Glenmary Challenge, Winter 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

Winter 2015

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The Journeys of Two Missions Part I

An Early Christmas Gift Glenmary Parishioners Travel to Philadelphia to See Pope

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 fewer than 1 percent are Catholic, a significant percentage have no church affiliation and the poverty rate is alFather William most twice the national average.

Glenmary is known for deeply Howard Bishop respecting the many cultures Glenmary Founder 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: Chris Gramke Assistant Editor: Dale Hanson Art Director: Tricia Sarvak Staff Writers: Margaret Gabriel, Father John S. Rausch Planning-Review Board: Father Gus Guppenberger, Brother David Henley, Brother Curt Kedley, Kathy O’Brien, Father Neil Pezzulo, 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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Carrying on a vital tradition FROM THE EDITOR / Chris Gramke

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hen I walked into Glenmary Headquarters on August 17 as the new communications manager, I was already acutely aware of the great responsibility thrust upon my shoulders as editor of the Glenmary Challenge.

Part of the preparation for my new position involved reviewing Glenmary’s publications, so I read several years’ worth of Challenge issues.

What stood out was that this magazine serves as the primary tool for relating the amazing stories and latest news about these missioners and coworkers and their U.S. mission ministry.

That responsibility is not lost on me, and I look forward to continuing this vital tradition of spreading the word about Glenmary’s work. I hope to bring some of my own ideas to the table concerning how we can make the Challenge even more engaging for our readers, and I invite you to share your ideas with me at cgramke@glenmary.org.

As I reflect on this issue’s contents, I cannot help but think about the passing of Father Charlie Hughes (page 16), who was a Glenmary missioner for 65 years and its president from 1971 to 1975. I was awed by the recollections of and tributes to him shared by fellow missioners and others whose lives he touched.

Chris Gramke Retired Bishop Kevin Boland cgramke@glenmary.org of the Diocese of Savannah, one of many dioceses where Father Charlie’s work took him, traveled to Cincinnati to celebrate the funeral Mass. That gesture spoke volumes to me. It’s a prime example of the powerful and positive impact Glenmarians have on the people they encounter.

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’m proud to be part of such an important ministry in the Catholic Church, and I look forward to sharing the good news about Glenmary with you. I wish you a blessed Christmas and wonderful 2016! 

ABOUT THE COVER: Lafayette, Tenn., mission pastor Father Vic Subb and mission members— with other Tennessee and Kentucky Catholics— pose by the LOVE sculpture in Philadelphia.

They traveled to see Pope Francis in September. 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 4

Cover Story

9 photo / brother david henley

The Journeys of Two Missions (Part 1)

This two-part story focuses on two Tennessee missions and the missioners serving them. Part 1 shares the heartwarming story of Father Vic Subb and Holy Family mission in Lafayette, Tenn.

Feature Story

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The Racial Divide

Building on Glenmary’s “Statement on Racism,” a missioner examines racism in mission areas and our culture—and explores the path to dialogue and conversion.

Racism, Page 13

Departments & columns

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From the President / Father Chet Artysiewicz

Christmas reminds us that God connects with us in a gesture of great love.

Glenmary News & Notes

Ecumenical social; raffle winners; President’s Friends event; world premiere of “Big Stone Gap” movie.

President’s Friends, Page 7

Glenmary and Pope Francis

Missioners and Lafayette, Tenn., mission members travel to see Pope Francis during his U.S. trip.

Remembrance

Father Charlie Hughes’ 65 years as a Glenmarian are remembered by fellow missioner Father Dennis Holly.

Pope Francis, Page 12

Conference Reveals Mining Abuses

Father John Rausch represents Appalachia at Rome meeting that exposes mining’s impact on communities.

Final Words / from our readers

Readers share their own memories of Father Charlie Hughes and Father Jim Ploeger.

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Father Charlie, Page 16

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from the president / Father Chet Artysiewicz

The Christmas connection May Christmas be a reminder that God connects with us in a gesture of great love

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he term connected may be used in various contexts. It may refer to a string of Christmas lights, or one’s integration into a family, or alliances with people or offices that “open doors” for a person, to mention a few possibilities. But the Christmas connection adds a profound dimension to the concept. Heaven unites with earth; God and humanity are joined as never before. Talk about “raising the bar!”

How can we fathom or try to express in mortal language what this signifies—that Almighty God took on our lowly condition; that the Savior who’s born opens for us an eternity of joy. Of course, we commemorate the births of significant personages because of their exceptional lives. It is knowing precisely what this God-Child would do that merits all the solemnity in commemorating and celebrating his arrival.

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he connection does not end there, however. This birth not only unites us to God but also connects us with each other—the good and the bad, of my country and every other, transcending political affiliation, church membership and any other characteristics that would find us poles apart.

God deemed that his son’s birth benefit every single one of us, for in God’s eyes, all of us are worth it.

Bishop Fulton J. Sheen used the two planks of the Cross to remind us of the two aspects of our spiritual lives, vertical and horizontal—God and neighbor. The Nativity of Jesus points out that double bonding as well.

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mmanuel comes for those with waiting, welcoming arms and equally for those who could not care less—for whom he is anything but the reason for the season.

A bonus check, a holiday from work, some brightness in a dreary winter—these are reasons enough to celebrate, um, “the holidays.”

Ah, but with a humility, not a smugness, our believing hearts burst with “Oh, there’s much more, so much more.” God’s desire to connect with us—happily—is not contingent on our interest in reciprocating.

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nd the connectedness doesn’t end with the rest of the people on the planet.

There’s the bond with…the planet itself.

