Challenge Summer 2015

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

Summer 2015

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Lessening Impact on God’s Creation

Good stewardship is goal

‘Do This in Memory of Me’ A reflection on the Eucharist

Building Ecumenical Ties Through

Prayer & Friendship

Glenmary Home Missioners Founded by Father William Howard Bishop in 1939, this Catholic society of priests and brothers, along with numerous coworkers, establishes the Catholic Church in smalltown and rural America. Glenmary is the only religious community devoted exclusively to serving the spiritually and materially poor in the rural U.S. home missions. Today, supported entirely through freewill offerings, it staffs missions and ministries throughout Appalachia and the South.

Glenmary missioners serve in areas where less than three percent of the population is Catholic, a significant percentage have no church affiliation and the Father William poverty rate is almost twice the national average. Glenmary is Howard Bishop known for deeply respecting the Glenmary Founder many cultures encountered in the home missions—Appalachian, Native American, African American and Latino among others. Its missionary activity includes building Catholic communities, fostering ecumenical cooperation, evangelizing the unchurched, social outreach and working for justice.

Glenmary Challenge This quarterly magazine has three goals: to educate Catholics about the U.S. home missions, to motivate young men to consider Glenmary priesthood or brotherhood, and to invite all Catholics to respond to their baptismal call to be missionary by partnering with Glenmary as financial contributors, prayer partners, professional coworkers and/or volunteers.

Glenmary Challenge is sent to all donors, to U.S. diocesan clergy and to anyone who requests it. (To begin receiving issues, use the contact information below.)

Publisher: Father Chet Artysiewicz Editor: Jean Bach Assistant Editor: Dale Hanson Art Director: Tricia Sarvak Staff Writers: Margaret Gabriel, Father John S. Rausch Planning-Review Board: Father Gus Guppenberger, Brother Jack Henn, Brother Curt Kedley, Kathy O’Brien, Susan Sweet, Father Don Tranel

Glenmary Home Missioners P.O. Box 465618 • Cincinnati, OH 45246-5618 513-874-8900 • 800-935-0975 www.glenmary.org • info@glenmary.org © 2015, Glenmary Home Missioners. Reprint permission granted upon request.

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Ecumenism at its best, and good-bye FROM THE EDITOR / Jean Bach

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ostering ecumenical cooperation has long been a hallmark of Glenmary’s home mission ministry. Often, it’s the missioner or lay coworker who organizes a ministerial association in a mission county or spearheads a coalition of churches to sponsor a food pantry or thrift store. The results can be tremendous.

The ecumenical relationships in Union and Grainger counties in Tennessee have developed in different ways than in some other mission counties, but the means and outcomes are inspiring (page 9).

With no ministerial associations, key starting points in both places came when Glenmarians and some local ministers began joining together regularly in conversation and sharing; prayer; and the development of strong friendships. The prayer and friendships have led to a number of ecumenical and outreach efforts that make the future look very promising.

For example, in commenting on the recent joint revival in one county, Father Steve Pawelk wrote in his blog: “God’s kingdom is just a little brighter and our hearts are a little warmer for sharing in prayer the last three nights. The missionary heartbeat of East Tennessee is healthy today in Grainger County.” Be sure to read the cover story for developments in both counties.

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his issue is my last. For the past 15 years—eight as editor—I have enjoyed and been privileged to help support Glenmary’s communication efforts and increase awareness of the missionary needs Jean Bach in the United States. But the time jbach@glenmary.org has come to move on to a new job and new challenges.

I don’t know what the future holds. But I agree with the reflection that Father Chet shares in his column (page 4): “Do not fear the  future, for God is already there.” about the cover: (From left) Father Steve Pawelk, Pastor Chandler “Chan” Vinson of Rutledge Baptist Church and Pastor Ryan Davenport of Rutledge United Methodist Church lead ecumenical efforts in Grainger County, Tenn. w w w. g l e n m a r y. o r g

T H E M A G A Z I N E O F C AT H O L I C M I S S I O N E R S T O R U R A L A M E R I C A

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Vo l u m e 7 8 / N u m b e r 2

Cover Story

9 photo / stephanie a. richer

Building Ecumenical Ties: Prayer and Friendship

In two Tennessee counties, Glenmary missioners and missions have developed prayer-based friendships with other Christian pastors and churches, leading to great cooperative efforts.

Feature Story

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Lessening Impact

As the pope’s ecology encyclical is set to be released this summer, good stewardship of creation continues to be practiced by missioners, coworkers and missions.

Impact, Page 15

Departments & columns

4 5 12 14 17 18 w w w. g l e n m a r y. o r g

From the President / Father Chet Artysiewicz

As his first term as president winds down, Father Chet revisits perceptions that have been validated.

Glenmary News & Notes

Youth raise funds to attend national conference, donor gathering is held, baby boomer leads volunteers.

Fund-raising, Page 5

Then & Now

The impact of Glenmary’s Group Seven program is still felt in the mission areas where volunteers served.

Mission Spirituality

In an excerpted homily, the late Father Mike Langell reflects on the meaning of the Eucharist.

Group Seven, Page 12

Partner in Mission

Mary Morrison knows she is helping to carry out Glenmary’s missionary work through her support.

Final Words / from our readers

A reader remembers Father Jerry Dorn, Brother Ralph Riehle; another is inspired by Spring Challenge story.

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Reflection, Page 14

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from the president / Father Chet Artysiewicz

Quo vadis?

Perceptions have been validated as first term of Glenmary presidency concludes

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ome may recognize Quo Vadis as the title of a 1951 movie—one of those biblical blockbusters. The film is based on an 1895 historical novel of the same name written by Henryk Sienkiewicz. Translated, the Latin phrase means “Where are you going?”

As Glenmary prepares for our 16th General Chapter June 15-26, that’s a question I am asking myself, as my four-year term as president concludes and the outcome of the upcoming Executive Council election is unknown.

The time has moved swiftly over these past four years—although, as we age, I guess that comment could apply to all of us “boomers.”

I have learned a lot during my term as president—or perhaps it would be better to say my perceptions going into the presidency were confirmed by many experiences.

