Glenmary Challenge Autumn 2011

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 2011

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Dedicated

Missioners take Oath to serve the home missions

Dining in the Kingdom

Program helps overcome barriers to mission unity

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, the South and the Southwest.

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 Dominic Duggins, Father Gus Guppenberger, Brother Curt Kedley, Patrick McEntee, Kathy O’Brien, Father John S. Rausch, Father Vic Subb

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

© 2011, Glenmary Home Missioners. Reprint permission granted upon request.

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Oath milestones; inbox delivery FROM THE EDITOR / Jean Bach

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f my own free choice, I (name), a member (candidate) of the Glenmary Home Missioners, for the sake of the Kingdom of God, do solemnly promise and swear before God to dedicate myself for my whole life ( for one year) to the missionary apostolate in the rural areas and small towns of the United States and to the Glenmary way of life according to the Glenmary Constitution and Directory.

I am aware that the Glenmary way of life commits me to a special practice of poverty, chastity, obedience, and prayer. Thus bound in a covenant with the other members in the Glenmary community, I ask for their support and loyalty and pledge to them my own.

Five men recited these words of the Glenmary Oath during three Masses in May. Not since 1986 have Final Oath, First Oath and Oath renewal been celebrated in the same year. The cover story (page 9) features all five men and photos from the Masses. You can view more photos and stories by visiting our Web site, www.glenmary.org.

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s printing and distribution costs continue to rise, we are Jean Bach always searching for cost-effective jbach@glenmary.org ways to convey the latest Glenmary news. One such way is by sending electronic publications directly to email inboxes instead of traditional mailboxes.

Beginning with the Winter issue, you may choose how you receive and read Glenmary Challenge. If you would prefer to receive only electronic issues, please e-mail your request, including your name, address and the delivery e-mail address.

Each quarter you’ll receive an e-mail containing a link to the newest issue, which can be read online or downloaded.

This doesn’t mean we are discontinuing mailing printed copies! Electronic distribution is just one way we are trying to be good stewards of our resources­—both financial and environmental.  about the cover: Father Dan Dorsey with Crispine Adongo, Brother Craig Digmann and Aaron Wessman at their Final Oath Mass.

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

Autumn 2011

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Vo l u m e 7 4 / N u m b e r 3

Cover Story

9 photo / tricia sarvak

Dedicated to Serving the Home Missions

Three men reflect on their formation journeys leading to Final Oath; another man celebrates his First Oath; yet another celebrates his Oath renewal.

Feature Story

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Dining in the Kingdom

Members of St. Jude mission in Waldron, Ark., are breaking down language and cultural barriers by gathering around the dinner table.

Dining, Page 15

Departments & columns

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From the President / Father Chet Artysiewicz

Glenmary’s newly elected president reflects on his new responsibilities and his call to serve the missions.

Glenmary News & Notes

Leadership elected; Christmas cards available; new chapel in St. Meinrad; students begin classes.

All Souls Mass, Page 5

Then & Now

Glenmary’s outreach efforts in Lewis County, Ky., have had lasting effects over the past 40 years.

Jubilarians

Brother Tom Sheehy and Brother Mike Springer celebrate jubilees of First Oath this year.

Outreach efforts, Page 12

Partner in Mission

Sister Jan Barthel is out to change the world, beginning in the mountains of Appalachia.

Final Words / from our readers

Recent mission trip, last Mass in Okolona and M.B. Mayfield’s art spark letters to the editor.

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Oratory, Page 18

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from the president / Father Chet Artysiewicz

Furthering the mission of Christ Whether as a pastor or as Glenmary’s president, the core ministry remains the same

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s I compose this, the first of my president’s columns for Glenmary Challenge, I am surrounded by boxes and the things of my life that are awaiting transport from North Carolina to Cincinnati.

Since my election in June, I have been trying to fulfill my new presidential responsibilities via telephone and cybercommunication while preparing the parishes in North Carolina (the Catholic Community of Bertie County and St. Joan of Arc, Washington County) for a smooth transition to new leadership.

Working in Glenmary’s administration certainly poses a challenge for me. My work will remain fundamentally the same: furthering the mission of Christ by helping establish the Catholic Church in those regions of the United States where it has not taken root. The difference is that now I will minister in more of a support role rather than as a mission pastor.

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lenmarians and our coworkers represent a wide range of personalities and approaches to proclaiming the Good News. But a unifying thread is our concern for the individual.

