Glenmary Challenge Summer 2022

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

G L E N M A R Y. O R G SUMMER 2022

A New Day in Smith County blessed with mercy

A feast that builds neighbors

‘for i was hungry...’

Windsor’s Good Shepherd Food Pantry

Growing Church

FROM THE EDITOR / John Stegeman We are a Catholic society of priests and brothers who, along with numerous coworkers, establish the Catholic Church in small-town and rural America. Founded in 1939 by Father William Howard Bishop, Glenmary is the only religious community devoted exclusively to serving the spiritually and materially poor in the rural U.S. home missions. Today, supported entirely through freewill offerings, we staff missions and ministries throughout Appalachia and the South.

Glenmary missioners serve in areas where frequently less than one percent of the population is Catholic, a significant percentage have no church affiliation, and the poverty rate is often twice the national average.

Glenmary is known for respecting the many cultures encountered in the home missions. Our missionary activity includes building Catholic communities, fostering ecumenical cooperation, evangelizing the unchurched, social outreach and working for justice.

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

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

On page 8 you’ll read about the first Mass celebrated in St. Peter the Apostle’s new facility. It was a wonderful occasion, and personally, it served an important reminder that our Church

is universal.

Where I live—Cincinnati, Ohio—a Catholic archdiocese is in the midst of a reorganization that will inevitably see the shuttering of many parishes. It’s happening in many places: large faith-filled communities are shrinking. Neighborhoods that had a church no longer will as parishes merge.

But there I was on Palm Sunday weekend in Carthage, Tennessee, what some would call a no-man’s land between Nashville and Knoxville, and I was witnessing something tremendous. A place that had never had a Catholic church since its founding in 1799 now had 80plus people celebrating the Eucharist. There, the pastor, Father Don Tranel, was talking about building and growing and becoming part of the fabric of Smith County.

In some places the Church is fading, but in others it is starting anew.

Often we forget that our little corners of Christendom aren’t the whole picture.There are pockets of faith spread across this nation and the world. Anywhere that the love of Jesus shines like it does at St. Peter the Apostle, the Church will grow. I needed to see that.

On my trip I did a whirlwind tour of some of Glenmary’s Tennessee missions. I visited Holy Family in Lafayette, Divine Savior in Celina, St. Peter the Apostle and the as-yet-unnamed mission in Overton County.

Along the way I stayed at Glenmary’s Residence and House of Formation in Trousdale County.

It was a great trip and a great reminder. Where Glenmary goes, the Church grows.

GLENMARY HOME MISSIONERS P.O. Box 465618 · Cincinnati, OH 45246-5618 513-874-8900 · 800-935-0975 · challenge@glenmary.org © 2022, Glenmary Home Missioners.

Reprint permission granted upon request.

ON THE COVER: It was a joyful Palm Sunday in Carthage, Tenn., when the newly named St. Peter the Apostle parish celebrated its first Sunday Mass ever in its new church. Father Don Tranel led the celebration. Photo by John Feister

VOLUME 86

NUMBER 2

A New Day in Smith County

It was a festive day for the new Catholic community, celebrating the first Mass at their new property. page 8

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‘ we

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‘ for

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gift of the outsiders

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missioner on the run

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by john stegeman

are blessed ’— with mercy

A new celebration at Glenmary brought our neighbors together in a new way. By Chris Phelps

i was hungry and you gave me food ’

What started as a simple effort to feed the hungry has grown into a local institution in Bertie County. By Omar Cabrera

We all can learn something from people outside of our own circumstances. By Father Vic Subb

Come join Father Richard as he heads out at 5:30 a.m. for a run with friends and their cinderblocks. By John Feister

Publisher: Father Dan Dorsey Editor: John Stegeman Asst. Editors: Omar Cabrera, John Feister Art Director: Cassie Magnotta

Planning-Review Board: Lindsay Braud, Br. Craig Digmann, Br. David Henley, Chris Phelps, Lucy Putnam, Fr. Kenn Wandera, Fr. Aaron Wessman

Photo by Cassie Magnotta

Our Catholic faith is tradition and practice, holding lives together in the everyday and at worship.

I love being Catholic!

FROM THE PRESIDENT / Father Dan Dorsey What do you love about your Catholic faith?

Recently I posed this question to a cross section of people. Their responses provide a window into the richness and beauty of Catholics. Here are a few of those responses, along with my reflections from a missionary perspective.

I love my Catholic faith… “...because it is the first gift I received from my parents at my birth.”