I had always thought that Glenmarians are men who love God, live simply and work very hard to make the Catholic Church present in the mission areas we serve.

After a term in administration, I know those perceptions are truly accurate.

Another of my preelection suspicions which was reinforced is that we are not in this venture alone. Many dedicated peo2011 Chapter: (From left) Father ple collaborate Neil Pezzulo, Father Chet Artysiewicz with us—from and Brother Jack Henn following the suppor t their election to Executive Council at staff at our the 15th General Chapter. main office in Cincinnati, to the coworkers out in the field, to the volunteers who serve in many needed capacities.

Over 50 years ago I lived in Fairfield, Conn., where Glenmary had a college House of Studies. Glenmarians who were assigned to nurture 4

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financial support and vocations in the region lived at the house, along with the students. As one of those students, I had the opportunity to see the dedication of generous donors whose belief in Glenmary was so strong that they rolled up their sleeves to put on a huge “country fair” and helped sponsor a St. Patrick’s Day party to raise awareness and dollars for the cause.

Although I have always known that those and all of our generous donors are part of the Father Chet Glenmary story, my experiences Artysiewicz as president have only made that cartysiewicz@glenmary.org belief stronger.

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ow in the home stretch of my presidential term, all of my perceptions have been validated. Of course, the future may be a bit murkier. There will be new challenges to face, and the need for Glenmary will continue. To meet that need, I am certain that we could easily utilize 100 additional missioners!

Whether three new members are elected to Executive Council during Chapter or some of us get recycled for another term, I know there will be one constant for future leadership: a passion for the Glenmary mission. Whatever the future brings, I am confident that Glenmary will respond.

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lease join with the members of Glenmary in praying that the wisdom of the Holy Spirit guides our Chapter election process and planning.

And if, perchance, this is my last column as Glenmary’s president, I want to take this opportunity to thank you for your prayerful and/or financial support of our home mission ministry. I have been deeply touched by the generosity of so many.

Perhaps my greatest confidence in what lies ahead comes from an often-heard reflection that has been an important spiritual insight for me: “Do not fear the future, for God is al ready there.” May God bless you! w w w. g l e n m a r y. o r g

Glenmary

Youth raise funds to attend conference

news &notes photos / courtesy st. michael the archangel mission

2015 ncyc

Valentine’s Day dinner and tamale sale yield $5,000 [tennessee] The members of St. Michael the Archangel youth group have been innovative in raising the funds needed to attend the November 2015 National Catholic Youth Conference (NCYC) in Indianapolis.

Kathy O’Brien, a Glenmary Lay Missioner and pastoral associate at the four-year-old Erwin, Tenn., mission, says the 23 youth group members have done an “amazing” job in their quest to raise enough money to go to this year’s conference.

In just one month, the group earned $5,000 by organizing and hosting the mission’s first Valentine’s Day dinner, and by selling and helping make close to 3,000 tamales.

Before the tamales were even made, the youth sold them to county residents and mission members and then later followed through with delivery.

“It was quite a production,” Kathy says. “Making tamales is not difficult, but it is a very long prow w w. g l e n m a r y. o r g

tamale makers: Members of St. Michael the

Archangel youth group sold and helped make nearly 3,000 tamales in an effort to raise funds to attend the 2015 National Catholic Youth Conference.

cess.” In total, parents and youth spent 26 hours producing the seasoned meat wrapped in cornmeal dough and then steaming them in corn husks.

The teens also hosted and coordinated the Valentine’s Day event. They worked as servers and also helped do the dishes afterwards.

In addition, Kathy has applied for grants,

and the youth have more fund-raising activities planned this year. The time and effort involved in these initiatives are well worth it for the teens, Kathy says, because they

so look forward to participating in the NCYC. Several St. Michael youth and their chaperones attended in 2013.

This biennial conference is a three-day experience of prayer, community and empowerment for Catholic teens (of high school age) and their adult chaperones.

More than 23,000 young people and their chaperones traveled to the 2013 event. While it’s a valuable experience for all Catholic youth, it’s especially important for those in Glenmary’s mission areas.

“It’s challenging for Catholic youth to live in a mission area because they are a small minority,” Kathy says. “Gathering with more than 20,000 of their Catholic peers at a national meeting like this one, and being exposed to a broad range of speakers and workshops, can be a life-changing experience for them.”

valentine celebration: Deacon Mike and

Emma Jacobs from nearby Johnson City were among the diners at the first-ever Valentine’s Day dinner at St. Michael mission.

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pr o m o t i o n s a n d v o c a t i o n s

New magazine available June 1 A variety of uses planned for annual Spanish publication [ohio] The first issue of the 16-page El Reto Glenmary (Glenmary Challenge) will be available June 1.

This edition of the annual Spanish-language publication will contain stories from the 75th-anniversary issue of Glenmary Challenge (Autumn 2014), as well as general information about Glenmary and Father Bishop and stories from the missions.

The publication will help promote Glenmary’s home mission ministry and outreach among those whose primary

language is Spanish.

The magazine will be used for varied purposes, including serving as a handout when Glenmary staff make presentations to vocation and donor groups. In addition, missioners and coworkers who minister to Spanish-speaking persons in mission communities and the larger mission areas will receive copies for distribution.

For more information: Contact Brother David Henley at vocations@glenmary.org or 800-935-0975.

Plan For Your Financial

Future and Help Build Up the Catholic Church in Rural America

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Glenmary Gift Annuity can be established with a gift of cash or securities. The benefits of an annuity are many, including providing you income for life and helping ensure that Glenmary missioners are present to share the sacraments and the gifts of the Church with those living in Mission Land, USA.

Benefits include:

• A significant reduction of • •

capital gains, if funded with securities A partially tax-free income A charitable deduction

For more information about a Glenmary Gift Annuity, contact: Susan Lambert, Planned Giving Officer 800-935-0975 slambert@glenmary.org

•

Calculations are not meant to give legal or accounting advice. A donor should seek the guidance of an estate and/or tax professional to understand the consequences of a gift. All information is strictly confidential. Glenmary gift annuities are not issued in Hawaii or Alabama.