One of the common themes of Pope Francis’ encyclical On Care for Our Common Home is the interconnectedness of, well, everything.

Perhaps he reiterates it so much because the notion of connectedness is the foundation of caring for the creation entrusted to us.

It is not simply a “Franciscan” or a “papal” concept; it is basic to who we are as Christian people.

Decisions and actions in one place can greatly affect another for good or ill. Connected. Will this activity benefit the whole or not? Connected. There’s an old Father Chet joke about selfish people: “They Artysiewicz named a street after them: ONE cartysiewicz@glenmary.org WAY!” Obviously, UN-connected. Certainly the example and teaching of Jesus constitute a better way, and Pope Francis is reminding us of it.

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o this year as we celebrate the Nativity of Christ, may it be for us a reminder that God connects with us in a gesture of great love. And because God’s love connects us, the wounds of sin and division require healing among people and cherishing of the earth that is ours—since it is through this earth that we survive with air, water and nourishment.

The Latin title of the encyclical is Laudato Si, which is also the opening of a canticle of St. Francis of Assisi: “Praise be to you, my Lord, through our Sister, Mother Earth, who sustains and governs us, and who produces various fruits with colored flowers and herbs.”

Perhaps our Christmas gift to the Christ Child is the recognition of our connectedness, leading us to love people as God does and to cherish and treat with respect the creation entrusted to us.

A blessed Nativity season to all. On behalf of everyone at Glenmary, thank you for your care and support—for the gift you are to us  and God’s people. w w w. g l e n m a r y. o r g

Glenmary

Next step in growing ecumenical friendship

news &notes photo / FRANK LESKO

ECUMENISM

Three congregations get together for Sunday picnic social (Editor’s Note: This article is a follow-up to the Summer 2015 Challenge cover story. Frank Lesko, Glenmary director of Catholic-Evangelical relations, provided the content.) [tennessee] The Rutledge Ecumenical Social held October 11 was the latest of many shared activities for three churches in rural East Tennessee: Rutledge Baptist, Rutledge United Methodist, and Glenmary’s St. John Paul II mission.

“We had prayed and served the needy together, but we had not partied together,” said mission pastor Father Steve Pawelk.

Me thodist Pastor Ryan Davenport described the three pastors’ usual process: “Father Steve, Pastor “Chan” (Chandler Vinson of Rutledge Baptist) and I meet once a month for lunch and prayer. We also think of different ecumenical ministries.”

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breaking bread TOGETHER: Father Steve Pawelk, Methodist Pastor Ryan Davenport, and Baptist Pastor Chan Vinson enjoy their congregations’ October joint social in Rutledge, Tenn.—the latest step in the churches’ evolving friendship.

tions have twice hosted three-day ecumenical revivals. They operate an emergency ecumenical food pantry throughout the year. And in the summers of 2014 and 2015, they held a joint, one-week Vacation Bible School (VBS) open to all.

“Our members had just not sat down and broken bread together,” Pastor Ryan said.

That is exactly what the three congregations did at the social. The initial idea came from the Baptist congregation. Having graciously hosted the VBS, the adults there enjoyed themselves so much that they looked for a way to continue the partnership.

“The pastors texted

each other to pitch the idea,” said Pastor Chan.

“The answers came back very quickly. We were all like, ‘We need to do this!’”

They picked a date and a neutral location in the center of town. Tasks were divided up, and flyers went up around town.

At the event, hot dogs were put on the grill and potluck dishes rounded out the meal, featuring American picnic fare and varied Mexican, Filipino and Southern foods.

A St. John Paul II parishioner brought his fiddle and his old-time music band to provide entertainment.

Event highlights included a cornhole tournament and dancing. PerWi n t e r 2 0 1 5

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haps most noteworthy was what wasn’t present, said guest Frank Lesko, Glenmary’s director of Catholic-Evangelical relations: “There was no noticeable awkwardness or coldness. A bystander would have had a hard time distinguishing which members belonged to which congregations, since people mixed so well. The few problems were not theological. Rather, they revolved around the predictable logistics—the hustle and bustle of getting the grill set up and working, directing the buffet line and organizing the clean-up.”

Baptist church secretary Chelsea and congregation member Patty held the nuts and bolts of this event together seamlessly, Frank said.

“When we first started working together,” confessed Pastor Chan, “I expected at least some backlash from the congregation. There was none. Our church members have ended up loving each other. It has been shockingly easy.”

And Patty observed, “It’s clear that the pastors really enjoy each other’s company.” Frank added that this spirit clearly radiates to their congregations, and perhaps even ripples outward to the larger community.

“Working together (with the other pastors) is always really easy,” said Pastor Chan.

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F U n d r a isin g

Country Raffle winners announced Proceeds of $127,497.80 help support missionary outreach [ohio] The winners of the 2015 Country Raffle were drawn by Glenmary president Father Chet Artysiewicz on September 6 in Cincinnati.

The first-place winners of $5,000 were Mr. and Mrs. Alan Merkel of White Stone, Va., and the $3,000 second prize went to Ms. Esther Wolk of Huntsville, Ala. The thirdprize winner of $1,500 was Ms. Kathleen Wilkinson of Oxford, Miss.

An additional 11 raffle winners received $100 prizes.

There was also one winner of a box of assorted food items from the Glenmary mission regions located across the country.

The proceeds from this annual fundraiser are used to help support Glenmary’s mission and ministry.

For more information: Contact Glenmary’s Donor Services department at 800-935-0975 or donorservices@glenmary.org.

Around the Missions  At Blessed Teresa of Calcutta mission in Maynardville, Tenn., Father Steve Pawelk reported that efforts to raise money for the church building fund “keep bringing out the best in us all.”

