Glenmary Challenge

t h e m a g a z i n e o f C at h o l i c m i s s i o n e r s t o r u r a l A m e r i c a

Autumn 2012

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Catholic Data Aids Planning Parish, Mission Join Together As Equals

Ordination and Oath Marking milestones in missioners’ lives

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 over 40 missions and ministries in Appalachia and the South.

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

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

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

Publisher: Father Chet Artysiewicz Editor: Jean Bach Assistant Editor: Dale Hanson Art Director: Tricia Sarvak Staff Writers: Margaret Gabriel, Father John S. Rausch Planning-Review Board: Father Bob Dalton, Father Dominic Duggins, Father Gus Guppenberger, Brother Curt Kedley, Patrick McEntee, Kathy O’Brien, Father Neil Pezzulo

Glenmary Home Missioners P.O. Box 465618 • Cincinnati, OH 45246-5618 513-874-8900 • 800-935-0975 www.glenmary.org • info@glenmary.org

70 years

© 2012, Glenmary Home Missioners. Reprint permission granted upon request.

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The bell tolls for missioners FROM THE EDITOR / Jean Bach

T

he bell shown on the cover of this issue has a long history with Glenmary. Known as the “mission bell,” it was rung by Glenmary’s founder and succeeding leaders to announce the departure of missioners from the Cincinnati Headquarters to their assignments in the missions.

Today, the bell is often rung for special occasions, like the ordination of Glenmary’s newest priests, Fathers Cris Adongo and Aaron Wessman, or the First Oath of the society’s newest member, Brother Jason Muhlenkamp. So it seemed an appropriate place for these three men—who are celebrating milestones in their lives as Glenmarians—to pose with Father Chet Artysiewicz, Glenmary’s president.

After seven years of preparation, Fathers Cris and Aaron are being “missioned” this September by Father Chet to begin their first assignments as associate pastors.

And Brother Jason continues to prepare for his Final Oath and for the day when he, too, will receive his first mission assignment.

You can read about these three men—and Brother Levis Kuwa and Clive Otieno, who renewed their Oaths as Glenmarians this summer—in the cover story that begins on page 9.

Jean Bach As the 2010 “Religious Conjbach@glenmary.org gregations & Membership Study” indicates (see page 15), there is still much work for these and future missioners to do in order to fulfill Father Bishop’s vision that the Church be present in every U.S. county!

G

lenmary Challenge received three awards from the Catholic Press Association in June. The magazine received a second place for general excellence in the missionmagazine category. Glenmary Father John Rausch received an honorable mention for “Called To Be Missionary,” featured in the Summer 2011 issue. And I received a first place for “Know the Art, Know the Man,” featured in the Spring 2011 issue. The articles can be found in their respective issues at www.glenmary.org/challenge-archives. Enjoy! DONATE NOW

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

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Vo l u m e 7 5 / N u m b e r 3

Cover Story

9 photo / staff

Ordination and Glenmary Oath

Milestones were celebrated this summer in the lives of five young missionaries. As their journeys continue, they reflect on why they chose missionary vocations with Glenmary.

Population Penetration, Catholic Church Adherents in the United States, 2010

Feature Story

15

Mission Planning

The 2010 religious membership study helps both Glenmary and the larger Church plan for the future.

Planning, Page 15 20,589 congregations and 58,928,987 adherents were reported in 2,960 counties.

Departments & columns

4 5 14 17 18 19 w w w. g l e n m a r y. o r g

From the President / Father Chet Artysiewicz

The pope is calling Catholics to a revival of their faith during the Year of Faith. How will you respond?

Glenmary News & Notes

New students arrive; Christmas cards available; donors celebrated; mission plan continues.

Partners, Page 14

Partner in Mission

Wisconsin parish has had longtime adoption relationship with Glenmary missions—and plans more!

Then & Now

Glenmary’s history of map-making goes back to the society’s beginnings and continues today.

Identified, Page 18

Final Words / from our readers

New priests are congratulated, priests in past issue are identified and memories of Pond Creek are shared.

www.glenmary.org

Visit Glenmary’s Web site to read more news from the home missions and various departments.

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Online, Page 19

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from the president / Father Chet Artysiewicz

Celebrating a Year of Faith Catholics called to ‘reappropriate with joy and gratitude the priceless treasure of faith’

W

hile the calendar year begins in January and fiscal years often start in July, parish life usually commences in the autumn when the children return to school.

As a mission pastor, I always felt there was more energy and enthusiasm for programs that begin in autumn. I have observed this pattern in other denominations in our mission counties, too, as autumn is often the season when they hold revivals.

This autumn Pope Benedict XVI is announcing a revival for Catholics. He’s inviting us to revive our faith by designating a Year of Faith beginning in October 2012, which marks the 50th anniversary of the opening of the Second Vatican Council.

Designating a particular theme helps us sharpen our focus. But whenever one aspect is lifted up for special attention, it does not mean all others fall by the wayside. The Scriptures, the Eucharist, the imitation of Christ as servant, and the quest for truth and fairness remain.

And, of course, “faith” is all-encompassing and has implications for all other aspects.

T

he reason Glenmary exists is to announce the Catholic faith, especially to those who might not have access to it. As Glenmarians go out to serve mission territories, we arrive as men of faith. I feel 100 percent secure in saying that without faith, none of us would go to these easy-to-overlook places.

All I have to do is look to our three men under temporary Oath to see evidence of this fact.

Brother Jason Muhlenkamp’s faith that led him from small-town Ohio to serve the Glenmary apostolate. Brother Levis Kuwa and Clive Otieno possess a faith that called them to the United States, far from their native Kenya.