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Around the Missions  Glenmary priests, brothers and coworkers will gather June 15-26 at the Saint John XXIII Pastoral Center in Charleston, W.Va., for the community’s 16th General Chapter. During this time, members of the Executive Council will be elected to four-year terms, and planning for the future will take place.  Members of Glenmary’s Department of Pastoral Services and Commission on Justice, in collaboration with the Congar Institute, led a three-session Latino Leadership Program for members of the Lafayette, Tenn., mission and nearby parishes. The program helped participants develop skills needed for parish leadership roles. The third session was held in April. A follow-up session is planned.  Father Frank Schenk, at press time for this issue, was preparing to celebrate the 60th jubilee of his ordination on May 19 and 64 years as a home missioner on May 31. But his biggest celebration of the year is coming on Nov. 8, his 100th birthday!  Brother Curt Kedley and Brother Virgil Siefker of Holy Spirit mission in Bertie County, N.C., are serving on a county residents’ planning committee to start the Feeding America BackPack Program in area schools. The program helps children who already qualify for free or reduced-price meals on school days to also receive nutritious, easy-toprepare food for weekends, provided by local food banks. For many of the children, breakfast and lunch at school are the only meals they eat during the week. The planning committee hopes that the program will start this coming fall in Bertie County, which has a poverty rate of almost 24 percent.  Glenmary’s coworkers who minister in home mission areas gathered for their annual retreat at Maggie Valley, N.C., April 21-23. The group joined together for education, prayer, worship and fellowship.

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photo / PAT DORSEY

DONOR Get-together: Father Dan Dorsey (foreground), formation director and former president of Glenmary, gives a talk at a recent program in St. Louis for donors and new friends—focusing on the nature and impact of the religious society’s U.S. mission work.

p a rt n e rs i n m i ss i o n

Glenmary donors and friends gather in St. Louis area Thanks, appreciation and education shared with supporters and other guests at regional event [missouri] Glenmary’s St. Louis-area supporters and other guests attended a gathering on Sunday, April 26, hosted by donors Pat and Carol Dorsey.

They were joined by Mike Prym, assistant development director for Glenmary, as well as the two primary presenters for the day—development director Father Don Tranel, and formation director and former president Father Dan Dorsey.

Such get-togethers are held periodically in various parts of the country to thank donors for supporting Glenmary and to introduce others to the society’s home mission ministry.

The day included a Mass, light hors d’oeuvres, talks by Fathers Don and Dan, and a funding appeal. w w w. g l e n m a r y. o r g

The presenters linked their comments to the day’s Gospel and its image of the Good Shepherd.

Father Don told those gathered that just as Jesus sought out the least, lost and last, Glenmary ministers to the poor and neglected in U.S. mission areas.

In those counties, frequently fewer than 1 percent of the people are Catholic, and the poverty rate is almost twice the national average. “Glenmary also stands as a corrective to the notion that all missions are foreign.”

He related stories about his ministry as a mission pastor, and commented that “Glenmarians embrace sweat equity and are good stewards of the donations we receive.”

Father Dan, another veteran Summer 2015

pastor, borrowed a phrase from Pope Francis in saying that a Glenmary missioner “smells like his sheep”—meaning a missioner has a close relationship with all the county’s inhabitants, especially the poor and the outcasts.

Father Dan stressed that the key to changing people’s hearts is not dogma or doctrine but love.

“We always say that some people may not want to see you come to their county, but by the time you leave they should be sad to see you go.”

Mike says that he’s grateful to Pat and Carol Dorsey for their generosity in hosting the event.

“It was an excellent opportunity to thank our donors personally for their support. And we were very happy to share Glenmary’s story with new friends.” 

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v o l u n t e e r pr o gr a m l e a d e r

‘Baby boomer’ helps guide and lead student volunteers Donna Turchi skipped a midlife crisis and embarked on a journey of service and outreach

photo / COURTESY Donna Turchi

[tennessee] When Joe Grosek, director of Glenmary’s volunteer program, began hiring staff for the Joppa Mountain site, the best candidate he found to serve as the site’s first Mountain manager was Donna Turchi— a 53-year-old “baby boomer” with a wealth of professional experience working with young people and a deep desire to serve.

Under Joe’s supervision, the Mountain managers guide high school and college-aged groups who come to serve others during a one-week, retreat-like misconnecting: Donna Turchi, Glenmary novice sion immersion experience. The Charles Aketch, and managers help children from the Rutvolunteers learn ledge, Tenn., mission to live simply; at the 2014 Our Lady of understand and Guadalupe celebration. experience mission; assist local residents in need; and learn more about themselves, others and God. “Donna is a superb, dynamic staff member,” Joe says. “Her life experience, ability to work independently, and talent for working with youth have been invaluable as we’ve built up the Tennessee volunteer site. She’s also bilingual and has been very good at doing outreach work with the Latino community.”

Donna says she was attracted to the job because it combined 8

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things she loves—working with and what we believe.” young people and participating During her first year, Donna in mission-trip and service pro- also worked with Father Steve grams. “It gives me hope when Pawelk, pastor of nearby misI see youth immersed in doing sions in Rutledge (Grainger God’s work. I’m grateful I can County) and Maynardville be of use to God and the people.” (Union County), in serving After completing her one-year needs of local Latino families. commitment in January 2015, As Donna’s first year ended, she happily accepted the invita- Joe and Father Steve collaborattion to stay another year. ed on a modified job description Donna has spent her pro- for her second year, which calls fessional career in child care for her to spend about half her work—including 20 years at time coordinating a volunteer a boys’ group home in Texas, work site (primarily a Christhe last nine as executive direc- tian residential group home for tor. But after raising her three youth) and the other half servdaughters—always her first pri- ing the Latino community. ority—and seeing them reach Reflecting on her time in Tenadulthood and independence, nessee, she says, “I love working she asked them if she could take with Glenmary, and I’m really a volunteer job in another place. impressed with them. Father They readily supported her idea. Steve, Brother Craig (Digmann) Starting in 2012, she volun- and Brother Joe (Steen) live simteered for a year in Liberia at a ply, serve others every day, and Franciscan-operated orphan- love what they do. When you see age. Then, after returning to the people of faith doing this kind of United States, she accepted the work, it’s very reassuring.

