmary's newest blog continues to publish quality stories about the home missions every other Monday. glenmarystories.wordpress.com

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NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION U.S. Postage PAID Glenmary Home Missioners

photo / John Stegeman

Glenmary G l i m p s e / "Praise him, sun and moon; praise him, all shining stars." Psalm 148:3

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lenmary employees gathered outside the national headquarters in Cincinnati, Ohio on Aug. 21 to view a partial solar eclipse. In several Glenmary territories, the totality of the eclipse was experienced. Those pictured are wearing approved solar eclipse glasses, which allowed safe viewing of the phenomenon.

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Catholic Missioners to Rural America

Glenmary Home Missioners P.O. Box 465618 Cincinnati, OH 45246-5618

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