In September, as part of the parish’s annual Fall Carnival, mission members debuted a program called Danza Beata Teresa de Calcuta that featured demonstrations of traditional Mexican dance. “Costumes were hand-beaded, the program was amazing, the crowd was captivated, and a carnival story and dance photo appeared on the local newspaper’s front page,” he said.

The carnival was a multicultural experience for the local community, also featuring bluegrass, gospel and Mexican music; hot dogs, tamales and many other food items; games; and a raffle.

Carnival proceeds totaled $17,342.06.

Father Steve expressed his thanks to everyone who attended and all those who donated time, money and items.  Father Francois Pellissier has agreed to assist the Diocese of Savannah in providing weekend Mass coverage for the parishes in McRae and Eastman, Ga. This will be a temporary situation until Bishop Gregory Hartmayer is able to assign a priest on a permanent basis.

This year, add Glenmary to your Christmas list!

A gift today will help our priests, brothers and coworkers continue establishing the Catholic Church in U.S. mission counties and serving the needs of the spiritually and materially poor!

Some of the ways you can partner with us: • Make an outright gift of cash or appreciated assets.

• Include a provision for Glenmary in your will or trust.

• Establish a Glenmary Gift Annuity.

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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 Brother Jack Henn was reelected president of the national Religious Brothers Conference. He will serve his second term in this role from July 2016 to July 2018. Brother Jack is currently on sabbatical. He’ll assume his new duties as Glenmary’s director of senior and disabled members effective Jan. 1, 2016.  Emily Briest, a high school student and member of St. Michael the Archangel mission in Erwin, Tenn., received the Parish Discipleship Award for her leadership in the parish and deanery. She is a leader in the SEARCH retreat movement and has served on several youth retreat teams in peer ministry, including serving as codirector for one retreat.

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photoS / Tricia Sarvak

JUGGLING ACT: Brother

David Henley entertains donors and guests with his famous juggling skills at the President’s Friends gathering Oct. 2. Brother David was also the featured speaker at the event.

P a r tne r s in mission

Commitment to the home missions, Glenmary celebrated Donors thanked with annual President’s Friends gathering held at Cincinnati Headquarters [ohio] Thirty-two members of the President’s Friends, along with three guests, came together Oct. 2 at Glenmary Headquarters in Cincinnati for a special presentation, Mass and lunch.

Glenmary president Father Chet Artysiewicz thanked this group of major donors for their commitment to the home missions, for their generosity, and especially for their prayers.

The annual gathering included a presentation by Brother David Henley, Glenmary’s vocation director. He told stories about the newest Catholic saint, Franciscan missionary priest St. Junipero Serra, and about Pope Francis’ visit to the United States.

He pointed out that the pope is calling on us when he says we are all missionaries in the eyes of the Lord. He also shared the fact that there are still over 300 w w w. g l e n m a r y. o r g

counties in this country without a Catholic presence.

“Our mission need is real,” Brother David told the group.

“And we still have work to do.

We need more good men…. This is our challenge not yet met.”

The event also featured a Mass celebrated by Father Chet and a luncheon at the Glenmary residence. In addition, Brother David provided the special entertainment, treating the guests to a creative juggling show.

SAYING THANK YOU: Brother Larry Johnson (standing), Glenmary’s second vice president, and guests enjoy the festivities.

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fo r me r g lenm a r y mission a r e a

Stars, locals celebrate ‘Big Stone Gap’ movie premiere Event has local flair, as region’s residents turn out to support film about life in small Va. town Big Stone Gap native Adriana Trigiani and Glenmary Father John Rausch. He served the Trigiani family as associate pastor of a nearby Glenmary mission when Adri was a young girl, and they have remained friends.

Then there was a meet-andgreet for the entire film cast. That event served as a fundraiser for aspiring young local writers.

At the end of the evening, a long “Red Carpet” was placed in the middle of Main Street

downtown. And all cast members took their turns walking the red carpet. Ashley Judd and Patrick Wilson, who played the lead roles, stopped to sign autographs and have photos taken with guests and visitors.

The next day, Father John celebrated a special Mass at the home of Ida Trigiani, Adriana’s mother, who still lives in town.

To see more photos, visit: https://ghm75th.shutterfly.com/785.

photos / tricia sarvak and Rachel Smith

[virginia] The world premiere of the movie Big Stone Gap was celebrated Oct. 10, 2015, in Big Stone Gap, Va., with all the fanfare of a Hollywood premiere— except this one was done with a local flair not seen in Tinseltown.

The festivities began with a pancake breakfast, followed by a 5K run. An old-fashioned town parade took place next, featuring all the stars and the local residents who appeared in the film, including author/director and

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photo / pete richardson

PROMISE OF THE FUTURE: (Left) A new church building is probably the Lafayette, Tenn., mission’s

most urgent need. Father Vic Subb stands at the property site with fellow Glenmary team members— student Avelardo Mercado Chavez (on a four-month mission assignment) and Brother Larry Johnson.

(Right) The mission’s thriving religious education program is preparing the next generation of Catholics.

The Journeys of

Two Missions

This two-part story focuses on two Tennessee missions and the missioners serving them. Part 1, this issue: Holy Family in Lafayette.

Part 2, Spring 2016 issue: Divine Savior in Celina.

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Story and photos by Dale Hanson

hen Glenmary Father Vic Subb contemplated becoming a mission pastor again in 2012 after seven years away from this role, he was excited and happy. Now, three years later, he says that “getting to know the people in the mission areas has been a real joy. And God has been with us.” In turn, parishioners have a great deal of regard and respect for their new pastor—as well as the other missioners and Glenmary students who have served them.