That personal contact is priceless. In instance after instance, people have thanked us for taking the time to care.

Driving back to North Carolina after our Chapter, I noticed an elderly gentleman during a lunch stop. There was nothing extraordinary about him—except that he was alone. He was in his late 70s and had a pleasant demeanor. I wondered: Is he a widower? Is that why he is alone?

It led me to think of the many Glenmarians and coworkers who are rays of sunshine for those who are most alone in this world.

The stories from the missions that we put on paper represent real life, real flesh-and-blood people. We walk with them in their joys and sorrows. We may celebrate the sacraments with them in the morning and wait with them at the hospital that evening, hoping the emergency room doctor brings good news.

Typically when a Glenmarian changes assignments, he receives a wonderful send-off from the people he has served. On my final day in North Carolina that was certainly true. I visited with everyone, posed for pictures, enjoyed the food. One 4

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of the last families I saw had recently lost their eight-year-old daughter in a car accident. They hugged me and thanked me for my help. But what had I done? I prayed with them, mourned with them. They knew how badly I felt for their tragedy. I could not bring back their precious child, but somehow my being with them brought a measure of comfort and strength at a very difficult time. I dare say everyone in Glenmary ministry could share similar stories.

Your support enables us be present to all those living in our mis- Father Chet sion areas. It is truly a wonderful Artysiewicz ministry, a wonderful calling. Our cartysiewicz@glenmary.org recent Chapter helped us set direction for the next four years. As you prayed with us in preparation, please join us now in giving thanks for the graces of the Chapter.

Prayer of Thanksgiving Loving Father, you are the source of life and goodness. We rejoice in the gift of your son Jesus, who dwells constantly in our midst and reveals to us the splendor of your love.

Thank you for showering your grace upon Glenmary during their 15th General Chapter.

Blessed by your love and wisdom, Glenmary missioners have grown in love and have discerned how best they can serve the mission regions of the United States in the coming years.

Lord Jesus Christ, Master of the Harvest, you are the true light come into the world. Thank you for the graces bestowed on Glenmary during their Chapter.

As a community of missioners, they once again dedicate their missionary efforts to ensuring that your Gospel may shine through them to the most forgotten and neglected areas of our country.

Holy Spirit, you have opened the hearts and minds of Glenmary missioners to the Divine call. May all who labor in the home mission fields live that call zealously, generously and courageously, seeking always the Father’s will.  Amen.

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Glenmary

Leadership elected at General Chapter

news &notes photo / Brother David Henley

e x e c u t i v e co u n c i l

Delaware, New York and Kentucky natives begin four-year terms [west virginia] The Glenmary membership elected three of their fellow Glenmarians to Executive Council during the society’s 15th General Chapter, June 6-17, 2011.

The Chapter was held at the Blessed John XXIII Center in Charleston, W.Va. Elected as Glenmary’s 10th president was Father Chet Artysiewicz. Father Neil Pezzulo was elected first vice president and Brother Jack Henn second vice president.

Father Chet, a native of Delaware, has served as pastor of the Catholic Community of Bertie County in North Carolina for the past year, where he also worked with Brother Jack. A native of Kentucky, Brother Jack has served in Bertie County as an outreach minister since 2008.

Father Neil, a native of New York, has served as pastor of Glenmary’s missions in Waldron and Danville, Ark., for the past eight years.

The three will lead w w w. g l e n m a r y. o r g

newly elected: Father Neil Pezzulo, Father Chet

Artysiewicz and Brother Jack Henn, from left, following the Executive Council’s installation celebrated during the vigil Mass for Pentecost.

Glenmary’s mission and ministry efforts over the next four years. One of the specific tasks with which they are charged is to further the society’s five-year mission plan adopted in 2009. The plan calls for returning some missions and for entry into new mission territories.

Three new mission counties have been identified in East Tennessee and will be staffed by mid-September. (See the Summer 2011 Glenmary Challenge or visit www.glenmary.org/ newmissions for more on the new missions.)

Each member of council was installed in office

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during a Pentecost vigil liturgy celebrated by Father Chet on June 11.

During his homily, Father Chet, who was elected the night before, acknowledged it had been “quite a week” and that his life had taken a detour he wasn’t really counting on.

But he said it was the Spirit who was guiding their deliberations throughout. So, he said, it was fitting they were celebrating the work of the Holy Spirit during the installation Mass.