What a lovely insight! The first gift given to us who were baptized as children! At our baptism we (or our

parents & godparents) are instructed “to always walk as a child of the light.” As children of the Light who have received a gift, we now share as a gift with others. “…because of the gift of the Eucharist and the traditions that have always been a part of my life. They are the source of hope.”

The miracle of the Eucharist is just that: it is the source and summit of the Christian life (Catechism of the Catholic Church #1324). This means that Christian life flows from the Eucharist (the source) and so Christian actions should be directed towards it (the summit).

Imagine living in an area where there is no celebration of the Eucharist. What most Catholics take for granted is still not available to millions here in the United States. It is precisely these areas where Glenmary focuses our missionary effort. “…because of the sanctity and universal aspect of the Mass and for its foundation in service and respect for those less fortunate.”

The missioner shares the sacred and holy not only in our sacraments and in our manner of worship but

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“… for its capacity to take all that is good, true and beautiful in the world and connect them to Jesus Christ.”

As Jesus’ ambassadors, Glenmarians share our faith with all those we encounter in our mission areas.

As our founder, Father Bishop, wrote: “The true missioner adopts all the people in his area, regardless of creed for his own. His aim is to make all of them better people and bring them nearer to God.” “… because, in spite of shortcomings, it is a community of faith that nurtures my faith in God, through the richness of worship, service and family.”

How we organize our families and society—in economics and politics, in law and policy—directly affects human dignity and the capacity of individuals to grow in community. The depth and richness of our Catholic social tradition is planted and shared in the mission counties that we serve.

So what do you love about your Catholic faith? I invite you to either email me (ddorsey@glenmary. org) or write an actual postal letter to me at Father Dan, Glenmary Home Missioners, P.O. Box 465618, Cincinnati, Ohio, 45246.

I’d love to hear from you!

glenmary news & notes Witness Walk returns in Erwin

e cum en ism / Christian denominations come together

In Unicoi County, Tenn., more than 50 percent of the population claims no Christian affiliation. Statistics like that are why the annual Good Friday Witness Walk is so important.

Back for the first time in three years due to the pandemic and weather, the Witness Walk was sponsored by the Unicoi County Ministerial Association, which counts Glenmary’s St. Michael the Archangel as a member. The walk, wherein parishioners from various churches carry a large wooden cross, goes from the Food Lion grocery store to the local Methodist church, with stops at the Erwin City Hall and county courthouse for prayer and reflection.

More than 50 people turned out for the police-escorted procession.

Father Tom Charters said St. Michael the Archangel brought the largest contingent of people. The walk also included Baptists, Methodists, Presbyterians, Church of God, Assemblies of God, independent Christian churches, and more.

“It really is a beautiful witness,” said Father Tom. “It’s an ecumenical witnessing too, with all these different ministers involved… I look forward to it each year.”

The walk has been a tradition in Erwin for nearly two decades.

Photo: St. Michael the Archangel Facebook

also in our vision of missionary ministry. Father Bishop instructed his young missioners: “No work will be so powerful for us as apostles of peace on earth—the temporal and spiritual works of mercy, feeding the hungry and clothing the naked, ministering to the wounded and the sick, loving the poor and underprivileged.”

ABOVE: In an area where fewer than half report Christian affiliation, there’s reason for public witness. This past Good Friday various communities, including members of St. Michael the Archangel parish, carried a cross through the streets.

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Oath renewal

Museum to honor Father Bishop le g ac y / Readers invited to support exhibition needs

A museum room will be established in honor of the visionary priest who saw that Catholic missioners were needed in the rural communities of the United States, especially in Appalachia and the South.

The story of Father William Howard Bishop and his founding of Glenmary Home Missioners is one of insight, innovation and faith.

In the museum, visitors will meet Father Bishop, read his writings, see his furnishings and personal chalice. They will come to understand how his experiences laid the foundation for the thriving ministries of today’s Glenmary priests and brothers. Design of the exhibit is underway but no date for completion has been set.

The space will tell the story of a priest who found his calling in a small country-parish. He worked tirelessly to ensure that the Church did not lose sight of Americans with no access to the Eucharist. It is a story that continues. A well-known quote of the founder remains true today. “There was never a time,” he said, “when missionary activity was more needed in our beloved land than it is today.”

A donation in support of the Father William Howard Bishop Museum will ensure that Father Bishop’s dream will continue to inspire others.

Donors will become part of the Glenmary Founder’s Circle and be recognized at the museum. You can also dedicate your donation in memory of a loved one or Glenmarian. Learn more at Glenmary.org/Museum.