On Sep. 1, 2012, Father Vic and Brother Larry Johnson became members of the new Glenmary team serving in Lafayette, Tenn. (Macon County); Celina, Tenn. (Clay County); and Scottsville, Ky. (Allen County). The Scottsville mission has since been returned to the pastoral care of the Diocese of Owensboro.

“There’s great mission need in both Macon and Clay counties,” said Father Vic. This issue’s story will focus on Macon, with a Spring 2016 feature on Clay.

Fewer than 1 percent of Macon County residents are Catholic, and the Lafayette mission also draws members from four other counties—including three with no Catholic churches. In addition, more than 24 percent of Macon w w w. g l e n m a r y. o r g

residents live below national poverty level, and over 74 percent have no religious affiliation.

In Lafayette, a few Catholic families first gathered in the 1980s in a small basement church, and parishioners were served by visiting diocesan priests during the next two decades.

Then Glenmary Father Dennis Holly came as resident pastor of Holy Family mission (20032012), using that same small basement space.

Since Father Vic arrived, the mission has continued facing the good problem of how to accommodate its steady growth: from 230 to 300 members. It’s now Glenmary’s largest mission.

“A new church building is probably our most urgent need. We can’t serve many more members without one,” Father Vic said. “I’m amazed at how much our parishioners have sacrificed and worked to raise the needed funds. The property has been acquired, we’re working with the diocese, and plans are in progress.”

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ut he stressed that the ongoing priority is to “keep building ourselves up as a strong, loving, welcoming faith community that reaches out to others. When we live out our faith, we’re also evangelizing and sharing  the Gospel message.”

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OUTREACH: Holy Family Ministries is a major parish initiative to help local people in need. Here, some committee members pose with food supplies they keep on hand for emergency assistance.

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The diverse community of English-speaking and Spanish-speaking members celebrate an English and a Spanish Mass each Sunday (about half at each Mass); a weekday liturgy; and holy-day, First Friday and First Saturday Masses. With their bilingual pastor, they also celebrate religious feasts, traditions and holidays of their native cultures.

“One outstanding parish strength,” said Father Vic, “is our religious education program—with trained Anglo and Latino catechists teaching about 65 children.” Many children and adults have prepared for and received sacraments for the first time. And adult faith formation has included RCIA, Scripture studies, Joy of the Gospel, evangelization, and What Catholics Believe programs.

In addition, a three-day Latino leadership program helped people prepare to take on more parish responsibilities and improve their skills as family members. Parishioners are also enthusiastically participating in training as catechists, eucharistic ministers, lectors, ushers and servers.

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t the same time, mission members and missioners are reaching out to others in need in many ways, the pastor said. “Macon is the leading tobacco-producing county in the United States. But there’s a lot of poverty here, and people with tremendous needs.”

Holy Family Ministries is an initiative to raise funds and supplies to assist local people. “We think it’s very important to give back,” said Linda Coletti, a longtime committee member. Their projects include Coats for Kids (51 coats for students in 2014); Thanksgiving food baskets/Christmas food baskets, each for 30 households (primarily seniors); a Christmas Angel Tree (four presents each for 50 children); and varied emergency assistance.

As an active member of the local ecumenical 10

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ministerial association, Father Vic also cited ways the mission community reaches out through this ministers’ group. For instance, the mission donates money to the association’s benevolence fund to assist transients; the homeless; and Macon Helps, a service organization. Mission members also take part in local ecumenical prayer services as well as Easter and Thanksgiving services.

In addition, the mission has given clothes remaining from its yard sale—as well as those donated by its sister parish (St. Raphael in Oshkosh, Wis.)—to migrant tobacco workers. And the recently established parish youth group has done service projects such as home and yard clean-up for local residents. Also, parishioners participate in the annual Relay for Life Walk to fight cancer.

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n Father Vic’s view, the two-year-old Knights of Columbus mission chapter has been a great support to the parish. Grand Knight John Boxold explained that “the K. of C. is the pastor’s right hand. Whenever volunteers are needed, we are committed to being there to help.” They also hold fundraisers to benefit mission efforts.

Brother Larry Johnson was elected as second vice president of Glenmary in June. He’s now juggling multiple roles and responsibilities while splitting time between Lafayette and Cincinnati Headquarters. “We try to support one another as fellow team members,” said Father Vic. In Lafayette, Brother Larry is still assisting with the mission’s music ministry, youth group, and Vacation Bible School (VBS) as time allows. And he’s responsible for disseminating money donated by an anonymous priest from another diocese, who has an admiration for Glenmary. “I rely on Father Vic, as well as local agencies and others, to help identify people with pressing needs for financial help,” said Brother Larry. “I’m also funding outreach work by the Macon County ministerial association and Celina-area churches.”

BUILDING COMMUNITY: As they often do, parishioners stay after Mass to share a potluck meal—this one to celebrate the visit of a Glenmary student who made many friends during his mission assignment there.

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uadalupe Franco echoed other mission members’ sentiments when she said, “We feel welcome here, like part of a family. Also, Father Vic has that way of talking to, reaching and helping everyone. He’s a really friendly priest and can’t say no to anyone. He visits migrant workers and prisoners.

And he takes time to visit homes, including ours. Our whole family feels good about being here.”

Father Vic visits the Macon County Jail weekly, celebrating Mass and administering sacraments to inmates—as well as talking with, praying with and blessing them. “We try to support them after they’re released, too,” he said, “so they can get reconnected to the community.”