“The Spirit is called the ‘spirit of unity,’” he said.

“I’d like to think the Spirit is acting as a unifying force among us, bringing us together in a spirit of unity, acceptance and brotherhood.”

Although he said he stood before them with a bit of apprehension, he told his fellow members that over the next four years, “I promise to do the best I can…. Let us go forth as brothers.”

a l l s o u l s da y

Special Mass to be celebrated Have loved ones remembered at Nov. 2 liturgy [ohio] A special Mass will be celebrated at Glenmary Home Missioners’ Our Lady of the Fields Chapel on the Feast of All Souls. The Mass will be offered for the deceased family members and friends Autumn 2011

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of Glenmary donors.

Father Dominic Duggins, director of Glenmary’s development office, will preside at the Nov. 2 Mass in Cincinnati. for more information: Contact Donor Services at 800.935.0975 or donorservices@glenmary.org.

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news & notes

continued

do n o r s e r v i c e s

Christmas cards available Donors may order additional cards this year

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[ohio] Glenmary donors can send Christmas greetings to more friends and family this year using the 2011 Glenmary ChristWhen they saw the mas card.

Star they rejoiced Although three with great J oy cards are included in a Christmas appeal mailing to active donors, additional cards are being made available this Christmas season.

The card features a watercolor of the Magi created

by California artist Jennifer Smith Greene.

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

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

What Direction are You heaDeD? Follow your financial

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compass to a Glenmary Deferred Gift Annuity

Glenmary Deferred Gift Annuity offers payments at a later specified time with a minimum one-year deferral period. Benefits include:

Payments deferred at least one year Rates higher than immediate payment annuities

nmary Deferre Gle dG

Tax-favored income

uity Ann ift

For a no-obligation, sample calculation contact: Susan Lambert Planned Giving Officer 800.935.0975 slambert@glenmary.org

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

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Around the Missions  Glenmary’s West Virginia missions— St. Francis of Assisi in Logan, St. Barbara in Chapmanville and St. Edmund in Man—were returned to the pastoral care of the Diocese of WheelingCharleston in June 2011.  The following are the new mission assignments made by Glenmary’s Executive Council: • Father Tom Charters, effective Sept. 1, as pastor of the new mission area in Unicoi County, Tenn., living in Erwin.

• Brother Craig Digmann, effective Aug. 12, as outreach minister in new mission areas in Union and Grainger counties in Tennessee, living in Maynardville.

• Father Dan Dorsey, effective June 16, as director of formation, living n Cincinnati.

• Father Mike Kerin, effective July 22, as pastor of the Catholic Community of Bertie County in North Carolina and sacramental minister for St. Joan of Arc mission in Washington County.

• Father Steve Pawelk, effective Aug. 12, as pastor of new mission areas in Union and Grainger counties in Tennessee, living in Maynardville.

• Father Francois Pellissier, effective July 22, as sacramental minister in Waldron and Danville, Ark. He will also serve as temporary administrator in Danville.

• Brother Tom Sheehy, effective the summer of 2011, as outreach minister in the new mission area of Unicoi County in Tenn.

• Brother Virgil Siefker, effective Sept.

1, as outreach minister in Bertie County, N.C. • Brother Joe Steen, effective Sept. 7, as outreach minister in the new mission areas of Union and Grainger counties in Tennessee, living in Maynardville.

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photo / courtesy Father vic subb

new chapel: Artisans helped create the reflective environment in the new chapel at Glen-

mary’s house of studies in St. Meinrad, Ind. Brother Joe Steen took on the construction project while serving as co-director of Glenmary’s candidacy and post-novitiate programs.

fo r ma t i o n

Chapel adds dedicated prayer space to house of studies Thanks to Brother Joe Steen and mission artisans, new chapel has a ‘real Glenmary feel’ [indiana] For most of Brother Joe Steen’s ministry, he’s been a carpenter and builder. Prior to becoming co-director of Glenmary’s candidacy and post-novitiate programs in St. Meinrad, Ind., in 2008, Brother Joe headed a Habitat for Humanity chapter in Pontotoc, Miss.

In September, he will embark on a new assignment (see Around the Missions, page 6).

But he has left his mark on his former residence, the house of studies in St. Meinrad, with the new chapel he built in a garage space.