ABOVE: This painting of Father Bishop reminds Glenmary priests, brothers and lay staff of the vision of our founder: to carry forth the riches of Catholic faith.

RIGHT: Glenmary Brother Thomas Nguyen renews his oath to Glenmary.

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On May 1, seven men renewed their temporary oaths as part of their ongoing formation towards becoming Glenmary priests and brothers.

The men are: Willy Kyagulanyi, Joseph Maundu, Thomas Nguyen, Fredrick Ochieng’, Cavine Okello, Erick Orandi and Cyrus Samba.

Of the seven, Brothers Willy, Thomas and Erick are missionary brothers in formation. The other four are pursuing ordination to the priesthood.

“Glenmary has been blessed by God to receive these men into our community,” said Father Aaron Wessman, director of formation.

“As they renew their oaths for another year, I’m excited to see them continue to develop into the missioners of the future. Each one of them brings a unique energy.”

In addition to those renewing their oaths, the Glenmary Council approved Ferdinand Aliet and Jude Smith to enter the novitiate this summer.

Photo courtesy of Brother Thomas Nguyen

Painting by Leo Murphy, 1952

f orm ation / Glenmary grows

a rou n d the m issions

The Glenmary Story—on YouTube awa ren es s / Video project will tell story of home missioners

Since its Founder Father William Howard Bishop first published the Glenmary Challenge magazine, Glenmary has always worked to find new ways to communicate the mission needs. Recently, Glenmary contracted Thing in a Pot Productions to produce eight brief but highquality videos to tell the mission story. Four videos will feature English speakers; four will feature Spanish speakers.

"Glenmary is always looking for new ways to tell our story,” said Glenmary President Father Dan Dorsey. “These videos will help us with mission education and vocation outreach, and they will help all of our supporters to have a deeper understanding of who we are and what we do.”

The first video, already complete, presents a biography of Father Bishop. It includes rare video footage of the founder, who died in 1953.

A professional voice actor provided narration. The video can be found on YouTube by searching “Glenmary founder.”

Subsequent videos will cover the history of Glenmary Home Missioners, a look at what Glenmary is today, and the five pillars of Glenmary mission.

Thing in a Pot Productions provides promotional videography for small businesses, nonprofits and religious organizations from their base of operations in Bloomington, Ind.

• At least 11 people joined or entered full communion with the Catholic Church at Easter Vigils in Glenmary missions this year. Several missions reported having additional RCIA candidates preparing for full communion in the coming weeks as well.

• Glenmary is reorganizing its presence in Bertie and Martin Counties N.C. Sacramental ministry for both counties will now be directed from Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Martin County, Williamston. Glenmary brothers will remain active in the Holy Spirit mission in Windsor, in neighboring Bertie County.

A chapel, designated Holy Spirit chapel, has been set up in a Glenmary residence, in Windsor. Sunday Mass will no longer be held at Windsor’s United Methodist Church.

• Glenmary Father Samuel Mungai has been assigned as pastoral moderator of Glenmary’s new mission in Overton County, Tenn. Father Samuel will assist Lay Pastoral Missionary Minister Lorenzo Aju with sacramental ministry in this new mission territory.

ABOVE: This summer will see four new YouTube videos in English and four in Spanish documenting life in Glenmary missions. RIGHT: Father Samuel Mungai is helping open new mission territory in Overton County, Tenn.

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Photo by John Feister

Photo by Omar Cabrera

• Brother Craig Digmann, who manages Glenmary’s Residence and House of Formation in Hartsville, Tenn., has visited all 31 Protestant churches in the county. Brother Craig’s ecumenical ministry helps build bridges between the Catholics and their Protestant brethren.

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Photo by John Feister

Proud pastor Father Don Tranel stands before the new church. The sign had been installed only hours before!

A New Day for Smith County It was a festive day for the new Catholic community, celebrating the first Mass at their new property. by john stegeman

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“I never thought this would happen.”

“This is too cool!”

“Can you believe we have a church in Smith County?”

As the people filtered in for the Palm Sunday vigil Mass April 9 at St. Peter the Apostle Catholic Church in Carthage, Tennessee, the happy murmuring continued. They were finally home.

In January of last year, Glenmary sent Father Don Tranel to Smith County, Tennessee. By late May, he had found some local Catholics. On June 24 of 2021, the feast of St. John the Baptist, they celebrated Mass together in the hall of Carthage United Methodist Church.

Regularly scheduled weekend Mass, still in the Methodist hall, began a few days later and the community has been growing in faith and number ever since.

The community was ready for its own church building.

Founded in 1799, Smith County never had an official Catholic presence before Glenmary’s arrival.