Glenmary position.

“I’ll always be ready to help Regarding her decision to do my children and parents when volunteer work, she remarks they need me. But I skipped my that “I don’t have a whole lot of midlife crisis because God called savings. I just live knowing that me to serve in Liberia and now if I do God’s work, God will take Tennessee. I’m looking forward care of me.” to the future.”

Donna sees the value of Glenmary’s program Country Raffle Online for local residents and for volunteer groups. “VolYou can enter Glenmary’s Country Raffle unteers say they got back with a couple of clicks of your mouse! even more than they gave, Visit www.glenmary.org/raffle and click that they learned so much on the link to the secure entry form. from the people, and that Complete and submit the online form the experience changed and we’ll take care of the rest! Your ticktheir outlook on life,” she ets will be entered in the drawing that says. “In addition, just by will be held in Cincinnati on Sunday, our daily actions, we witSept. 6, 2015. ness to who Catholics are

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FRIENDS IN PRAYER: (Left photo, left to right) Gathered for the long-standing weekly prayer group session at Revival Vision Church of God, Maynardville, Tenn., are Father Steve Pawelk and Brothers Craig Digmann and Joe Steen of Blessed Teresa mission; Pastor Bryan Wheble of Revival Vision; and a church member. Each person shares intentions before the group joins hands in prayer. (Right photo, left to right) Concluding their second annual joint revival in Rutledge, Tenn., in 2015, Pastor Chandler Vinson of Rutledge Baptist Church, Father Steve, and Pastor Ryan Davenport of Rutledge United Methodist Church commission church members to go out and spread the Good News—giving each a “Lend a Hand, Lift a Heart” pin and Easter sticker.

Building Ecumenical Ties Through

Prayer & friendship Glenmarians forge bonds with other ministers, churches in two Tennessee counties

By Dale Hanson

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hen three Glenmarians arrived in East Tennessee’s Union and Grainger counties in late summer 2011, their foremost goal was to establish the first-ever Catholic presence in those two counties. But in the four years since, they and their diverse mission communities—Blessed Teresa of Calcutta in Maynardville (Union) and St. John Paul II in Rutledge (Grainger)—have also built ecumenical relationships that have made a great difference in the meaning, growth and impact of their presence.

Ecumenism—building bridges with other Christian denominations—has always been an integral part of Glenmary’s mission ministry, says mission pastor Father Steve Pawelk. That’s because it helps missions serve others in need, overcome misconceptions about Catholics, and become valued members of the larger community.

“The ease with which this has happened, though, has been one of the biggest surprises,” Father Steve says. Neither county has an ecumenical ministerial association. But he thinks the key has been that “we built our relationships w w w. g l e n m a r y. o r g

with other ministers and laypeople on prayer, through the power of Jesus Christ. And that has led to the blessings of not just ecumenical relationships, but strong ecumenical friendships.”

There is only one Holy Spirit, he says. “We need to let that Spirit lead us to form a community of faith together.” Striking examples of this coming together include first-ever Thanksgiving ecumenical services in Union, and enthusiastically received joint ecumenical revivals in Grainger.

Father Steve, Brother Craig Digmann and Brother Joe Steen have all contributed in a range of ways. Shortly after they arrived, they took part in their first major ecumenical event in Union County: a large march against drug and alcohol abuse followed by a prayer service. Afterwards, Brothers Craig and Joe began attending ecumenical prayer services for the end of drug and alcohol abuse, and related intentions, every third Saturday for years.

One individual the Glenmarians met at that first event was Pastor Jim Mulkey of the Revival Vision Church of God, who invited them  Summer 2015

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 to join the

weekly men’s prayer group at his church.

Four years later, with Pastor Bryan Wheble now leading this Pentecostal church, the combined group THANKS TO PARTNER: In October is still praying 2011, Father Steve presented an every week, and appreciation plaque to Pastor Ken this ecumenical Luton and his Miller’s Chapel United friendship has Methodist Church members in Maydeepened and nardville, Tenn., for their kindness thrived. in providing a temporary worship Brother Joe, a space for Union County’s new Cathmaster carpenolic community. ter, also helped the Revival Vision congregation with their church construction project in 2012.

And when the new building was dedicated, Father Steve was asked to say a prayer over the members.

Today, Father Steve and Pastor Bryan get together periodically for a meal and conversation. “We have talked to each other’s congregations, and he invited me to speak about Catholicism to his adult learning class,” says Father Steve. “Our friendship and the friendship between our churches have been huge blessings.”

In October 2011, Pastor Ken Luton and the people of Miller’s Chapel United Methodist Church in Maynardville graciously allowed the new Blessed Teresa community to celebrate Sunday Mass in their building several times—the start of another enduring relationship with “many levels of fellowship,” Father Steve says.

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ntil 2011, Union County residents had never before gathered for an ecumenical Thanksgiving service. But that year, pastors and members of Miller’s Chapel, Revival Vision and Blessed Teresa mission joined together to give thanks to God. It’s now an annual tradition. In 2014—because of invitations extended by Brother Craig—one of the county’s Baptist ministers, some of his congregation members, and other people came for the first time.

What’s more, this Baptist minister plans to host the service in 2015. Brother Craig is optimistic that a number of other ministers and laypeople will come.

“The word of God calls for unity of the brethren.

We’re celebrating our shared beliefs,” says Pastor Bryan. “Father Steve is right when he says this relationship is built on prayer and friendship.”

In the summer of 2012, still another exciting annual event began in Union County when Blessed Teresa mission and Miller’s Chapel began cohosting a joint Vacation Bible School.

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eanwhile, in Grainger County, Father Steve of St. John Paul II mission, Pastor Ryan Davenport of Rutledge United Methodist Church and Pastor Chandler “Chan” Vinson of Rutledge Baptist Church have also forged a strong, growing ecumenical relationship.