He also regularly travels to eight migrant worker camps near area tobacco fields—and searches for more. “I believe we have to be a lifeline for them,” he said. “First and foremost, I go to see if they’re okay, because there’s a lot of sickness in the camps. Mission members have been very willing to transport migrant workers to doctor appointments or other destinations when farm owners don’t.

“Their workday runs from 5 a.m. to 8 p.m. So when I visit, there is usually time only for brief conversations, prayers and blessings. But I also invite them to go on field trips on off days so they can see things besides tobacco fields and Walmart.”

Looking ahead, Father Vic said, “One of Holy Family mission’s blessings is our diversity of backgrounds and ages. If we keep striving to be a unified, loving community that reaches out to others, we’ll be successful in our future efforts and will keep witnessing  to the joy of the Gospel, as Pope Francis says.”

See related papal-visit story on page 12.

WORSHIP: At Sunday Masses, a family worships

and music ministry members lead the singing.

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he VBS was coordinated the last three summers by the Jesus the Good Shepherd Parish youth group from Owings, Md. “They’ve done a wonderful job of outreach to children from the mission and larger community,” Father Vic said. “They also transport the kids, including those from other counties. In 2015, 111 children came!”

And then there are Father Vic’s many personal ministries. He has gained a widespread reputation for unremitting kindness, caring, concern and communication, contributing to the mission’s welcoming environment and outreach. In addition, he regularly visits homebound parishioners, those in nursing facilities, and other mission members in their homes, as well as jail inmates and migrant workers. He also makes time to help many area immigrants complete legal paperwork as they work toward permanent residency.

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MIGRANT CAMP: Father Vic visits migrant tobacco workers to check on their welfare; talk and pray with them; and even celebrate Mass if their time permits.

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Papal Visit / Glenmary was there

Glenmary and Pope Francis

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hen Pope Francis visited the United States in September, Glenmary was there to share in the celebration— largely thanks to the gracious hospitality of Queen of Peace Parish members in Ardsley, Pa. They housed and fed 47 people from Glenmary’s Lafayette, Tenn., mission and other Tennessee and Kentucky parishes, who journeyed to Philadelphia to see the pope and attend the papal Mass. The visitors were led by Father Vic Subb, Lafayette mission pastor, Philadelphia native, and former Queen of Peace member.

Glenmary Brother David Henley was also in Philadelphia—for the World Meeting of Families and papal Mass. Brother David captured the images on this page: Top to bottom, clockwise—Lafayette mission members lining up early along the papal route; mission members outside the National Shrine of Our Lady of Czestochowa; broadcast of Pope Francis celebrating Mass, shown on the big screen so crowds could see; Father Vic Subb (on the right) concelebrating a Mass at his Ardsley home parish; visitors gratefully enjoying a potluck meal provided by Queen of Peace parishioners; Pope Francis’ ride through the city.

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photos / Brother David Henley

Local hospitality allows missioners, mission members to witness historic papal visit

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photos / GLENMARY ARCHIVES AND MISSIONS

feature story

WITNESS FOR faith, Justice: Waynesboro, Ga., 1987—Mission pastor Father Chet Artysiewicz holds

up a message for Ku Klux Klan marchers.

The Racial Divide

Glenmarians are pledging to examine themselves and challenge others to identify the overt and subtle racism in our culture, so we can all pray for the strength to reject it and open ourselves to conversion.

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By Father John S. Rausch

hen we Glenmarians gathered for our 16th General Chapter in June 2015, we assessed the mission needs of our times in rural America. With horror, we recognized the outbursts of racism during the recent months in the larger culture. Unarmed black men were being shot. Black people at prayer were being killed. Black people died while in custody, and even a black child was slain while playing with a toy gun. Each incident possessed unique characteristics in exceptional circumstances, but underlying all these tragedies, people of faith could identify the covert and overt killer as racism.

Reflecting on Glenmary’s own ministry in rural America, we are attempting to examine ourselves and challenge others to identify the

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scars of racism inflicted by our culture and our own indifference. Our “Statement on Racism” (see page 15) stemming from our chapter deliberations presents an invitation to journey through stories of struggle to a new level of consciousness, stressing not an end point, but an ongoing process of conversion. Like an examination of conscience, reflecting on racism to see the racial divide reminds us what we have done, and what we have failed to do.

Racism: From the Visible to the Hidden A number of years ago, the Ku Klux Klan vowed to march and recruit in every county seat in southwest Virginia. On the day the Klan came to Gate City in Scott County, a  Wi n t e r 2 0 1 5

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 Glenmary mission area, church workers were prepared. They offered helium-filled balloons, imprinted with the message “Love Thy Neighbor,” to townspeople who lined the three-block center of town. The state police showed up in force, and nearly every county worker was deputized to ensure the peace.

Because the Klan’s permit allowed the march only from 3 to 4 p.m., anticipation grew until the school bus carrying the Klansmen, escorted by police cars with flashing lights, finally discharged its 19 passengers. Some were old, with one on crutches. Others looked mid-life healthy, but two were young teens holding Confederate flags, yawning and appearing bored. Spontaneously, someone in the crowd started singing “Amazing Grace” and most onlookintegration: Amory, Miss., ers joined in. One 1995—A volunteer counselor young tough with and a camper at Camp Glenhis own Confederate mary. This summer camp (1974flag shouted, “Long 2014) was one of Mississippi’s live the Klan!”—but first such programs to be fully the singing and selfintegrated, with two weeks dediscipline held the voted to low-income, at-risk kids. crowd. The march that Sunday fizzled like a dud firecracker.

Researchers find the Klan attracts people with a limited education who face economic insecurity. The easy reason they give for their problems is that somebody else has caused them—blacks, Latinos, Muslims—but not the complex socioeconomic system they inhabit.