Faith can inspire us to new heights, as it has in these men, and it can sustain us in the midst of terrible depths. (See our cover story beginning on page 9, to read more about these men and our newly ordained priests, Father Cris Adongo and Father Aaron Wessman.)

You may see eye-catching headlines in the news like “America Losing Its Soul,” “God Is Irrelevant” or “Country Gone Secular.” Sadly these headlines carry some truth, but they are 4

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not news flashes. There has always been a tugof-war between sacred and secular, spirit and flesh, heavenly and earthly.

Modern technology and the Internet—despite the tremendous potential for good—have made this tug-of-war an even greater challenge. These things capture our imagination and attention to the point of sometimes distracting us from our focus on God and our faith in our daily lives.

That’s precisely why it’s so Father Chet timely that the pope is calling for Artysiewicz a Year of Faith at this time. cartysiewicz@glenmary.org In his address to U.S. bishops at the conclusion of their “ad limina” visit this May, Pope Benedict said it was his hope “that the Year of Faith will awaken a desire on the part of the entire Catholic community in America to reappropriate with joy and gratitude the priceless treasure of our faith.

With the progressive weakening of traditional Christian values and the threat of a season in which our fidelity to the Gospel may cost us dearly, the truth of Christ needs not only to be understood, articulated and defended but to be proposed joyfully and confidently as the key to authentic human fulfillment and to the welfare of society as a whole.”

​W

hen thinking of this revival, I’d like to borrow from the Olympic motto: “Faster. Higher. Stronger.” I hope this Year of Faith aids us all so that we move faster in responding to the love of God, soar higher in our quest for holiness, and grow stronger in our commitment to God and our faith.

Just think of the possibilities if our mission churches—indeed all churches—could employ all three of these goals. What a tremendous revival we would have!

As Glenmarians, coworkers and parishioners resume a cycle of ministry this autumn, please pray for them as they strive to serve as a leaven in the midst of the world. Thank you for all you do to support our ministry. God bless you!  w w w. g l e n m a r y. o r g

vocations

Three men join those currently in formation

news &notes

Glenmary directors walk with 12 students discerning vocations [indiana] When Father Jerry Dorn starts his first year as director of Glenmary’s candidacy and post-novitiate programs in September, he will welcome three new candidates to the formation program: • Patrick Kirimi Muriithi of Embu, Kenya; • Paul Mogeni Nyabuto of Nairobi, Kenya; • William Obiero Omondi of Kisumu, Kenya.

All three students will pursue priesthood and study at Saint Meinrad

orientation: Brother David Henley (second from

left) meets with Glenmary’s new candidates during their orientation. From left are Patrick Kirimi Muriithi, William Obiero Omondi and Paul Mogeni Nyabuto.

Seminary and School of Theology. They join the nine men currently in

various stages of Glenmary’s formation program, preparing to serve

photo / jean bach

Glenmary

the home missions.

“We see great hope for the future,” says Brother David Henley, director of Glenmary’s vocation department. “All of these men are dedicated to becoming home missioners.”

Brother David adds there are an increasing number of men contacting his office, both young adults and high-schoolaged men, many of whom have attended the Come & See Retreats sponsored by the department.

“Our goal isn’t to steer our inquirers to Glenmary, but to walk with them and help them find where they are being called,” he says.

To find out more: Contact Brother David at dhenley@glenmary.org, follow him on Facebook (Glenmary Home Missioners Vocations) and Twitter (@ghmvocations), or call 800-935-0975.

Donor services

Original watercolor artwork graces 2012 Glenmary Christmas card Share greetings of the season with family and friends using one-of-a-kind greeting cards [ohio] Glenmary donors can send Christmas greetings to more friends and family this year using the 2012 Glenmary Christmas card.

Three cards will be included in a Christmas appeal mailing to donors.

This year, additional cards will also be available. The card features w w w. g l e n m a r y. o r g

an original watercolor image of the angel announcing Christ’s birth to the shepherds. The art was created by California artist Jennifer Smith Greene.

Those who receive the cards will be remembered during Glenmary’s annual Christmas novena.

The cards, in packs of five, are free upon request, although a $5 donation per pack will help cover production and mailing costs.

TO ORDER: Contact Jennifer Snedigar, annual giving coordinator, at jsnedigar@glenmary.org or 800-935-0975.

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cards: The artwork for this

year’s Christmas card was created by a California artist.

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news & notes

continued

all souls day

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

Praying for the dead is a Christian obligation. Although the Church prays for the faithful departed throughout the liturgical year, All Souls is a special day of commemoration when the Church remembers, prays for, and offers Masses for those

who have died.

The All Souls Day Mass in Cincinnati will be offered on Nov. 2 for the deceased family members and friends of Glenmary donors. Father Don Tranel, a member of Glenmary’s development office, will preside at the Mass. for more information: To have your loved ones remembered, contact Glenmary’s Donor Services Department at donorservices@glenmary.org or 800-935-0975.

Does your retirement income

need a lift?

A Glenmary gift annuity may be the answer!

• • • • • •

Gift Annuity Benefits Include: Guaranteed income for you or for you and a loved one (minimum age 55) Partial tax-free payments over life expectancy Fixed rate of return Income tax deduction at time of gift Capital gains tax savings for an annuity funded with appreciated securities Membership in the Father Bishop Legacy Society

And, most of all, through your legacy gift, you will partner with Glenmary in our home mission ministry!