Catholics in the area were driving more than 20 miles of country roads to Lafayette, Lebanon or Cookeville to find a Mass. The distance made participating in par-

Photo by John Feister

Mass complete, Father Don blesses devotional objects for parishioners. These are the practices of Catholic life that have been lacking without a resident priest.

Photo by John Feister

ish life a challenge. That’s why Bishop J. Mark Spalding invited Glenmary to start this new mission parish back in early 2020.

“There are Catholics who live in this area. We were just driving to wherever to find a Catholic church,” said parishioner Jeff Payton, who has been worshiping with the new community since the start. “As soon as people got word there was [a Catholic church] here, it didn’t take much!”

Payton said St. Peter the Apostle Church was averaging about 55 people per Mass when celebrating at Carthage United Methodist. More than 80 turned out for the first Mass at the new property. Father Don said Easter Sunday drew 83, nearly maxing out the church’s capacity.

The Diocese of Nashville purchased the new church property, which consists of two buildings on roughly four acres beside the Cumberland River, from a Protestant congregation which was moving. Soon, Catholic parishioners were itching to move into the space.

Father Don thanked Pastor Monica Mowdy of the Methodist church for her hospitality in getting started, but Holy Week was the right time to move. Renova-

Photo by John Feister

Photo by John Stegeman

The Palm Sunday procession started in the gym and headed into the church next door. Construction is underway for the gym to become the main church.

Brother Craig Digmann (tan jacket) joins parishioners, from left, Jeff Payton, Mia Miller and Bill Buckman, in celebrating the Palm Sunday Mass.

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tion of the new building had been delayed due to all of the COVID-19 supply-chain issues.

“It was always our dream to be in this facility by Holy Week, especially Easter,” Father Don said. “We came over here for Stations of the Cross and at that time they weren’t even on the walls, I just set them on the back of chairs.”

The Palm Sunday vigil Mass took place in the space used for worship by the Protestant congregation that previously owned the church. Father Don plans for the church to be located in the other, larger building, which

“I think we will just pause and savor all that has happened and the dream come true of having our own church.” the previous tenant used as a parish hall. Consequently, the current worship space will become a parish hall upstairs and education center downstairs.

“We turned this from a space that didn’t look anything like a Catholic church into a Catholic church,” Father Don said. “It was a good decision to come here, ultimately. I was touched to see all these people.” It was a holy day.

Father Don said there is still “a boatload” more work to do. For one, the faith community is almost exclusively Anglo, so outreach to Spanish-speaking residents needs to begin. The buildings need major renovation 10

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and the property needs a little TLC. Long-term plans include an outdoor Stations of the Cross, gazebo, picnic tables and more.

“We are just so happy to be in our own venue and a church that we can call our own,” Father Don said. “In the short term, I think we will just pause and savor all that has happened and the dream come true of having our own church. It all happened so fast… Now that we have our own church, I think we will experience an increase in parishioners.”

There’s also the work of integrating a Catholic church family into the wider community that isn’t familiar with the Church. When settling into the area, Father Don encountered some anti-Catholic sentiment. It hasn’t been all bad news though, as the local newspaper ran a front page story on St. Peter the Apostle’s first Mass in the new facility.

“There is some initial organizing of starting a ministerial alliance and I am on the ground level of that,” he said. “I think this would clearly help debunk some false stereotypes about the Catholic Church here in Smith County.”

Catholics make up less than half of one percent of Smith County’s population. When the sign out front of St. Peter the Apostle was installed on the morning of the first Mass, he knew it needed a message that was welcoming, faithful and appealing to everyone.

“Embrace the holy,” Father Don made the sign read.

“Participate in the Church of your choice during Holy Week.”

Photo by John Feister

The first Mass in the new church of St. Peter the Apostle was this past Palm Sunday. 86 people—a big crowd for a new Glenmary parish—attended.

Church will never be the same.

‘We Are Blessed’ with Mercy

A first-ever celebration at Glenmary brought our neighbors together in a new way. by chris phelps

On Divine Mercy Sunday, May 24, Glenmary welcomed friends and neighbors to the Festival of Mercy at its headquarters in Cincinnati, Ohio. This first-time event brought together Spanish, Vietnamese and English-speaking communities, involving persons of all ages, Catholics and other Christians, to celebrate God’s infinite love.

Children enjoyed free games and a bounce house while their parents and grandparents visited, learned about Glenmary and participated in the Divine Mercy Chaplet and the sacrament of reconciliation for Divine Mercy Sunday.