When Father Steve first arrived in the area, Pastor Ryan allowed him to hold several Catholic organizational meetings in the Methodist building. And Pastor Chan extended his own welcome.

The three men have gotten together for conversation, reflection, prayer and lunch once a month ever since. “This relationship has developed into a deep, supportive friendship, built on prayer and the Spirit’s guidance. It’s also been a real blessing,” says Father Steve. “One of the first outgrowths was the ecumenical Hands of Christ Emergency Food Pantry we started to serve those in need in the county.”

The three Rutledge church communities have also worked together to collect and distribute backto-school supplies, clothing and toys as needs and opportunities have arisen.

“We discussed how we could continue sharing our friendship experience,” Father Steve says. “Last spring we held a joint, three-night revival for our congregations with the theme ‘That All May Be One.’ Our people loved it so much that we had a second one this spring, ‘The Least of These.’ We think these revivals are unique and special.”

Last summer, the three churches also held a joint Vacation Bible School open to all, with a second one scheduled this summer.

According to Pastor Ryan, “Several different ministries have grown out of our friendship and the shared goal of working for the common good.”

Pastor Chan adds: “The premise of everything we do together is that Jesus is bigger than our differences. You can just see God at work ECUMENICAL PANTRY: Father Steve (second from left) helps distribute turkey here.”

Also in breasts during the annual Thanksgiving G r a i n g e r outreach effort of the new emergency C o u n t y , food pantry in Grainger County. He’s G l e n m a r - joined by Pastor Chan of Rutledge Bapians have tist (fifth from left)—and members of the participated Baptist church, Rutledge United Methodin three al- ist Church, and a Glenmary mission. w w w. g l e n m a r y. o r g

photoS / COURTESY GLENMARY MISSIONS AND FRANK LESKO

bible schools: Among the fruits of ecumenical

friendships in Union and Grainger counties are two annual, cohosted Vacation Bible Schools for the children.

ready-existing ecumenical services—Thanksgiving, Easter Sunrise, the National Day of Prayer. “During a 2011 service-planning session,” says Father Steve, “concerns about drug and alcohol addiction in the community were raised. So I helped organize a program for local ministers on this issue, which led to other gatherings.”

Father Steve and his two pastor friends in Grainger County hope other ministers and congregations will join in their team efforts.

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he one ministry all three Glenmarians share is the Revival Vision prayer group. Beyond that, each carries out his own work with an ecumenical dimension in both counties.

According to Father Steve, Brother Craig’s “ministry of Catholic presence” to the counties’ Christian churches is “one of a kind in Glenmary.” Since early 2012, Brother Craig has received over 140 invitations to come to area churches, has attended more than 70 so far for their services, and has visited even more.

“It seems like the right thing to do in counties that have never had a Catholic presence,” he says.

“I’ve gotten to know about 100 pastors. I’ve also sung at over 30 of the services, and I’ve led prayer at about 15.” He now goes to as many as three churches almost every Sunday. The invitations come from those he encounters in his outreach work each day.

In addition, he has periodically brought in gospel music groups from other denominations to sing as part of Blessed Teresa’s weekend liturgies.

His goal is “to attend many churches to give people a taste of the Catholic presence. I just try to share my faith in a gentle way and answer questions about what Catholics believe.

“I feel a strong calling from God to do this. It creates a dialog and opens the door of unity. I just have to be physically present with the people because it w w w. g l e n m a r y. o r g

gives the Holy Spirit the opportunity to do the work.

That’s true of my other work, too.”

His other major ministries are ones of presence, evangelization and outreach throughout the mostly non-Catholic counties. “Ecumenism and evangelization are intertwined,” he says. “Barriers and misunderstandings are coming down, I have very good dialogs with people, and they’ve respected me well.”

He, fellow Glenmarians, and mission members have also volunteered at ecumenical food pantries and charitable giving efforts in both Union and Grainger counties. Brother Craig keeps in touch with pantry directors and arranges to deliver food to people in need.

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uring these years, Brother Joe Steen has been involved in two primary efforts. He started a homerepair ministry through which he is helping many people in need in both counties. “We’re serving folks from a variety of churches or without a church,” he says. “The message is that the Catholic Church cares about you and there are no strings attached.

Our whole goal is to build God’s kingdom.”

Providentially, a Southern-diocese parish priest with a large inheritance has been anonymously funding supply purchases for this ministry, as well as local emergency assistance. And since 2013, student volunteers have assisted Brother Joe on larger projects.

He also serves as a board member for the local Narrow Ridge Earth Literacy Center. “I’m walking with other people with varied beliefs, and witnessing to how much we as a Church are concerned with some of the same issues—such as caring for and preserving God’s creation,” he adds.

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ather Steve reflects that “the ecumenical friendships (in both counties) have borne great fruit.

Who knows what the Lord will do next? This is a light that can happen in the world. We can be one  body of Christ.”

to Learn more: Follow Father Steve’s blog at www.glenmary.org/blogs.

BROTHERS’ MINISTRIES: (Left photo) Brother Craig Digmann’s (at left) ministries include visiting many Christian churches in both counties—and attending services, singing, and leading prayer at some of them.

(Right photo) Brother Joe Steen’s home-repair ministry benefits local residents regardless of church affiliation.

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Group Seven’s impact

photos / glenmary archives

Then & NOW

Program’s participants left indelible marks on mission communities

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n 1968, Glenmary sought to respond to the Second Vatican Council’s call (in its documents) for increased lay participation in the life and work of the Church. That response came three years later with the launch of Group Seven. This Glenmary initiative invited laypersons— single, married, families, religious—to move to mission areas in order to be present and serve. They were described in 1977 as “ordinary, diverse and willing to share part of their lives in the development of a mission parish and community.”

They accomplished this goal by supporting themselves in their professions and trades. The lay missioners were placed in areas, communities and missions where there was a need for their skills.

Although “Group Seveners” were required to make a commitment to serve for a defined amount of time, it wasn’t unusual for them to choose to move permanently to the mission areas.