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

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Around the Missions  Brother Craig Digmann has been chosen “Greeter of the Year” by the Union County (Tenn.) Children’s Center. Brother Craig has volunteered as a greeter at Union County High School since arriving in the county last summer as a member of the mission team that founded Blessed Teresa of Calcutta mission in Maynardville. He is the “most dedicated greeter we have,” says the coordinator of the program, which is designed to encourage students.  Glenmary Fathers Bob Dalton and Wil Steinbacher celebrated 50 years of priesthood this summer with Masses of Thanksgiving in Houston, Miss., and Nashville, Tenn., respectively.  Father Vic Subb has been assigned as the pastor of Glenmary’s missions in Lafayette, Tenn., and Scottsville, Ky. In addition, Father Vic will pastor Glenmary’s newest mission in Celina, Tenn.  Father Dennis Holly has taken senior membership, effective Aug. 31.  Father David Glockner is serving as sacramental minister at Glenmary missions in Grayson and Vanceburg, Ky., with residence in Olive Hill, Ky.  Brother Larry Johnson has been assigned to outreach ministry in Lafayette and Celina, Tenn., and Scottsville, Ky.  Father Jerry Dorn has been appointed director of Glenmary’s candidacy and post-novitiate programs in St. Meinrad, Ind.  Father Aaron Wessman is serving as associate pastor of missions in Maynardville and Rutledge, Tenn. He will also assist with Hispanic ministry in Erwin, Tenn.  Father Cris Adongo is serving as associate pastor in Lafayette and Celina, Tenn., and Scottsville, Ky.  Father Francois Pellissier is providing sacramental ministry to the Claxton, Ga., mission.

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photo / tricia sarvak

father bishop legacy society: Father Chet Artysiewicz, Glenmary’s president, and Susan

Lambert (seated), Glenmary’s planned giving officer, talk with Tony and Maria Cosentino at the annual Father Bishop Legacy Society luncheon. The society is named in honor of Glenmary’s founder, Father William Howard Bishop.

partners in mission

Gathering celebrates donors who make planned gifts 35 members of Glenmary’s Father Bishop Legacy Society attend annual event in Cincinnati [ohio] “The love of God is the only thing that could motivate the commitment Glenmarians make,” Father Chet Artysiewicz, president of Glenmary, told donors at the June 1 Father Bishop Legacy Society Mass and luncheon.

“What’s amazing to me is that those Glenmarians ministering to people for 10, 20, 60 years have the same fire and zeal as our new priests. They’re all there to share the love of God with others.

“Thank you for your prayers and financial support that help make our home mission ministry possible.”

The Father Bishop Legacy Society was established in 2003 to recognize those who make w w w. g l e n m a r y. o r g

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planned gifts to Glenmary— through wills, trusts, annuities or other means—to ensure the future of its work. There are currently over 560 members.

“This event lets us host donors and express our gratitude to them for all they do for Glenmary,” says planned giving officer Susan Lambert.

“It also gives them a chance to know Glenmary team members better, learn more about our ministry and share their love for Glenmary with one another. There are lots of hugs and smiles!”

Following lunch, Father Chet talked about the enthusiasm and growth of three new Glenmary faith communities in TenAutumn 2012

nessee—as well as about the new Celina, Tenn., mission that will be staffed in September.

He added that Glenmary’s new priests, Fathers Cris Adongo and Aaron Wessman, are joining mission teams in these areas this fall.

He concluded with a request to the donors. “Please keep praying for us,” he said. “Your help means so much to us and the people we serve.”

To find out more: Contact Susan Lambert at 800-935-0975 or slambert@glenmary.org. Visit www.glenmary.org/planned-giving to read more about planned giving opportunities with Glenmary. 

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news & notes

continued

mission plan 2010

Missions established, returned as process continues Plan strives to continue the missionary vision of founder, Father William Howard Bishop ers serve in three geographic areas (eastern North Carolina, Appalachia and southwestern Georgia) and maintain a focused mission and sense of community within those areas.

As a result, Glenmary missions in Arkansas (Waldron, Danville and Booneville) and Oklahoma (Heavener) were turned over to local dioceses in the summer of 2012, as were missions in Swainsboro and Metter, Ga., and Ripley, Miss.

The return of the missions in Arkansas and Oklahoma marked the end of Glenmary’s ministry in these states after establish-

photo / courtesy pat and carol dorsey

[ohio] For the last two years, Glenmary leadership has worked to implement the Glenmary Mission Plan 2010. The latest steps in this process have been the return of missions in Oklahoma, Arkansas, Georgia and Mississippi to the pastoral care of their respective dioceses.

In addition, three new missions have been established in East Tennessee counties where there has never been a permanent Catholic Church presence.

One additional Tennessee mission will be added in September.

One of the goals of the plan is to have missioners and cowork-

Chicago donors gather: Father Dan Dorsey speaks with Mike Colombatto, Isabella Smith and Mary Ivory during the May 5, 2012, donor gathering in downtown Chicago. The gathering was held at the home of Father Dan’s brother and sister-in-law, Pat and Carol Dorsey.

Father Dan visited with those who attended, gave a short presentation about Glenmary’s work and celebrated Mass. Glenmary’s development office will host the next donor gathering on Feb. 10, 2013, in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. For more information, contact Susan Lambert at 513881-7441 or slambert@glenmary.org.

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ing and staffing 13 missions in Oklahoma over 59 years and nine missions in Arkansas over 49 years.

Glenmary took over pastoral leadership of St. Jude in Waldron in 2003 and Our Lady of the Assumption in Booneville in 2006. St. Andrew in Danville was called together in 2003 and has grown into a thriving faith community.

Glenmary missioners began serving Sacred Heart Chapel in Heavener, Okla., informally in 2000. Since then, missioners from both Arkansas and Oklahoma served the isolated mission community, often driving over 120 miles round trip each weekend.