Sometimes racism grows from small-town isolation. Richard Toboso, a Glenmary seminarian from Kenya assigned to our mission in Lafayette, Tenn., was playing tennis when a group of teenagers drove into the park and watched him. After a few minutes, racial slurs filled the air.

“I guess they were expecting me to react, but I remained quiet and continued playing,” Richard said.

Frustrated, the teens drove off, but returned a short time later and parked next to Richard’s car. More slurs. Finally, when the game ended, Richard walked to his car.

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greeted them—and they felt a sense of shame.”

Richard and the other Glenmarians reported the harassment to the Lafayette police, who listened empathetically and encouraged them to report future incidents immediately.

“I left the police station contented,” said Richard, “and with true forgiveness for those teens who never thought about what such utterances can cause.”

Elsewhere in Glenmary missions, other stories sound similar. Glenmary Brother Jason Muhlenkamp reported from Early County, Ga., where the population is roughly 50-percent African-American: “Sadly, the racial divide among people can be seen, and racist comments can be heard.”

He mentioned that when the Early County Ministerial Fellowship recently held a tent revival, it stressed not only Christian unity but racial unity.

“The two cannot really be separated,” he reflected.

Yet, while overt racism throbs like a black eye in some small towns, other expressions simmer subtly below the surface. Susan Sweet, a Glenmary coworker, explained, “For the most part, one would never guess that there are racial problems in the small Southern towns in which Glenmary chooses to place missions. Nobody talks about race. People of various races mingle in restaurants, stores, parks and other public places.

They work together and play together, but they exist in parallel cultures.”

She described hunting for a house years ago in a Mississippi town. She complained to her neighbor that there appeared to be no houses for sale, so she was told to find a realtor.

“It seems a realtor has a list of homes for sale unmarked with ‘For Sale’ signs, so that potential buyers might be screened,” she observed.

This situation was later verified by a black friend who was shown homes only in black neighborhoods, until she insisted she knew of a house downtown that was for sale.

I n d e e d , Reaching out: Murphy, N.C., 1956— the realtor Mission pastor Father Joe Dean visits showed the with an African-American family at their house, but she home. Today, Glenmary missioners and quoted a price missions continue working to reach out double the to those in need, regardless of race or asking price background; call together integrated congregations; and welcome everyone. for whites. w w w. g l e n m a r y. o r g

Glenmary Statement on Racism We, the Glenmary Home Missioners of America, meeting in our 16th General Chapter in June 2015, are assessing the mission needs of our time, and with horror recognize the outbursts of racism during the recent months in our culture. Unarmed black men are being shot. Black people at prayer are being killed. In reality, the overt and covert killer is racism.

In our culture there exists a racial divide. People of color are marginalized, dehumanized and devalued. As people of the Gospel, we Glenmarians read Matthew 25 as though Jesus were saying, “I was among the least, the most vulnerable and discounted, and you recognized me as your brother—no, indeed, as your other self!”

In the face of racism, with earthly reasoning, we despair. But, with heavenly grace, we hope.

Glenmary, a small group, yet a committed band of missioners, raises a voice, and invites others to join us: • to listen beyond the shrill voices of division, • to walk with our wounded brothers and sisters through their despair, • to seek through dialogue and prayer the strength to say No to hatred, No to division, No to racism.

We pledge ourselves to self-examination about racism, to recognize it and condemn it, to preach our commitment from our pulpits, and to return next year to report what we have done. As a family of the Church, we pledge repentance for our lack of attention to racism within our culture. And, with God’s grace, we vow Gospel vigilance.

Discovering the Light of the Gospel

ter, churchgoers might make race-conscious decisions in real estate, lending practices and business “Racism is a sin: a sin that divides the human deals. And there are still other sides of racism. family, blots out the image of God among speGlenmary Father Frank Ruff participated in an cific members of that family, and violates the “Undoing Racism” workshop years ago with 20 fundamental human dignity of those called to community leaders from Todd County, Ky. “One be children of the same Father.”—from Brothers of the biggest learnings,” he said, “was how priviand Sisters to Us, U.S. Catholic Bishops, Pastoral leged white people are without even knowing it!”

Letter on Racism, 1979 He realized that white people were taken seriPeople of faith might never march blatantly ously, respected and trusted. Not one white parwith the KKK or shout racial slurs at visitors in ticipant had experienced being followed by store the neighborhood. However, behind a sales coun- personnel while they shopped. “Yet,” he said, “every African-American in attendance had that experience.”

Susan Sweet concurred from her observations that white privilege permits a successful businessperson “to get loans, live where he wants and go to the school of his choice.”

Perhaps white privilege remains the subtle, unexamined part of racism that only dialogue and self-examination can disclose. It challenges Glenmary and our friends to UNITY IN prayer, FAITH: (Left) Cuthbert, Ga., 2015—Area residents pray for strength to say No to of different denominations and races gather to pray at regularly schedhatred, No to division, No to uled ecumenical prayer services. This ongoing effort is led by the local racism. ecumenical, interracial ministerial association, which includes GlenBut it opens the risky Gosmary-mission pastoral coordinator Susan Sweet. (Right) Rutledge, pel mandate to say Yes to Tenn., 2015—At the Glenmary mission, Father Neil Pezzulo baptizes an dialogue with those different African-American woman, with Latino children waiting their turn for from ourselves, so we can say  their own baptisms.