“We are blessed,” said Father Steve Pawelk, novitiate co–director, who conceived the idea of a festival for Divine Mercy Sunday. “Our goal was to bring together friends, old and new, and tell Glenmary’s story in the midst of games, music, food and prayer.”

The festival’s casual atmosphere provided the opportunity for Glenmarians and staff to meet their neighbors, as well as local Catholics who may encounter Glenmary priests offering Mass at their parish, but never have the chance to get to know them.

Community partners provided a delicious array of food options. Parishioners from nearby parishes offered Latino street food, including an assortment of tacos, tamales and fruit. A Boy Scout troop grilled hamburgers and hot dogs. Members of Our Lady of LaVang Vietnamese Community provided egg rolls, waffles and fried rice.

Top: Father Steve Pawelk welcomes the crowd. Left: Brother Thomas Nguyen leads prayer; Right: Father Wil Steinbacher plays a leprechaun. Bottom: Father Aaron Wessman visits with guests.

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Photo by John Feister

In Bertie County, North Carolina, the hungry know there is food and supportive words at the Good Shepherd Food Pantry. Glenmary Brothers Virgil Siefker, right, and Curt Kedley (below) are long-time custodians of the project.

‘For I Was Hungry and You Gave Me Food’ A simple effort to feed the hungry has grown into a local institution in Bertie County. by omar cabrera

Photo by John Feister

Volunteers push carts loaded with groceries while dozens of cars line up in front of the Good Shepherd Food Pantry in the small town of Windsor, North Carolina.

It is a Saturday morning. Volunteers sweat under the sun while they hand out bags containing eggs, chicken, fresh fruits and vegetables, among other food items at a drive-through give away.

Inside a small trailer, Glenmary Brothers Curt Kedley and Virgil Siefker take green peppers out of a

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gigantic cardboard box and put them into plastic bags as part of the collective effort being done here today to feed the hungry.

Bertie County, where the food pantry is located, has a poverty rate of 23 percent, according to the U.S. Census. “The county is losing population because we don’t have jobs,” Brother Virgil explains. That is why these Glenmary missioners run this ministry, inspired

by Matthew 25:35, “For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink.”

“This is Glenmary’s social ministry to those in need.

We’ve been about this for a long time now,” Brother Curt adds. He and Glenmary Brother Jack Henn were part of the founding group of Good Shepherd Food Pantry more than a decade ago. A couple of years later, Brother Virgil came onboard.

Brother Curt Kedley checks out a shipment of fresh peppers. In many missions, Glenmarians establish or support food pantries to help feed hungry neighbors.

In eastern North Carolina, Glenmary serves missions in three counties in addition to the food outreach.

There is St. Joan of Arc in Washington County (Plymouth), Holy Trinity in Martin County (Williamston) and Holy Spirit in Bertie County (Windsor). The three are located about 30 minutes apart. Some parishioners from these mission parishes volunteer at the food bank.

Good Shepherd, which has operated since 2009, started the drive-through distributions in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Currently, some 450 families a month receive groceries this way, Brother Virgil says.

Additionally, the food pantry delivers emergency packages to three-to-four families every month. “Somebody who is in need of food calls in, especially at the end of the month, when money is shorter for families,” Brother Virgil explains. The person who takes those calls and delivers the packages is, many times, himself. He has also served as treasurer for Good Shepherd.

The food pantry also distributes food donated four times a month by a big grocery store in town. These packages benefit about eight more families.

Among the beneficiaries of Good Shepherd are two women in their 60s. “They don’t have jobs, so they receive a little bit of income and some food stamps, but by the end of the month, they have run out,” Brother Virgil says.

goods and help the volunteers get everything ready for distribution, they would unload the truck, they would carry food to the cars, they just would do whatever it takes to make sure that Good Shepherd continues to move forward.”

Good Shepherd has plans to grow. Brother Virgil explains that representatives of the food pantry have been in talks with local county commissioners and representatives of the school system to get the green light to use four classrooms that are no longer used for students.

“If we move there, there’s one organization that is going to give us $30,000 to renovate these four classrooms,” Brother Virgil adds. “We have already lined that up.”

If this plan materializes, Good Shepherd hopes to offer new services specifically aimed at children and people over 60. For instance, the food pantry will be able to provide monthly boxes of food to the elderly.

Brother Virgil is hopeful that Good Shepherd will get authorization to take over that building and move there in the near future.

BELOW: It’s food distribution day! Cars line up outside as Good Shepherd Food Pantry Director Deborah Freeman (right) works with volunteers to prepare food packages.