St. Matthew mission in Ripley, Miss., was called together by a lay pastoral minister in 1996.

Since then, the congregation has grown and is now, as a diocesan mission, being led by a third generation of lay leadership.

Holy Trinity in Swainsboro and Holy Family in Metter were established by Glenmary in 1958. Today, these former missions have set down roots in their communities and continue to be sources of outreach and welcome.

Glenmary’s founder had the vision that the missionary priests and brothers would not stay in one area too long. He wrote that the “society would seek limited, not perpetual, tenure of mission areas.”

It’s with that vision of mission that Glenmary plans to move forward to continue sharing the gifts of the Church with those living in the “most neglected areas of the United States.”

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photos / jean bach and tricia sarvak

cover story

Celebrating

Ordination & Oath F

ather William Howard Bishop once referred to the Glenmary priests and brothers of the society he founded as “a good company” of “zealous” missionaries.

Today, that “good company” includes two newly ordained priests, one newly professed brother and two members who are entering their second year under temporary Oath.

Milestones in the lives of all five missioners were celebrated this past May and June.

On May 26, 2012, Fathers Cris Adongo and Aaron Wessman were ordained for Glenmary

by Bishop William Medley of the Diocese of Owensboro, Ky. (See story on page 10.) Their ordinations were the first for Glenmary since 1999. w w w. g l e n m a r y. o r g

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Glenmary

Brother Jason Muhlenkamp became a member of the home mission society when he took his First Oath on June 8. (See story on page 12.)

Clive Otieno and Brother Levis Kuwa have been under temporary Oath since making their First Oath two years ago. On May 25, both men renewed their promises to live lives of poverty, chastity, obedience and prayer (see page 13) and are now looking toward making their Final Oath.

It takes a special calling to want to serve the home missions as a Glenmary priest or brother. These men continue to answer the call to be the zealous missionaries Father Bishop spoke of decades ago.

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2004: Graduated,

Arrupe

College,

Zimbabwe

2004: Graduated,

St. John’s

University,

Collegeville,

Minn.

2005: Arrived in the U.S.; Entered

Glenmary’s

formation program,

Hartford, Ky. 2005: Entered

Glenmary’s

formation

program,

Hartford, Ky.

2006: Entered First Year

Novitiate,

Maple Mount, Ky.

2007: One-year

mission

placement,

Idabel, Okla.

2007: One-year

mission

placement,

West Liberty, Ky.

2008: Professed First

Glenmary Oath

Entered theology

program,

St. Meinrad (Ind.)

Seminary & School

of Theology

2009: Received

Ministry of

Lector

Renewed

Glenmary

Oath

‘You are a priest forever…’

A

By Margaret Gabriel

fter years of study and a summer of sharing their excitement with family, friends and Glenmary donors, newly ordained Father Cris Adongo and Father Aaron Wessman begin their first assignments as Glenmary mission priests in September.

Father Cris has been assigned as the associate pastor of the missions in Lafayette and Celina, Tenn., and Scottsville, Ky., and Father Aaron has been assigned as associate pastor of two of Glenmary’s newest missions in Maynardville and Rutledge, Tenn.

As might be expected, the men formed a powerful bond of friendship during their seven years of formation. But they came to this stage in their journeys by vastly different paths.

Father Cris’ exploration of a vocation as a mission priest began when he was a boy. His home parish in Ulanda, Kenya, was served by the Comboni Missionaries of the Sacred Heart, an Italian religious order.

“The Comboni missionaries faced challengprayers offered: Father es—a different culture and Frank Schenk, Glenmary’s way of life, the climate, the oldest priest, prays silently food—but they survived,” over Father Aaron, Glenmary’s Father Cris says. That life youngest priest. of challenge intrigued him and instilled in him a desire to serve the Church in a similar fashion. So after getting to know Glenmary, he, too, left his native land for the challenges of another country.

F

ather Aaron believes it would be an honor to serve as a diocesan priest or in a different religious community, but says he felt a special call to Glenmary when, as a student at St. John’s University in Collegeville, Minn., he met Father Jerry Dorn, 10

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a fellow Minnesotan.

That meeting was “an appointment set up by God,” Father Aaron says. “My faith started to grow and I started to think of further ministry in the Church, possibly even priesthood. I finished my last semester of college and kept in touch with Father Jerry, which kept me in touch with Imposition of hands: In an ancient tradition of the Church, Bishop Glenmary.”

Through those William Medley ordains Father Cris on-going con- Adongo through the laying on of hands. nections, Father Aaron developed a desire to be like the Glenmary priests, brothers and coworkers he met.

“I admired their courage and their struggle with faith and ministry. Ministry might be easier in a heavily Catholic area, but I thought it would be better to go someplace tough,” he says. “I want to find new ways to hold up the gift of Catholicism that means so much to me.”

Because he was familiar with the dynamics of a rural area where Catholics were a minority (his hometown of Cokato, Minn., has many more Lutherans than Catholics), Father Aaron says he could envision himself serving a county with little or no Catholic presence. But occasionally he would ask himself if he should serve in a diocese where there are more Catholics and a greater demand for priests to serve those Catholics.

“And then I would think of the message of Jesus and the 99 sheep,” Father Aaron says. “A significant part of the faith is leaving the majority and serving the minority. I also think about immigrants and people on the margins. Without the Church, there would be no sancDONATE NOW

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2010: Received

Ministry

of Acolyte

Renewed

Glenmary

Oath 2009: Independent

study on

ecumenism

(Summer)

2010: CPE in Waco,

Texas

(Summer)

2010: CPE in New

York, N.Y.