The program disbanded in 1981. But in its 10-year history, its impact was great— on many volunteers and those they served.

 1974: Tom O’Brien came to Andrews, N.C., as a

member of Group Seven. Originally from Stratford, Conn., he worked in Andrews at Industrial Opportunities, a sheltered workshop for adults with mental and physical disabilities. Here he shows a folding lawn chair made by workshop employees.

 1977: Gretchen Broeman, a Cin-

cinnati native, moved to Georgia to serve as a full-time parish worker.

She provided outreach at a local nursing home and a senior citizen center.

She also gave music lessons to local residents in her “free” time. The Group Seveners came to their ministries with diverse skills as carpenters, social workers, nurses, teachers, newspaper reporters and more. But they all shared a common goal: to serve to the best of their ability and to share the Catholic faith with all those they met.

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 1977: Jean Lorang served as a social

 1977: Marielena Zuniga moved from Philadelphia

to volunteer in the Hazlehurst and McRae, Ga., mission areas. Glenmary asked for a two-year commitment, and she stayed for four years. She worked as a reporter for the county newspaper but also served at a local child care center, gave diocesan retreats for youth and played the organ at the Hazlehurst mission. In retrospect, she says “it was one of the most beautiful and healing periods of my life.”

worker at Happy Land Child Development Center in Hazlehurst, Ga. Just as Father Bishop had instructed his missioners when he founded the society in 1939, Glenmary asked members of Group Seven to “provide for the temporal and spiritual works of mercy, feeding and clothing the hungry and naked, ministering to the wounded and the sick…loving the poor and the underprivileged.”

 1977: Among Walter Fyler’s outreach min-

istries was his work at a Baptist-sponsored Bible school for people with developmental disabilities. Walter and his fellow Group Seveners gathered three times a year for support, fellowship and prayer.

 2015: Tom O’Brien (see 1974 photo) remained

in Andrews, N.C., and has served as president of Industrial Opportunities for many years. The agency continues to serve adults with disabilities living in a three-county radius. He, like many of his fellow members of Group Seven, answered the call to serve 44 years ago and continues to do so today.

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mission spirituality / by Father Mike Langell

‘Do this in memory of me’ Pausing to ask: What did Jesus mean when he gave the Eucharist to us?

Editor’s Note: Periodically this space will feature a spiritual reflection written by a Glenmarian or coworker. The first of these reflections follows and is excerpted from a homily given by Father Mike Langell in 1982 on the Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ. This year the solemnity will be celebrated on Sunday, June 7. Father Mike died in 2009, but his homilies continue to inspire.

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hen any group of people such as ourselves does something together for a long period of time, it is easy for us to presume that the experience has the same meaning for us all.

I know people who go to a restaurant together. For one person, it’s a chance to talk; for the other, it’s an opportunity to get a good meal.

The same thing happens when we do something as a faith community, such as sharing in the body and blood of the Lord. That experience may not have exactly the same meaning for all of us.

Just as it is important that friends who do things together share their common meanings and experiences from time to time, it’s helpful for people of the same faith to step back from their rituals from time to time and examine what is meant by the words and actions they use as they take part in those rituals.

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believe we often miss the treasures that are passed on to us because we do not take time to look. Perhaps we need to look at what it means to us to receive the Eucharist.

But even more importantly, we need to pause to ask what it meant when Jesus gave the Eucharist to us!

What did Jesus have in mind when he took

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bread at the table that night before he died and said, “Take and eat; this is my body”?

(Mt 26:26) What did he mean when he proclaimed that the cup was the cup of his blood to be shared?

Actually, on that night of the Last Supper, Jesus gave us a clue. He did not say, “Do this in order to fulfill a duty.” He did not tell us to do this to feel good. He didn’t even tell us to take and eat if we feel we deserve it.

No. He said, “Do this in memory of me.”

(Lk 22:19)

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esus taught many things to his disciples through stories, miracles and, most of all, what he did and how he lived. But you know what? Jesus was a realist. He knew that with other values and priorities competing for our time and energies, we would easily forget the message of his Good News.

He knew that once he returned to the Father, the people who claimed to believe in him would forget the message of love that he came to bring. So he gave us a love feast by which to remember him.

It was not by accident that he chose a meal as a memorial. Nor was it by chance that he chose bread (the sign of life) and wine (the symbol of togetherness and joy).

He came that we might have life to the fullest and that we might learn how to share the good things of this life, so that in our togetherness, we could know his joy and peace.

I believe we need to continually reflect on what Jesus meant when he gave us the Eucharist to share. St. Paul, in his letter to the Corinthians, emphatically states that the actions of our lives must be consistent with our celebration of the body and blood of Jesus Christ.

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hat is ultimately at issue is the desire to live by Jesus’ example—“This is my commandment: love one another as I love you.” (Jn 15:12) The reception of the Eucharist calls and challenges us to belong to one another, to be humble, and to be compassionate and forgiving.

May the body and blood of Christ help us  to love with all our being. w w w. g l e n m a r y. o r g

photos / stephanie A. richer

LESSENING

IMPACT All Catholics are called by the social teaching of the Church to care for and protect God’s creation. Glenmary missioners, coworkers and mission members are no exception. Raising awareness and taking steps to lessen impact on the environment are goals in Glenmary’s efforts to carry out good stewardship of creation.

By Margaret Gabriel

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Building through reclaiming: Brother

Joe Steen (top photo), a member of Glenmary’s Environmental Committee, works with volunteers (bottom photo) on a small cabin at the Narrow Ridge Earth Literacy Center in Washburn, Tenn. The structure, built in part with reclaimed lumber and other materials, is environmentally friendly and will serve as housing for a Narrow Ridge intern.

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are for God’s creation is close to the hearts of missioners and coworkers who carry out Glenmary’s mission and ministry. Often, that care is shown not so much with words as with actions.

The call to care for God’s world “is part and parcel of our faith,” says Father Neil Pezzulo. Father Neil serves as first vice president of Glenmary’s Executive Council and as a member of the society’s Environmental Committee. The committee works to help missioners, coworkers and members of mission communities become more aware of environmental concerns and take steps to minimize impact on the planet.