Photo by John Feister

Support to local farmers Besides addressing food insecurity in Bertie county, Good Shepherd also supports local farmers, says the director of the food pantry, Deborah Freeman. To do so, they organize a farmer’s market every Friday.

“It’s a huge success as far as getting fruits and vegetables to the community and supporting our farmers,” Freeman says. “We have a number of different farmers that come to us that sell the produce there. Then, what we don’t sell at the farmers market, we bring it here on distribution day and we distribute it out to the community so it never goes to waste.”

The market also brings local students an opportunity to sell produce that they have harvested at school plots.

In all the food pantry does, the two Glenmary brothers are instrumental. “They are the foundation, I would say, of Good Shepherd,” Freeman says. “They are always in the background, but they are always doing something. For example, they come and pack canned Summer 2022 GLENMARY CHALLENGE

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Gift of the Outsiders

We all can learn something from people outside of our own circumstances. b y fat h e r v i c s u b b

Many years ago, as a new priest, I was assigned to St. Luke's Church, a Glenmary parish in Warren, Arkansas. Most of the parishioners were young families, who titled themselves as members of the “Outsider Club.”

This was a tight-knit group of about 10 families from different parts of the United States who were led to Warren to work at a paper plant. They came together because they were Catholics in the rural South, a place where less than one percent of the population shares that distinction.

People of the area did not know Catholics. In fact, many times Catholics would hear the same questions from the people of the area. Questions like: “Are Catholics Christians? Why do you worship Mary? Why confess your sins to a priest? Do you pray for the dead?”

Once people hear a Northern accent, their first comment would be, “You’re not from around here.”

Outsiders members needed to know their Catholic

faith and be able to share it with their curious neighbors. A typical Catholic can be overwhelmed with questions: “Are you saved? Have you accepted Jesus?”

For many, answering these can be difficult. In Glenmary towns you may hear local people say, “I’ve never met a Catholic before.”

Most of the Catholics who I’ve known in Glenmary parishes have immigrated from Catholic areas up North, often areas where the Catholic Church is a visible part of the community. That is true of the newest immigrant Catholics from Latin America, too.

With the grace of God, today the Outsider Club speaks not only different U.S. accents, but also many languages. When I lived in Swainsboro, Georgia, 60 people comprised the small parish, members from 16 countries!

Photo by John Feister

Wealth of diversity In Glenmary parishes, Sunday mornings are celebrated with great diversity, with the richness of many cultures.

The diversity enabled me to see new adventures and hear ideas that helped me grow as a person. Ours is a universal faith, after all. That richness is lived out in the many expressions of Catholics, and also in other Christians’ experiences.

Many Glenmary parishioners are active with programs to help the poor and local community. Our members are very involved with serving at food banks, helping the homeless, and prison ministry. We work to

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LEFT: In the Eucharist, we are connected to the Universal Church.

In the missions, Catholics may feel like outsiders, but we know better. Christ calls each of us to welcome all outsiders.

Photo by John Feister

The Church has no walls! Insiders, outsiders—all are gathered as one, called by our Lord. That means rich, poor, all nationalities, all peoples proclaiming God’s glory!

preserve the life of the unborn, the elderly, children and veterans. It’s all part of being Catholic.

Recently a newly baptized Catholic woman told me that the reason she joined the Church was because she

"We can change some of the misconceptions people have of Catholics by our examples of love and service." saw how the local Catholic parish helps all people, not just its own members. My heart is proud of how members are very visible in their services to others. Many times I have heard people say, “I don’t know much about Catholics, but they sure help others!”

This is part of the life of an outsider. We can change some of the misconceptions people have of Catholics by our examples of love and service. Maybe Catholics are Christians, people might think. Maybe Catholics do follow the teachings of Jesus. They even read the Bible. The great blessing comes when we discover that we all are brothers and sisters.

Actions, more than words Evangelization is not a word but a way of life. It can open up many friendships with a smile, a time to visit, or the ever-important “wasting time” with others. Everyone has a story, or experience of Jesus that they, with encouragement, want to share.

“You are right,” I might say. “I am not from around here. Tell me about life around here. What makes your

and my new town a great place to live?”

An outsider will always be an outsider, because he/ she does not fit in. You’re not from the inside. You talk differently. You might even care about different things.

But to be an outsider may be a great blessing for ourselves and others. We can share our different experiences as well as learn from the differences of others.

I have experienced, as an outsider, feeling isolated, misunderstood, nervous in unfamiliar situations. When I remember the times that I have felt like an outsider, I become more open to the stranger from another country, or that person who doesn’t seem to fit in with the group. I become more compassionate and loving.