(Summer)

2011: Professed Final

Glenmary Oath

Ordained to

the transitional

diaconate 2011: Spanish

immersion,

Xela,

Guatemala

2012: Graduated,

St. Meinrad

Seminary &

School of

Theology

Ordained to

priesthood

2012: Associate pastor,

Celina/Lafayette,

Tenn., and

Scottsville, Ky.

2012: Associate pastor,

Maynardville/

Rutledge, Tenn.

tuary for them. It’s important for us to go into the midst of the people and listen with charity and love.”

Ultimately, he says, as Catholics, “We always have to be missionary, to do what God is calling us to do.” And for Father Aaron, it’s serving the home missions as a Catholic priest.

I

n Lafayette, Tenn., and Scottsville, Ky., the number of people Father Cris serves will be far smaller than the thousands he would serve if he were a pastor of a diocesan parish in Kenya. Like the Combonis, he knows he will have challenges to face as he serves people of a culture to which he is still adapting.

Most Glenmarians are not from the regions served by the society, so they face a bit of culture shock when they begin their ministry. But for Father Cris, the learning curve is even steeper.

Although he has lived in the United States for the past seven years, he is continuing to adjust to U.S. culture. The examples set for him by the missionaries he has known throughout his life continue to influence his approach to ministry. He’s witnessed them successfully meet challenges and is doing the same.

He finds similarities, though, in the core values of the Catholic faith that are shared between Kenyans and the people he has met in the Glenmary missions.

“In both places, I see people longing for the good news,” Father Cris says. “They want a chance for a better spiritual life.”

presiding: Newly ordained Father Cris and Father Aaron join in celebrating the Liturgy of the Eucharist with the bishop and other priests present.

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anointing: Bishop Medley anoints the palms of Father Cris’ hands with sacred chrism oil, consecrating them for service.

A

lthough Father Aaron doesn’t have as many cultural obstacles to overcome in his new assignment, he remembers what Bishop William Medley said to him and Father Cris at their ordination Mass.

The bishop told Father Cris that wherever he serves in the South and Appalachia, people are going to immediately recognize that he “isn’t from around here” due to his Kenyan accent.

Then he told Father Aaron that when he arrives in East Tennessee, the local people are going to tell him the same thing when they hear his Minnesota accent!

It’s at that time, the bishop told the new priests, they can reply, “No, I’m not from around here. But let me tell you a little bit about where I come from and why I’m here.”

Father Aaron says he isn’t sure what to expect of his new assignment. He does know, though, “that every mission I’ve ever been in has changed me, so I’m looking forward to seeing how the folks in East Tennessee will  change me.”

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Dedication to the missionary apostolate

By Dale Hanson

W

hen Jason Muhlenkamp professed his First Oath and became a Glenmary brother in June at the society’s General Assembly, it was a major step in his journey toward Final Oath and a life of service in the home missions.

“I felt very blessed to be surrounded by my family and the Glenmary community—and be welcomed as a member,” he says. “I was just thankful to God and the people who supported me and helped me get to that day, especially my Glenmary mentors and directors.”

Then Brother Jason thought back to the time before his journey began: “I was really unsure about any religious vocation. And I had never even heard of Glenmary or thought about being a missionary.”

In 2008 he was in his early 30s, with a steady job in his hometown of Maria Stein, Ohio. But he couldn’t shake the feeling that God was calling him to do more.

Through the Catholic Volunteer Network he discovered the Glenmary Farm, home of Glenmary’s group volunteer program in Lewis County, Ky. He spent one year there volunteering as a Farm manager and coordinating groups’ local outreach efforts.

“I began to find some answers there. I felt God’s presence,” he says. “The atmosphere helped me reflect and pray. And I listened very carefully every time Father Larry (Goulding, who lived in the area at the time) our lady of the fields: The newest member of Glenmary receives a statue of Our Lady of the Fields, Glenmary’s patroness, from Father Chet Artysiewicz.

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solemn promises: Brother Jason Muhlenkamp takes the Glenmary Oath, committing himself to living a life of poverty, chastity, obedience and prayer.

spoke to groups about his Glenmary experiences.”

Father Larry talked about how a Glenmarian’s life is full of challenges and struggles as well as great joys. He shared stories about ministering in Catholic missions in rural, mostly non-Catholic counties where he served Catholics and non-Catholics and helped break down barriers between people.

“I eventually decided I should open myself up to how those experiences might apply to me,” Brother Jason says. “I talked with Father Larry, Brother Dennis (Craig) and some other missioners. Seeing them in action was inspiring. They were such happy, welcoming people. And I also read Glenmary’s magazine, including a story about brotherhood. It all made me start seriously discerning a religious vocation with Glenmary.”

Because of his firsthand experiences working in Appalachia while at the Farm, Brother Jason knew he wanted to work in rural areas. “There’s need around the world, but there’s also pressing need in our country,” he says. “And the neglected and forgotten people in our DONATE NOW

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home mission areas deserve a Catholic presence.”

He explored vocation options with other religious orders, too. “You do the best you can to match your gifts with a religious community,” he says. “The Holy Spirit kept leading me to Glenmary.”

In 2009, he “took a leap of faith” and told Father Steve Pawelk, then vocation director, that he thought he was being called to Glenmary and brotherhood.

Although he knew the need for priests and brothers is great, he felt he was better suited for the outreach ministry he could do as a brother.

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ince becoming a Glenmary student three years ago, Brother Jason has recommitted himself to his vocation every day. And because of the diverse formation program—mission placements, prayer, studies, reflection and mentoring—he believes he’s grown as a person.

“I know myself better, which will help me better serve Glenmary and other people. I’m very happy in my vocation and where I am in my life.”