Yes to conversion. w w w. g l e n m a r y. o r g

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Father Charlie Hughes, 1927-2015

A panoramic, faith-filled vision A remembrance / by Father Dennis Holly

Former Glenmary president died Sept. 23, 2015, after 65 years of ministry

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photo / glenmary archives

n the 1950s, the medical community was making progress in its ability to transplant organs. At first, the organs were taken from the bodies of those who had died. But moral questions were raised when living persons started donating organs for transplant.

Catholic moral theology had held that it was acceptable to remove an organ from a living individual when the removal was for his or her good—for example, when the organ was diseased. Many Catholic moralists held that it was not permissible to remove a healthy organ, since the removal was not for the benefit of the person.

In the late 1950s, Glenmary Father Charlie Hughes was working toward his doctorate in theology at the Angelicum in Rome. He chose as the groundbreaking topic of his doctoral dissertation “The Morality of Organ Transplants from a Living Donor.” He argued that there is more to consider than the good of the

changing lives: Father Charlie played a great many roles throughout his years as a Glenmary missioner—including Saint Patrick!

individual. Every person has some responsibility for the good of others, and one response can be the donation of an organ. His position is now so commonly accepted that it is hard to imagine it was ever an issue.

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his ability to take a more panoramic view was a talent that Father Charlie brought to many situations. He was also very frugal. This trait fit in well with the simplicity of his life. But even more than that, he knew that if anyone was using more than he or she needed, others would not have access to what they needed.

When he was president of Glenmary and members would be absent from community meetings because they did not feel a need to be there, Father Charlie would point out that there was a bigger issue and that the community needed to have them there. And he would insist on their Father Charlie being present.

Hughes: A great sense of wonder hen Father Charlie felt the about all things. joints in his hands stiffen up, he was not concerned about this symptom as a sign of aging. But he was disappointed that he would not be able to type in his blog and communicate with his established followers. When he experienced blurring eyesight, he feared that he might not be able to pray the Liturgy of the Hours with fellow Church members.

Father Charlie’s missionary resume reads like the index of a manual on ministry: Backroads minister, formation house director, fundraiser, novice master, pastor, president of Glenmary, prison chaplain, seminary professor, televangelist and vocation counselor.

A mystic has the ability to see beyond material reality to the divine involvement in that reality. A young mother asks for material assistance at the rectory door, and Father Charlie sees God giving him the opportunity to nourish some of God’s children in need. A bird lands on a utility wire, and Father Charlie excitedly sees the unfolding of the plan of God. A biblical understanding of wisdom is that it is the ability to see the interconnectedness of all things.

Father Charlie was a wise man! 

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social justice / by Father John S. Rausch

Conference reveals mining abuses Glenmarian represents Appalachia at Rome meeting exposing impact on communities

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ecause I have ministered throughout the Appalachian coalfields for over 40 years, I was invited to Rome July 17-19, 2015, to represent the area at an international conference dealing with communities affected by mining activities. The meeting was sponsored by the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace.

Glenmary has served parishes around the coalfields of Virginia, Kentucky, Tennessee and West Virginia since the mid-1940s. We’ve ridden the employment roller coaster of boom and bust with parishioners, and we’ve buried several victims of mining accidents and black lung.

Transnational mining corporations extracting gold, silver, copper ore and bauxite around the globe exert disproportionate power over most local communities, with negative results raising grave concerns for Rome. Too frequently the mining practices violate the human rights of workers, destroy local environments, introduce unhealthy impacts, and threaten local cultures. After citing these abuses, Pope Francis surprised conference participants with a personal letter that stated clearly: “The entire mining sector is undoubtedly required to effect a radical paradigm change to improve the situation in many countries.”

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he stories from participants underscored that sentiment. A representative from native peoples of Canada said a breached refuse-pond dam near a mine in upper British Columbia released 25 million cubic meters of debris into Lake William and polluted the crystal-clear lake where 80 million salmon spawn. Worse, a Philippine village witnessed the killing of the mayor’s wife and two sons because he opposed area mining practices. Others in the village received the “blanket threat”—the symbol of wrapping for death.

Participants continually told mining-practice stories of violence, dishonesty and theft, as well as pollution, destruction and sickness.

After returning from Rome, I took Bishop John Stowe, OFM Conv.—the new bishop of the Lexington, Ky., diocese—on a tour around the coalfields. Along the way, we listened to stories resembling those shared at the international conference. One family we met contracted w w w. g l e n m a r y. o r g

with a company to mine 70 acres for coal, but instead, saw it illegally mine 90 acres, alleging the company changed the property map.

Another fellow said the blasting from mining caused a gap in his brick home large enough to put his fist through. Still another complained he was never paid the agreed-upon amount for the coal that was mined on his property. Instead, the company eventually declared bankruptcy and then resumed operations under a different name without the liability.

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hen stories about the discarded miners with black lung, the kids with asthma and the women with in- Father John S. creased rates of cancer attribut- Rausch ed to mining practices are added to the list, the conclusion is clear.

Unfortunately, Appalachia has in many ways been affected by the same dishonesty, theft and despoiled environment that breeds sickness and human distress ascribed to irresponsible mining practices around the world.

The mining conference took place shortly after Pope Francis’ encyclical, Laudato Si (On Care for Our Common Home), was promulgated. I returned from Rome convinced that justice will come to the world’s mining communities only if the Church preaches the interconnectedness of humanity with nature and if people change their lifestyles of hyper-consumption. Conference participants acknowledged the need to educate bishops, priests and seminarians about Laudato Si and to extend this education effort to all the faithful.

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ecause Glenmary serves in areas particularly blessed by the beauty of God, we have a special calling to awaken people to the link between their demand for mine products and the need for care of creation.