The house, which he shared with Father Vic Subb, is also home to some of Glenmary’s students and a gathering place for students attending the nearby St. Meinrad Seminary. w w w. g l e n m a r y. o r g

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The altar, a finished slice of a tree trunk, was fashioned from a downed tree found on the property of the Glenmary House of Studies in Dayton, Ohio, in the 1970s.

And Brother Joe created the chapel’s crucifix from spare wood and a corpus from another crucifix.

“The chapel has a real Glenmary feel that is accomplished through the art and the furnishings,” says Father Vic. Brother Joe says the chapel is “just the right size prayer space” for daily Mass and the weekly gathering of Glenmary students and their directors.

“We’re looking forward to having a full chapel when the students return to school,” Father Vic says.

The design of the Our Lady of the Fields Chapel came from ideas Brother Joe gathered from other Glenmary missions.

Brother Joe handled the sawing, plastering and painting while artisans helped create the environment.

Charley and Carol Campbell, artists who live in Vanceburg, Ky., and are members of the Glenmary mission there, designed the stained-glass window behind the chapel’s tabernacle.

Glenmary Father George Mathis created the other stainedglass windows (which were once used in the chapel at Glenmary’s Nashville office) and etched the image of Our Lady of the Fields in the glass entry door. He also stenciled images of the evangelists on one of the chapel walls.

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glenmary

news & notes

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v oca t i o n s

Number of men in formation continues upward trend Glenmary has 14 men in various stages of missionary formation, including four new students ruary 2011 discernment retreat in Kenya led by Brother David Henley, Glenmary’s vocation director.

“We have a diverse group of men in formation this year,” says Brother David. “I’m just as excited as they are and share in their enthusiasm as they start the new year. Each brings special gifts to share with the people living in the missions.”

Jose Carlos, 24, is from Chiapas, Mexico. He completed his philosophy degree while living in Mexico.

photo / tricia sarvak

[ohio] Four men have been accepted into the Glenmary candidacy program, bringing the total number of men in formation for missionary priesthood and brotherhood this academic year to 14.

Three of the four candidates—Jose Carlos Miguel-Lopez, Godfrey Musabe and Ambrose Mbire Wanyonyi—have been connected to Glenmary as aspirants studying in their native countries.

William Obiero was accepted as a candidate following a Feb-

legacy society: Members of the Father Bishop Legacy Society

gathered at Glenmary Headquarters in Cincinnati on June 3 for Mass and lunch. The annual gathering honors those who have made planned gifts to support Glenmary’s home mission ministry. Above, planned giving officer Susan Lambert makes a point during a conversation with Harold Eberenz. All the donors in attendance also received copies of The Baby Who Crawled Backwards, the autobiography of Mississippi folk artist M.B. Mayfield, who lived and worked in a Glenmary mission area.

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Godfrey, 25, is from Uganda and was accepted as an aspirant in 2009. He has completed his first year of theology at Tangaza College in Kenya.

William, 34, from Kenya, has been involved with small Christian communities as well as youth ministry.

Ambrose, 28, from Kenya, was accepted into the Glenmary aspirancy program in 2010 and has been studying at Tangaza College for the past year.

All four men are pursuing missionary priesthood. Godfrey, William and Ambrose will join Glenmary students Cris Adongo, John Guice, Clive Otieno and Aaron Wessman at St. Meinrad Seminary this fall.

Jose Carlos will attend Divine Word College in Epworth, Iowa, with Glenmary’s aspirants Paul Cottingham, Juan Pablo SantoRodriguez and Jerry Wilkerson.

Carlos Rubio will continue philosophy studies in Mexico at St. Juan de los Lagos Seminary.

Brother Levis Kuwa will live in Cincinnati at Glenmary Headquarters while he attends nursing school.

Brotherhood candidate Jason Muhlenkamp began his novitiate on July 1. He will spend the next year in periods of intensive prayer and study and will also spend a period of time in Bertie County, N.C., in a mission placement.

“We are extremely thankful for the men who have said ‘yes’ to their calls,” Brother David says. “We believe that the Spirit will continue to inspire more men to respond to the call to serve the home missions and the people of God.”

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photos / jean bach and tricia sarvak

three days of celebration: Following the Final Oath Mass, the five men who

professed Oath (front row from left)—Brother Levis Kuwa, Brother Craig Digmann, Crispine Adongo, Aaron Wessman and Clive Otieno—join (back row from left) Father Dominic Duggins (then-first vice president), Father Vic Subb (formation director), Father Mike Kerin (then-second vice president) and Father Dan Dorsey (then-president).