Another important reason he chose Glenmary is

Glenmary Oath Renewal

its openness in allowing members to develop their gifts. While he works toward completing his degree in pastoral studies at Brescia University in Owensboro, Ky., he also continues social outreach, as he has throughout his formation.

For instance, he ministers to inmates at a nearby Indiana state prison— probably his favorite type of ministry—and works at a soup kitchen in Owensboro. ready to go: In honor After he graduates in of his First Oath, Brother 2013, Brother Jason’s Jason received a new next challenges will be to suitcase from the memwork toward certification bers of Glenmary. in clinical pastoral education; participate in a Spanish immersion program in Mexico; and experience another mission placement.

He can renew his Oath up to three times before taking his Final Oath.

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Clive Otieno (left) and Brother Levis Kuwa stand before Father Chet Artysiewicz, Glenmary’s president, as they renew their Glenmary Oath. Clive is a seminary student at Saint Meinrad School of Theology and Brother Levis is studying nursing at the University of Cincinnati. Both men will be eligible to make their Final Oath in 2013. w w w. g l e n m a r y. o r g

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uring an earlier mission placement in Bertie County, N.C., when Brother Jason was part of an ecumenical prison ministry team, a fellow team member called him a nonChristian because he was Catholic.

“We kept talking and ministering together in the following weeks,” says Brother Jason. “His misconceptions seemed to go by the wayside. He believed my words because of my actions. He finally said, ‘I think you Catholics are OK.’” His mentor, Brother Curt Kedley, says Brother Jason is “fearless in what he says yes to, faithful to his commitments and very generous. He has radar for finding and helping people in need.”  

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Partner in mission / by Dale Hanson

Joining together as equals Wisconsin parish has adopted two missions over 10 years; plans next adoption soon

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photo / courtesy tom and maureen donovan

etween 2002 and 2012, the 2,800-member St. Raphael the Archangel parish in Oshkosh, Wis., adopted two of Glenmary’s small Arkansas mission communities and became a true partner in mission.

Both missions have been returned to the care of the Little Rock diocese—Holy Spirit in Hamburg in 2003 and St. Jude in Waldron in 2012. But the relationships were so meaningful to St. Raphael that they’re adopting a new mission soon. “We’re very proud to be part of Glenmary’s ministry and want to stay connected,” says Maureen Donovan. Maureen and her husband, Tom, coordinate St. Raphael’s adoption relationships.

Through Glenmary’s Adopt-a-Mission Program, an established parish and economically struggling Glenmary mission enter into a covenant based on m u t u a l prayer, financial assistance, and interaction between the communities.

Father joining forces: Tom and MauNeil Pezreen Donovan (front row, second zulo, former from right; back row, far right) and pastor of fellow volunteers during a New Orthe Arkanleans mission trip. sas missions and now Glenmary’s first vice president, points out that “these were warm, active, multifaceted relationships between equals. Both communities gained new insights into the larger Church. We were fortunate to have an extremely generous partner like St. Raphael.”

In 2001, St. Raphael parishioners decided to focus on the U.S. missions. And Tom and Maureen learned about another parish’s relationship with a Glenmary mission.

“So we contacted Glenmary and accepted 14

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Father Neil’s invitation to visit Hamburg,” Maureen says. “His dedication really impressed us, and we met very friendly mission members.

Then he visited our parish, and we went ahead with the adoption in April 2002. As we went along, we learned what this kind of relationship could be, and Father Neil became our mentor.”

In October of that year, for example, youth from the predominantly Hispanic Hamburg mission visited St. Raphael to talk about the cultural importance of Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead, Nov. 2) and the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe (Dec. 12). In December, a St. Raphael group traveled to Hamburg to participate in the Our Lady of Guadalupe celebration; to help build computer desks and hook up refurbished computers from St. Raphael; and to bring donated winter coats for distribution, with mission members’ help, to county residents.

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n 2004 St. Raphael adopted the Waldron mission. Father Neil used monthly donations from the parish to help build up the Waldron mission’s religious education program.

St. Raphael members also collected winter coats most years—and later collected school supplies periodically—and helped mission members distribute them to area families.

Father Neil was visiting in Wisconsin in 2005 when Hurricane Katrina devastated the Gulf Coast. “I learned New Orleans refugees were coming to Waldron and mission members were working to house them in a closed nursing home building,” he says. Maureen recalls that “we packed his truck full of needed supplies for the return trip.”

St. Raphael parishioners later sent over $20,000 in donations to help in serving refugees. In later years, among other activities, combined crews put a new roof on the mission’s church and a new floor in its parish hall.

“What I’m most proud of,” says Father Neil, “is that members of the two congregations went on three mission trips together to rebuild homes—to New Orleans twice, and to David, Ky., after a tornado. These were great examples of our joining together, in Jesus’ name, to reach out to others.”  DONATE NOW

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feature story

mission planning Using the Catholic data gathered for the 2010 ‘Religious Congregations & Membership Study,’ the Glenmary Research Center is helping Glenmary—and the Church—plan for the future

By Jean Bach

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he summer has been a busy time in the Glenmary Research Center (GRC), as coordinator Lucy Putnam has worked to fill orders for maps based on the data collected for the 2010 “Religious Congregations & Membership Study” (RCMS). Available maps include the “Major Religious Families of the United States” wall map as well as maps that illustrate data collected for the study.

The GRC funded the collection of Catholic data contained in the every-10-year study, which includes the most complete and exhaustive data on the number of churches and church members in the United States. The GRC served as publisher of the four previous studies.