Children of God As Christians we share the same savior. As Catholics we can share our rich teachings and traditions to break down walls. We can see each other not as outsiders, but as brothers and sisters.

The divisions of today are caused by many factors that can cause us to lack respect for others. Can I listen to someone with different opinions about politics, religion or social issues? Can I seek to understand others’ positions and even pray for that person or group?

I want to believe sometimes that the world would be a better place if everyone believed like me! That is a dream, though, that takes away the uniqueness and giftedness of each person. Truthfully, we all are outsiders. Our citizenship is in heaven, as St. Paul tells us (Phil. 3:7). As outsiders here, we strive someday to be insiders in heaven. The goal of a missioner is to help everyone to see that.

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The men have gathered at 5:30 a.m., on the Roanoke riverbank, for Fitness, Fellowship and Faith (F3 on the cinderblock). Each session concludes with a circle of prayer.

Missioner on the Run Come join Father Richard as he heads out at 5:30 a.m. for a run with friends and their cinderblocks. story and photos by john feister

There’s a lot of heavy lifting in a missioner’s day. But for Glenmary Father Richard Toboso, there’s also running. And jumping jacks. And 200 push-ups. He and a handful of men from across the community in Washington County, in Eastern North Carolina, haul out of bed to be on the shores of the Roanoke River by 5:30 a.m., four days a week, for a type of exercise that goes far beyond physical fitness.

“It helps to have fellowship,” says Father Richard.

He (along with Father José Carlos Miguel López) serves about 80 families at Glenmary’s St. Joan of Arc parish in Plymouth. His T-shirt today, a present from his ordination three years ago, tells the story: “I’M A PRIEST. Don’t look so surprised.” He’s not the only minister who gets up early. Jay Hardison, pastor of the Plymouth Church of Christ, is also out there, along with a bunch of other guys.

Luckily they sleep in on Saturdays, meeting at 7 a.m. That’s what time I met them one Saturday in the park by the river, not far from the county courthouse and a handful of churches. The group, Fitness, Fellowship and Faith (F3 on t-shirts), just celebrated their one-year anniversary in Washington County. They’re part of the 10-year-old national program F3Nation.

“It’s a well-rounded group,” says Father Richard. “It LEFT: F3 has been great for developing stronger ties of faith in the community. Here Father Richard shakes hands with Josh Davenport, a new friend from the fitness program.

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helps us to support each other and helps us with the gift of sharing faith—and to stay fit!”

In a way comfortable to Glenmarians, that faith sharing is community-wide. Jay explains how that’s going for him. “Richard and I formed a great relationship,” he says. “We’ve talked outside of this group. He was in my office a week or so ago. He’s actually attended church with me a couple times, and gotten to see what I do. I’m looking forward to getting to see more of what he’s gonna do!”

There’s another minister in the group, from a nearby Missionary Baptist Church. But the other men are from all walks of life, just looking for, as they say, fitness, fellowship and faith.

“To be honest, for there to be a priest in Eastern North Carolina is rare,” says Jay. “But it gives us a chance to get to know him, and for him to know us.

He’s a very good man.”

It was a bit by chance that Father Richard got to know these men. He’s been running for years. When Glenmary priests came to live in Plymouth in 2021, he sometimes could be seen in the early morning, jogging.

A woman at St. Joan of Arc had told him about her son’s involvement in F3. Then F3 found him: “It was on Friday and I was running on the highway,” recalls Father Richard. “A man stopped and parked and said, ‘Please, can I talk to you?’ He invited me. They were so welcoming and so proud that I joined them!”

The program doesn’t have a leader per se; it’s peerto-peer. Father Richard explains, “Each person gets an opportunity to lead the activity for that day. So if I’m leading on Tuesday, I have to put down a list of things that we have to accomplish between 5:30 to 6:15.

“We begin by gathering together in a circle, say hello to each other, and then begin exercise.” That includes all manner of calisthenics, which, if he needs ideas, can be chosen by that day’s leader from the F3Nation website. “Then, at 6:15, we gather back in a circle, and we share personal struggles, and also what’s going on in our families. Then, after sharing, we have praises, what we are thankful for. If you have something going on in your community, in your church, or somebody’s sick, we have a prayer request. We end by somebody praying.”

This Saturday, after the “Circle of Trust,” one of the men, Chuck, explains, “I’ve always tried halfway to keep in shape a little bit. But now I feel like I’m accountable

to this guy. I mean, if I stayed in bed this morning, I’d be letting these guys down.”