Dedicated to Serving the

home missions T

he journey that Crispine Adongo, Craig Digmann and Aaron Wessman began together in 2005 at Glenmary’s House of Formation in Hartford, Ky., culminated on May 28, 2011, when each professed his Final Oath as a Glenmary missioner.

The Final Oath Mass was also the climax of three days of celebration, as Brother Levis Kuwa renewed his Oath on May 26 and Clive Otieno professed his First Oath the following day (see page 11).

Not since 1986 has Glenmary celebrated a renewal, First Oath and Final Oath in the same year.

The three men who took Final Oath have entered new stages in their home mission ministry—Crispine and Aaron as transitional deacons preparing for ordination to the priesthood next year and Brother Craig in his new assignment in East Tennessee.

They have become, in Father Bishop’s words, “true ambassadors of Jesus Christ, true messengers  and servants of God among God’s people.”

read more

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Deacon Crispine Adongo Final Oath

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n Aug. 31, 2005, I landed in the United States after a 20-hour plane ride from my home in Kenya to my new home with Glenmary.

I learned about Glenmary from another student and later from Glenmary Father Steve Pawelk. Glenmary appealed to me as a missionary group in another country that serves in rural areas.

Once I reached the United States, I headed to Glenmary’s prenovice house in Hartford, Ky. Thank God for the warm welcome the directors and students gave me. The students were from diverse cultures, but we liked each other and learned, prayed and had fun together. We worked in outreach ministries and

took some college classes. I got to know many people in my new home.

The first novitiate year was wonderful. We lived on the Ursuline sisters’ campus in Maple Mount, Ky. Our program directors’ classes were a blessing in my spiritual journey. So were the friendship and encouraging ministry stories of the retired sisters.

I spent my second novitiate year at the Idabel, Okla., mission, testing the waters. It was a challenge being in this small town and being the only black mission member. My mentor, Father Chet Artysiewicz, did a good job helping me learn how to be a future mission pastor.

The next year, 2009, I began my theology studies at St. Meinrad Seminary in Indiana. It has been a great experience. Getting to know diocesan

seminarians has been challenging and enriching. I’m also the prefect for 44 international students from 15 countries; we’ve learned a great deal from each other.

In the summer of 2010, I completed my Clinical Pastoral Education at a Waco, Texas, hospital. It changed my view of life. It was challenging visiting cancer patients and families, being at deathbeds, and working in the emergency room. But my hope was always rekindled on the maternity floor: I loved seeing the newborn babies.

My diaconate ordination was a great moment for me. My family and friends could not hide their joy. I look forward to my priestly ordination, and above all, to serving in the home missions. I don’t know what my future holds, but I know God holds it. 

Deacon Aaron Wessman Final Oath

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ust months before I joined Glenmary, there I was, prostrate on the ground, begging God to clearly show me the direction to take. I was so scared to step into the initial stages of formation. I felt God was whispering quietly for me to move forward, but my best intentions were stifled with fear. Yet, somehow, within a few months, I entered the Glenmary formation program in Hartford, Ky. I can still smell the cedar walls of the chapel in Hartford. It was within these walls where I said good-bye to my mother and aunt as they dropped me off to begin the program. It was also within these walls where I learned

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about community, where I began to pray the Liturgy of the Hours, where I wrestled with the meaning of a call, and where the support of friends and formation directors helped me move forward to the next level—novitiate.

Novitiate was a process of letting go…of everything. I entered novitiate invigorated to pray and spend time with God. Yet as I progressed through the year, I could hardly force myself to open the breviary.

I remember the fountain in the chapel where I tried to pray many nights during that year. The water trickled over the side, washing clean anything in its path. I believe God’s grace worked on me like that cleansing water worked on the fountain. That grace prepared me

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for my studies at St. Meinrad.

My years at St. Meinrad have brought about a maturity in my discernment. I encountered the blessings and challenges of balancing formation.

I realized how much God will bless someone who says yes to his call. But I also learned more realistically what he asks in return.

It is only because of those who have journeyed with me that I have experienced the blessings of making Final Oath and being ordained to the diaconate.

Now that I am a member of Glenmary and a deacon in the Church, I begin another journey. I can hardly believe from where I have come. I can hardly  imagine where I will be going.