Glenmary regularly uses the Catholic and other data collected for the RCMS in its decisions to accept or return mission territory, establish various ministries and engage in ecumenical activities.

And dioceses across the country often use the study as a resource to help plan for future growth or to help define population shifts.

“Along with our maps, the studies have become flagship projects for the GRC,” Lucy says. w w w. g l e n m a r y. o r g

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Population Penetration, Catholic Church Adherents in the United States, 2010

20,589 congregations and 58,928,987 adherents were reported in 2,960 counties.

maps based on 2010 data: Maps like this one illustrate the Catholic data collected as part of the 2010 “Religious Congregations & Membership Study.” Catholic Church “adherents” are defined as the baptized Catholic individuals recognized by each parish and mission in the United States.

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rom the early 1900s through the mid-1930s, the U.S. Census Bureau attempted, in various ways, to collect religious information about Americans. When this effort

was no longer feasible because of concerns over the separation of church and state, many feared this valuable information would be lost.

In 1956 the National Coun- 

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Study is a valuable tool in determining future mission sites, outreach and ecumenical ministries  cil of Churches of Christ in the study, as well as the Fast

U.S.A. published what became known as the “Churches and Church Membership Study.” It used 1952 data for 53 denominations.

The GRC, founded in 1966, became a key stakeholder in the development of every subsequent edition of the membership study, from 1971 through 2000. The most recent study contains information from 236 reporting Christian and non-Christian religious bodies.

Lucy is also at work on the task of merging the study information and the 2010 Census Bureau data to create new mission-need profiles (Fast Facts) for the more than 3,000 U.S. counties.

She has started with profiles for Glenmary’s mission counties in the South and Appalachia and will then produce profiles for the rest of the country, hoping to have the project completed by the end of this year.

The Fast Facts will include statistics based on population and geography, social and economic characteristics, and religious characteristics for county, diocese, state and nation. Lucy expects the first of the Fast Facts to appear on Glenmary’s Web site beginning this autumn.

The data contained in the

Maps available

To order a copy of the 2010 “Major Religious Families” map (pictured on page 17) or highresolution versions of maps illustrating the 2010 Catholic data, please visit www.glenmary.org/rcms2010-maps or contact the Glenmary Research Center at grc@glenmary.org or 800-935-0975.

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Facts profiles, are the resources members of Glenmary’s mission planning committee start with when they evaluate and choose new mission areas, like those selected last year in East Tennessee.

“These sources help us identify the counties we should consider,” says Liz Dudas, committee chair.

“Without the GRC’s initial input, we’d be starting from scratch.”

Key criteria the planning committee uses to identify future mission counties include areas with populations with low percentage of Catholics (less than 3 percent), high rates of poverty (almost twice the national average), significant percentage with no church affiliation, and a multicultural mix.

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fast facts: Lucy Putnam, the coordinator of the Glenmary Research Center, is compiling Fast Facts, like this one for Knox County, Tenn., for every county in the United States.

This project, as well as the production of maps, are being funded through a designated donor gift.

he rural South, where the majority of Glenmary missions are located, continues to be the least Catholic region of the country. But, according to Cliff Grammich, who compiled the Catholic data for the 2010 study, the data also indicates that the number of Catholics per church in urban areas of the South has grown.

There are many reasons for this trend. As baby boomers retire, many are moving from the North to the South, with some settling in the southeastern states, halfway between Florida and the North.

And, as steel mills and other industries in the North have closed over the past decades, workers relocated to other regions of the country, most notably the South, to find employment.

Cliff says the out-migration 

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from the Northeast and Midwest to the West and the South has been a trend over the past several decades.

“As a result, some of the northeastern dioceses show a drop in Catholic population in this study, because of the out migration and because the number of deaths have exceeded the number of infant baptisms. In some dioceses, there are only two infant baptisms for every three Catholic deaths.”

Over the next decade, this study will provide valuable information—data that cannot be found anywhere else—to Glenmary and other organizations and institutions.

“It’s important to carry forward what Glenmary started in the 1960s,” Lucy says. “This data is a valuable tool for future planning not only for Glenmary but  also for the larger Church.”

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Then & NOW

A history of map-making

Creation of maps continues as a hallmark of Glenmary’s ministry

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lenmary’s history of map making to show mission need goes back to 1938—a year before the society was officially founded—when Father William Howard Bishop created the first “No Priest Land, USA” map. For the past seven decades, Glenmary has become nationally recognized for creating and using maps that illustrate mission-need regions of the United States. These maps also play a key role in Glenmary’s mission education efforts and in helping determine where to establish new mission communities.

 1938: When Father William Howard Bishop was

actively seeking to found a society of priests and brothers to serve the U.S. home missions, he created and used this map of priestless counties to show why such a religious society was needed. With this map, Father Bishop began the mission education process Glenmary continues today.  1958: After Glenmary was founded in

1939, those studying for priesthood and brotherhood spent copious amounts of time updating the “No Priest Land, USA” map, color-coding each county in the United States—by hand! Over the years, these maps have been used for research purposes. And most especially, they are used as a way for Glenmarians to help sound the challenge for all Catholics to respond to their baptismal call to be missionary right here at home!

 2012: Today’s “No Priest Land, USA” map,

created electronically using data from the 2010 “Religious Congregations & Membership Study,” has been expanded to include all major religious families. In addition, five other maps were created from the Catholic data collected in the study. (Visit Glenmary’s Web site to view these maps, www.glenmary.org/rcms2010-maps). The map to the right is used by a cross-section of people. Glenmarians and Catholics throughout the country use it to illustrate mission need, while other denominations and institutions use it for research and education purposes.