In addition, the committee is helping guide environmentally friendly programs at Glenmary’s Headquarters and residence in Cincinnati, which include a successful recycling program and new composting and community garden projects this summer.

Catholics are taught—through the Church’s  Summer 2015

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‘It’s about showing respect and appreciation for what God has created through the gift of nature.’  social teaching—to show respect for the Creator

by their stewardship of creation. “The environment is not a commodity to be used up,” Father Neil says.

“It’s important to protect and preserve an environment that welcomes, one that makes it possible for all people to access land, water and food.”

For example, he travels extensively in his role as first vice president, so he drives a car that gets 46 miles per gallon of gasoline. “We make decisions based on our values, and you can see where a person’s heart is based on those decisions.”

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athy O’Brien made such a decision after she arrived in Erwin, Tenn., to serve as the pastoral associate for St. Michael the Archangel mission. She became aware that mission members and community residents were concerned about the lack of available recycling options and about other environmental issues they felt were impacting their community.

In response, she called a meeting and facilitated a brainstorming session for those interested— which resulted in the formation of “Keeping the Valley Beautiful,” a nonprofit group that includes both St. Michael members and people from the larger community.

“Unicoi County is known as ‘The Valley Beautiful,’” Kathy says, and the group wanted to live up to that description.

On a Saturday in April, in the Chestoa Recreation Area near Erwin, group members collected 22 bags of trash, four tires, seven bags of recyclables and several bags of invasive plant species pulled by the roots. The project served a twofold purpose: to rid the area of garbage, and to serve as a witness to community members of the value of a trash-free environment.

The group also sponsored a presentation of The Council of the Creatures: A Musical to celebrate Earth Day 2014, and invited Unicoi County residents to the production. The work of Nashville jazz musicians Tammy and Jamey Whiting, the play features seven woodland creatures who speak about the human destruction of God’s good earth and the animals’ suffering as a result.

The musical was well received by its audience, which also received educational flyers that focused on proper ways to dispose of recyclable materials.

“We don’t have curbside recycling here, but we have areas where people can take their recyclables,” says Kathy. “These areas don’t accept everything, though, so we encourage people to take some items to the recycling center in Johnson City, about 20 minutes away.”

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hile the group in Erwin works to keep their valley beautiful, the Glenmary Group Volunteer Program in Grainger County, Tenn., is planning to create an environmentally friendly structure where volunteers can stay while participating in the mission immersion experience.

“We need to house more volunteers at our location on Joppa Mountain,” says Joe Grosek, manager of this volunteer program site and chair of Glenmary’s Environmental Committee. That need led to the design of an environmentally friendly structure that will have double framing to allow twice the amount of insulation to be used, aiding in both heating and cooling.

Joe would also like to use LED (light-emitting diode) lighting throughout the building and will install south-facing windows in order to capture solar energy.

“I really want to build something that looks like a ‘normal’ house,” Joe says. “An environmentally friendly house doesn’t have to look like a hut.”

The building will also be practical, he says.

While the initial cost of construction will be a bit higher than with a conventional approach, energy-conserving features are projected to save utility money in the long run. And the house will be more salable when it’s time for Glenmary to move on “because, after all,” says Joe, “we are a missionary society!”

Generally, Father Neil says, the people Glenmary serves live in rural areas and are more closely tied to air, land and water. So, the effort to preserve all those natural resources is an important part of serving residents of the mission regions.

That connection between people and creation is expected to be one of the ecological issues explored in Pope Francis’ encyclical (a letter sent to the entire Church) set to be released sometime in early summer. According to reports, Vatican sources say the encyclical’s main themes will be based on the duty to protect God’s creation, sustainable development and human ecology.

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lenmary priests, brothers and coworkers will continue working—as they have for more than 75 years—to encourage respect for the environment and sustainable practices in mission areas they serve. And they’ll continue to raise awareness of environmental injustices taking place in mission areas and beyond.

“It’s about showing respect and appreciation for what God has created through the gift of nature,” Kathy says, “and finding ways to lessen our impact on the world around us.”  w w w. g l e n m a r y. o r g

Partner in mission / by Dale Hanson

Helping carry out the vision Encounter with Glenmary was a ‘major turning point’ in Mississippi donor’s life

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ary Morrison’s long connection with Glenmary began in the 1970s, while she was serving for a year as a volunteer with Volunteers in Service to America (VISTA), the domestic equivalent of the Peace Corps.

She began attending Mass at a nearby Glenmary mission in Virginia that year. And she formed lasting friendships with Glenmarians, as well as a belief in Glenmary’s mission and work that’s grown steadily stronger over four decades.

Mary, 69, also became a donor in the 1970s.

And in 2007, in the aftermath of losing her home to Hurricane Katrina, she was moved to establish a gift annuity with Glenmary—using some of the money she had received to help rebuild the house.

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orn in New Orleans, she grew up in Mississippi and has lived the majority of her life there. She has held a range of professional positions as a schoolteacher, hospital chaplain and psychiatric nurse.

But as a young Catholic woman, her encounter with Glenmary was a major turning point in her faith life. The first Glenmarian Mary met was Father Les Schmidt, who led an instructional session on community organizing for her and other VISTA volunteers in Bristol, Tenn.

Around that time, when she became dissatisfied with the church she was attending, some friends told her about Glenmary’s ministry and recommended that she visit the society’s Sacred Heart mission in nearby Big Stone Gap, Va. “It turned out to be the mission where Father Les lived,” says Mary. “On my first visit I met Father Bob Rademacher, who was extremely hospitable and made me feel very welcome. I began attending Mass there often, and I became very good friends with both of them and mission members, as well ​as getting to know other Glenmarians.”

After her time in VISTA ended, she left the area but returned to Sacred Heart frequently during the 1970s and ‘80s. She witnessed its growth as a vibrant faith community that was w w w. g l e n m a r y. o r g

eventually returned to the care of the diocese.

During trips, she also visited other Glenmary mission parishes.