Linking spirituality and ecology, Pope Francis reminds us in Laudato Si “just how inseparable the bond is between concern for nature, justice for the poor, commitment to society, and inner peace.” (paragraph 10)  Wi n t e r 2 0 1 5

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final words / from our readers

Memories of two Glenmarians Readers remember deceased Glenmary Fathers Charlie Hughes and Jim Ploeger learned so much. Father Charlie shared his spirituality with us, and he challenged and inspired us to share his simple faith and try to live simply, as he did.

By 1979, we had moved to Virginia, where our third son was born: Charles Edward Weaver.

He is our Charlie! His godparents are people with whom Father Charlie hooked us up when we lived in Fountain Hill and they lived in Warren. We are their daughter Erin’s godparents. We still keep in touch with them; it was as if Father Charlie knew we would need each other over the years. And we did.

We visited Father Charlie this past August, just about four weeks before he died. We had a short but wonderful visit with him. As always, we left with a new insight into our faith. He reminded us that we don’t “go” to Mass, but that we are part of the celebration. He felt strongly that if more Catholics believed that, more would participate.

We were so sad to leave him that we cried, but they were tears of joy. We were so blessed that he was such an important part of our lives, and our children’s lives too. He made a huge impact on us by sharing his spirituality, his great love for our loving God, with us.

We wish we could have been with you to celebrate Father the leader in home mission ministry C harlie’s life.

We were certainly there in Glenmary Home @GlenmaryMission Missioners spirit. While we will miss Father Charlie, we are

Thanks Be to God!

We were saddened to hear of the death of Father Charlie Hughes (see “A Remembrance,” page 16), but we rejoiced in having been blessed by knowing him!

We met Father Charlie in 1975 when he came to Holy Cross Parish in Crossett, Ark. We were both a mere 26 years old, with a not quite two-yearold and an infant. We lived in Fountain Hill, 25 miles northeast of ‘We were so Crossett, populablessed that tion 230. Steve was working as a Father Charlie district forester for was such an G eorgia-Pacific, important part and we lived in district housing there. of our lives.’

Father Charlie baptized our son, Chris, on his first weekend in Crossett.

Father Charlie became an integral part of our lives. After he traveled on his weekend ministry to three Arkansas towns in three counties—Monticello on Saturday evening, Crossett early Sunday morning, and Warren later on Sunday—he would end up at our house for dinner most Sunday evenings.

We had incredible theological discussions with him, and we

follow

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ever thankful for him and for his Glenmary family.

As he would say in his Irish brogue, “Thanks be to God!” Deacon Steve & Betty Weaver Cromwell, Conn.

MEMORIES OF her uncle

I enjoyed reading the “Then & Now” article in the Autumn 2015 issue. It was great to see the photo of my uncle, Father Jim Ploeger. It brought back memories of a wonderful person who died way too young.

I was a child when he was serving in the Diocese of Harrisburg (Pa.), but I can remember the stories he told us and the gifts he’d bring from the Pennsylvania Dutch community there. I didn’t know he was the last Glenmary pastor to serve in New Bloomfield and the diocese in 1975.

I would love to visit the area some day. Great to know that St. Bernard Parish is thriving.

Jeanie Ploeger Hodges Cold Spring, Ky. P.S. A big thanks to Glenmary priests who have helped Worldwide Marriage Encounter.

Also, congratulations to Mary Vonderhaar Weitzel on her retirement. She was a dear friend to my uncle and grandparents.

Readers’ Views welcome! Send comments to: Editor, Glenmary Challenge, P.O. Box 465618, Cincinnati, OH 45246.

Fax: 513-874-1690, E-mail: challenge@glenmary.org.

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 Evangelization Brings New Mission Members The pastor of Glenmary’s Erwin, Tenn., mission says the major factor in its rapid development and growth has been parishioners’ inviting and welcoming of new people to their faith community. glenmary.org/evangelization

Growing mission

Departments Ways to Give

Make a secure, year-end gift to help missioners continue their missionary outreach. glenmary.org/ways-to-give

Vocations

Want monthly updates from our Vocation Office? Sign up for the vocation e-newsletter today. glenmary.org/enews

End-of-year giving

Resources

Glenmary’s Fast Facts offer demographic and religious statistics for every U.S. county. glenmary.org/fast-facts

Glenmary Challenge

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

Electronic delivery

Feature Story Supporter Says: ‘Missioners Model the Gospel’

Father Bill Graf considered missionary life before becoming a diocesan priest. As he learned even more about Glenmary, he became a faithful donor and planned giver. glenmary.org/graf Father Bill Graf

Stewardship Report

An updated Statement of Accountability for FY 2014-15 is posted. A 10-page report and an audited financial statement are available. glenmary.org/stewardshipreport Remember Special People at Christmas and Beyond!

Celebrate & Remember family and friends at Christmas and throughout the new year with Glenmary’s all-occasion and Mass cards. glenmary.org/cards

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NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION U.S. Postage PAID Glenmary Home Missioners

photo / Dale Hanson

Glenmary G l i m p s e / Happy 100th Birthday!!

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ather Frank Schenk celebrated his 100th birthday on Sunday, Nov. 8, 2015, with a special Mass at Glenmary’s chapel, followed by a party with fellow missioners, family members, friends and staff. Above: Nieces Ann Marie (left) and Rita, nephew Mike, and Father Joe Townsend (whom Father Frank mentored) looked on while he blew out his candles. Former parishioners and friends traveled from Oklahoma, Arkansas and other places to celebrate with him, too. He also received congratulatory messages from around the country, including ones from the U.S. Catholic Mission Association and former missions where he served. Happy birthday, Father Frank!

Catholic Missioners to Rural America

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