“I feel the same way,” says Pastor Jay. “I’ve known Chuck forever. But seeing Chuck every day he can share. I can come and say, ‘Dude, I need you to pray for me.’ Or ‘I need a hand.’ Seeing each other every day helps us form those bonds.”

The prayer circle is the key for this solidarity. “The guys are vulnerable. We can come and say, ‘Look, this is what we’re struggling with. We can pray for that guy.’” For Father Richard and the other men, being out there in the park and running around the blocks is another key: public witness to prayer and solidarity beyond racial and denominational boundaries.

But at another level, it’s about the exercise: “You wouldn’t do half of this if you’re by yourself !” says Jay, laughing. “I’d have a few pushups, and I’d be done! But having these other guys here… We build each other up.” There is a similar network around the U.S. for women, Females in Action.

So, is there a groundswell from Catholic community to participate? Alas, says Father Richard, smiling.

“I’m the only one, because many people are afraid to go out at 5:30 in the morning.” He’s joking, of course, but, who knows? Maybe someone will be setting their own alarm soon.

BELOW: Father Richard makes it look easy, but you can see the hard work that running with a heavy block is! In the end, everyone is stronger for the effort, in body and spirit.

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letters to the editor MONASTERY CONNECTION I'm a new oblate of St. Meinrad's Archabbey. The article in the recent Glenmary Challenge connecting the Glenmary priests and brothers with 'my' monastery was a little serendipitous.

I support Glenmary because many of my siblings and friends are moving to areas Glenmary serves, some of whom are no longer practicing Catholics.

Knowing there are 'spiritual brothers' nearby is a way God says 'I will not leave you alone!' Pax Christi.

HAT TRICK Hats off to Father Dan Dorsey and the Challenge staff who produced an outstanding Spring issue. Father Dan’s thoughts on the pandemic and its desolation compared to a polar night speak volumes for staying grounded in faith. The Joppa Mountain Neighbors article is a gem celebrating love and caring for our neighbors off the beaten track. Keep up the great work.

Karen Dwyer · South Bend, IN

CAN’T PUT IT DOWN I just love to read your magazine. I read the first article and it was great, then I kept reading and each one got better than the last. I've never had a magazine do that, where you want to read and finish the whole thing. Your editorial team is wonderful! Please keep the magazine coming.

Jeff Goodnow · Ft. Lauderdale, FL

WORDS OF THANKS Thank you so much for the mailing of the Glenmary Challenge magazine. I really enjoy viewing it and the compassion, kindness and love of the priests, Glenmarians and volunteers. May I be remembered in your prayers. Thank you so much for reaching out to the immigrant farm workers that are away from their homes in distant lands. May God bless you and Glenmary for all of your care.

Susanne Angemeier · Archer, FL GOOD FOR VOCATIONS I enjoyed reading the articles in the current Glenmary magazine. A highlight was A Day in the Life of... It was

Gloria Rita Borjon · Denver, CO

Love – Serve – Learn Glenmary Adult Volunteer Week October 23-29, 2022 Mission service is life changing! Join us for a week of ministry and prayer in Tennessee!

All adult ages welcome! Cost to participate is $275. Contact Julia Sauter at jsauter@glenmary.org or 513-881-7440.

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good because it described the varied activities of the missionary from morning until night. (A good insight for persons who discern a religious vocation.)

I liked the article about lay persons who are missionaries but also take on administrative duties with Glenmary.

Keep up your good work. God bless you.

Rev. Msgr. Robert Carroll · Dingmans Fry, PA THANK YOU! Thank you for your work in bringing the Catholic religion and helping rural southern missions. The quarterly Challenge magazine is very positive. I enjoy it and read from cover to cover.

Mary Gerhardstein · Newport, KY

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Email: challenge@glenmary.org. Comments are printed at the discretion of the editor and may be edited for clarity and space. Please include a postal address with your letter.

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Today is the day! We are dedicating the very first Catholic Church ever in Rutledge, TN, built mostly by volunteers overseen by Brother Joe Steen!

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Can't wait til October to go to mass

Glenmary Home Missioners May 21 at 3:40 PM

These three men have served for a combined 192 years of home mission ministry!! Today we honor and celebrate Father Bob Dalton, Father Wil Steinbacher and Brother Ken Woods!

Start your day with a boost!

Glenmary Home Missioners May 22 at 12:00 PM

"It's hard to leave one's homeland, but Glenmary prepared me for the changes. I feel blessed to be a part of Glenmary's rural ministry." -Father Charles Aketch was called by God all the way from Kenya to join our community.

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Summer 2022 GLENMARY CHALLENGE

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