Mary has always kept in touch with missioner friends and with Glenmary. “I love the people who are part of Glenmary. I also keep close track of things through the Glenmary Challenge magazine.”

For her, what’s special about the missioners is “how they carry the Gospel and its values of love and justice to rural mission areas in our country; establish small Catholic missions and build them up; and reach out to all people. I’ve always really liked what they do.

The more I understood their mission, the more I wanted to support them.”

When Katrina hit the Mississippi Gulf Coast on August 29, 2005, Mary’s Long Beach home was destroyed, along with the homes of her mother and all six siblings. Thankfully, none of them were injured and they have rebounded from their devastating losses.

“I later received a large insurance settlement,” she says.

Mary Morrison “I knew I would never have as much money again, and I felt guided by the Spirit to invest in Glenmary. My annuity is the best investment I’ve ever made because I wanted to give Glenmary as much as possible. And I receive annuity income regularly at times when I seem to need it most; it’s been providential.”

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ow in later life, Mary and her sister are serving as caregivers for their 100-yearold mother. Mary is a member of St. Thomas Church in Long Beach, which was rebuilt after Katrina, and she has served as a eucharistic minister. She also makes Mass offerings to Glenmary for special intentions.

“I’m very happy because I know that, every day, I’m helping Glenmary missioners carry out (their founder) Father Bishop’s vision through  their home mission work,” she says.

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final words / from our readers

Expressing thanks for ministry Spring Glenmary Challenge stories evoked memories that both inspired, saddened article ‘hit home’

larry striegel’s reflection (“Glenmary Volunteer Experience Left an ‘Indelible Mark,’” Spring 2015) on his Glenmary volunteer experience and the “indelible mark” it left really hit home for me.

Along with the moving remembrance of Father Jerry Dorn by Father Aaron Wessman, and Eddie Biehn’s description of his return to the People Farm (Glenmary Farm) for its closing, the Spring Challenge was a wonderful tribute to the unique personnel, traditions and institutions that make Glenmary so special.

I would like to add just one more memory, that of the saintly “building brother” Ralph Riehle, whom we lost way too early. I know many ‘70s-era eastern Kentucky volunteers like me still shed a tear when thinking about his wide smile and even bigger heart.

He taught me about what God is like—not with words, but with his presence.

Bill Goodwin Sacramento, Calif. thank you for sharing

i was most inspired and also saddened by the article in the Spring 2015 issue of Glenmary Challenge titled “God Never Leaves.”

God bless you, Father Francois Pellissier, for sharing your message with the incarcerated men of the immigration center in Lumpkin, Ga. I was employed as a medical records clerk at an immigration center in Aurora, Colo., from 1990 to 1993.

One morning I arrived and 18

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ministry to the incarcerated: Father Francois Pellissier’s outreach efforts in South Georgia sparked a Colorado reader’s memories.

was told to go to the women’s section to assist with translating. When I arrived, I came upon three or four women with babies. The women had been apprehended at a poultry plant in Nebraska.

I was so distraught to see how they were treated by the administration and officers.

The mothers had no way of caring for their babies’ needs. So I took what money a friend and I could gather and went to a nearby convenience store to buy diapers, formula and baby food for those loving babies.

That very day, I handed in my resignation because I was so appalled by the actions of the staff.

The United States is a country of immigrants and we all should remember that.

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Thank you, Father Francois, for your ministry and for sharing the story of that ministry with the Challenge readers.

May the men of the Stewart Detention Center be most grateful and blessed in your ministry and most compassionate outreach.

Gloria R. Borjon Denver, Colo.

Readers’ Views welcome! Send comments to: Editor, Glenmary Challenge, P.O. Box 465618, Cincinnati, OH 45246. Fax: 513874-1690. E-mail: challenge@ glenmary.org. Comments are printed at the discretion of the editor and may be edited for clarity and space. Please include a postal address. w w w. g l e n m a r y. o r g

w w w.glenmary.org the w e b site of C atholic missioners to rural A merica

O n line Co nte nts

What’s new Listen to Missioners Via Podcasts

Podcasts of 13 radio programs featuring Glenmary missioners and coworkers are now available. Produced by Radio Maria, the programs were originally broadcast from November 2014 through February 2015. glenmary.org/radiomaria

Radio interviews

Departments Ways to Give

A gift of appreciated securities, including stocks or bonds, is an easy way to make a gift. glenmary.org/stocks

Vocations

Charles Aketch offered insights into the novitiate experience as he prepared for First Oath. glenmary.org/novitiate-journey

Novice’s reflection

News and Publications

Follow bloggers Brother David Henley and Fathers Charlie Hughes, Steve Pawelk, Aaron Wessman. glenmary.org/blogs

Glenmary Challenge

Choose to have your next issue of Glenmary Challenge delivered to you electronically. glenmary.org/getchallenge

Electronic delivery

Feature Story Donor’s Support Continues to Grow

Joe and Betty Rensing began supporting Glenmary’s missionary effort in the 1970s. Since Joe’s passing, Betty has continued their legacy of giving. glenmary.org/rensing

Betty Rensing

Commission on Justice

Find a variety of social justice and ecological resources as well as links to helpful Web sites. glenmary.org/coj Celebrate & Remember Friends and Family As weddings, graduations, Father’s Day and other special days approach, use Glenmary’s all-occasion and Mass cards to mark the occasion. glenmary.org/cards

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NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION U.S. Postage PAID Glenmary Home Missioners

photo / courtesy brother david henley

Glenmary G l i m p s e / Final Oaths of two brothers

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t press time for this issue, Glenmary’s permanent membership was about to grow in number on May 23, when Brother Jason Muhlenkamp and Brother Levis Kuwa were set to take their Final Oaths.

Above in 2012, then brothers-in-training Jason and Levis (second row, third and fourth from left) gathered with their fellow Glenmary brothers.

The vocation department is now getting ready to welcome new students into formation this fall. They will join the eight men currently preparing for missionary brotherhood and priesthood. Full coverage of Final Oath and First Oath ceremonies will appear in the Autumn Glenmary Challenge.

Catholic Missioners to Rural America

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