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final words / from our readers

Memories mix with gratitude Readers react to articles in past issues and offer congratulations to new priests new priests congratulated

on behalf of the monks, staff, students and faculty at Saint Meinrad Seminary and School of Theology, I am writing to offer warm congratulations to two young men who were recently ordained priests for Glenmary Home Missioners.

On May 26, two graduates from our seminary were ordained to priesthood by Bishop William Medley of the Diocese of Owensboro, Ky. Father Aaron Wessman of Cokato, Minn., and Father Crispine Adongo of Ulanda, Kenya, have now begun their lives of priestly ministry.

Their ordinations were the

culmination of a long journey toward service to God and his people. Both of these young men have spent countless hours in prayer, work, study and ministry to pursue their vocations.

We are very proud to have played a role in their formation, and we wish them the best as they begin their first assignments.

Father Denis Robinson, OSB, President-Rector St. Meinrad, Ind. thanks to glenmary

my name is clyde. I am the one on the cover of the Summer 2012 issue of Glenmary Challenge. I want to thank God, Brother Craig (Digmann) and Glenmary for giving me the opportunity to be on the cover of the Glenmary magazine.

I also thank Glenmary for accepting people that use the 1611 version of the King James Bible.

I appreciate the friends that I have made with all the people that Brother Craig has introduced me to. Thank you all for everything.

Clyde Liford Washburn, Tenn. true spirit of mission

first general chapter: Reader John Simon wondered who all the priests were in the above photo, which accompanied the remembrance of Father James Kelly in the Summer 2012 issue. They are, from left: (first row) Fathers William Howard Bishop and Raphael Sourd; (second row) Fathers Bill Smith, James Kelly, Joseph Wittbrod, John Marquardt and Francis Wuest; (third row) Fathers Clem Borchers, Bob Berson, Ray Dehen, Benedict Wolf.

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i just finished reading the Summer issue of Glenmary Challenge and feel compelled to thank you for the insights that are given about Glenmarians in the field. Although I work with Glenmary at their Cincinnati Headquarters, it is very evident that the true spirit of mission— moving out of one’s comfort zone—is lived daily by so many Glenmary priests and brothers throughout the South.

It makes me proud to feel a

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part of the lives of the men going into the prisons and working with the marginalized in the newly developing Catholic areas of East Tennessee, as well as to know that Glenmary priests and brothers are walking and struggling with the migrants in the United States. We need to hear their stories so that we, who are living comfortable lives, might be reminded to step out of our “comfort zones” and lead lives of missionaries right where we are.

Ruth Holtel Cincinnati, Ohio Memories from Pond creek

what a nice article on Father Jim Kelly (“Glenmary’s Whiz Kid,” Summer 2012). His brother (Brother Tom Kelly) served here for a long time.

Years ago, as I was growing up, Father Bishop and Father Sourd often visited Pond Creek, Ohio, with many other priests.

They usually ate at our house, as Mom loved to cook and made them feel welcome.

People here have such good memories of the years Glenmary walked among us. And we still have our Catholic church here, thanks to Glenmary.

John R. Simon West Portsmouth, Ohio Readers’ Views welcome! Send comments to: Editor, Glenmary Challenge, P.O. Box 465618, Cincinnati, OH 45246. Fax: 513874-1690, E-mail: challenge@ glenmary.org. Comments are printed at the discretion of the editor and may be edited for clarity and space. Please include a postal address.

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w w w.glenmary.org t h e w e b s i t e o f C at h o l i c m i s s i o n e r s t o r u r a l A m e r i c a

O n line Co nte nts

What’s new Youth Group Carries on Glenmary ’s Legacy

The members of the youth group at Glenmary’s former mission in Booneville, Ark., continue to learn and live out the meaning of service and mission­­in large and small ways. glenmary.org/booneville-youth

Arkansas youth

Departments How to Help

Be a part of Glenmary’s future. Make a donation to the society’s endowment fund today! glenmary.org/endowment

Vocations

Interested in priesthood or brotherhood? Watch for the announcement of a November retreat. glenmary.org/vocations

Retreat

Research Center

The religious families wall map is available at no cost. Simply order online. glenmary.org/grc-catalog

Volunteers

Explore the ways you can volunteer with Glenmary and serve the home missions. glenmary.org/volunteer-opportunities

Wall map

Feature Story Father Tom Charters Interviewed

Listen as Father Tom Charters, the pastor of a new mission in Unicoi County, Tenn., talks about his new mission and life in East Tennessee during a radio interview produced by the Archdiocese of Chicago. glenmary.org/relevant-radio

Father Tom

Mission education materials for October

The Catholic Church observes Mission Month in October.

Glenmary’s mission education materials provide unique approaches for all ages to celebrate and learn about the U.S. missions. glenmary.org/mission-ed.

Receive Glenmary Challenge electronically

Sign up to receive the quarterly magazine electronically and view sample issues online. glenmary.org/glenmary-challenge w w w. g l e n m a r y. o r g

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Scan to visit this page online

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NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION U.S. Postage PAID Glenmary Home Missioners

photo / courtesy cardinal pacelli school

Glenmary G l i m p s e / Mission awareness

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ne of the many ways Glenmary missioners and lay coworkers advance the home mission effort is through participating in mission education efforts such as giving presentations at parishes and schools. Above, Father Francois Pellissier speaks to students at Cardinal Pacelli School in Cincinnati about Glenmary’s ministry in the U.S. home missions, an area which is illustrated by the bright pink on the map.

Those interested in having a Glenmary missioner speak at a parish or school or to a group can contact Allison Barrett at abarrett@glenmary. org or 513-881-7440.

Catholic Missioners to Rural America

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