Brother Craig Digmann Final Oath

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y journey to religious life began in 2000 when my parish priest in Iowa asked me if I had ever considered becoming a priest. That question led me to discernment, but ultimately I did not feel called to the priesthood.

Then a vocation director for the Archdiocese of Dubuque told me about Glenmary and the work of religious brothers. With my rural and carpentry background in Iowa, I was very drawn to Glenmary’s charism of going into counties to establish new Catholic faith communities. So at age 47, the father of two grown sons, I entered formation to become a Glenmary brother.

My first year in formation as a candidate was very exciting for me. I lived with classmates from Kenya, Nigeria, Mexico and the United States, and learned so much about different cultures. I also entered college for the first time, wondering how I would adapt to college life. I soon discovered that I adapted well. I received good grades and hit it off well with the students, faculty and staff.

My first year of novitiate was a quiet year. I had the opportunity to grow spiritually, to discern my call, to learn more about myself and the Glenmary way of life.

I spent my second year of novitiate in a mission placement. It was an opportunity to test myself and see if I could truly become a Glenmary missioner. At the beginning of that year I was a bit intimidated by the extraordinary work my fellow missioners were doing. I began to question my own abilities.

But I was able to work through this doubt when I finally realized that I simply needed to just be myself. Nothing more, nothing less. As this began to happen, my ministry work blossomed too, helping me to be confident in my decision to take my First Oath to Glenmary a few months later.

Before making my Final Oath, I returned to school for two years to complete my post-novitiate studies and wrapped up my training with another year in a mission setting.

These years of formation were an adventurous and exciting time in my life. I have learned that a Glenmarian’s life is very much about “connections” with people. One relationship leads to another, and often good fruit comes from these encounters. My hope and prayer is that God will continue to  use me as an instrument to do his will!

Clive Otieno First Oath

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live became a professed member of Glenmary Home Missioners as he took his First Oath on Friday, May 27, 2011.

A native of Nairobi, Kenya, Clive says throughout his formation, he has learned more and more about himself and how his gifts can fit into Glenmary’s home mission ministry.

“As I’ve identified Father Dan Dorsey witwith Glenmary and nesses Clive’s First Oath. learned more about it, By making his First Oath, my future has become Clive became a member of clearer,” he says.

Glenmary Home MissionHis First Oath ers.

Mass was celebrated outdoors by Glenmary’s then-president, Father Dan Dorsey, at the society’s Cincinnati Headquarters.

This fall, Clive will begin theology studies at St.  Meinrad Seminary in St. Meinrad, Ind.

Brother Levis Kuwa Oath Renewal

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rother Levis Kuwa renewed his Glenmary Oath for the first time during a Mass in Our Lady of the Fields Chapel in Cincinnati on May 26, 2011. He can renew his Oath up to three times before making his Final Oath.

Brother Levis is currently attending nursing school while living at the Glenmary Headquarters in Cincinnati.

Jesus’ parable of the lost sheep often comes Brother Levis displays his to Brother Levis’ mind signed Glenmary Oath when he thinks about following the liturgy that his future. celebrated his Oath re“It always encourag- newal. es me to seek to touch a heart, heal a soul or body, or bring a person to God,” which is what he believes Glenmary’s work  is all about.

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Then & NOW

Outreach in Vanceburg, Ky. Catholic presence has had impact on Eastern Kentucky county

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 1969: Members of Glenmary’s mis-

sion in Vanceburg distributed food to families who lived in such remote areas that they could only be reached on foot.

photos / glenmary archives

Father Pat O’Donnell

group of Glenmary missioners came to Vanceburg, Ky., in 1962 on a tent-preaching mission. They located a few Catholics in Lewis County who didn’t have access to the Church, and tried to dispel myths about the Church for the non-Catholics living in the isolated county.

Three years later, an A-frame church, designed by Father Pat O’Donnell, the mission’s pastor, was dedicated as Holy Redeemer Chapel.

But Father Pat didn’t just focus on the needs of his congregation. His work was also about finding ways to address the social issues in the county, especially the poverty caused by a 30 percent unemployment rate.

His attack was twofold: address immediate needs through emergency relief of money, food, clothes and food donated by members of the mission and develop long-term solutions.

In the decades since, the outreach efforts of the small mission community and the organizations founded by Glenmary missioners in the county have had an overwhelming impact on residents—an impact that continues today.

  1972: Appalachian Industries was established by Father Pat

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to bring employment to the county by training local people in the production of handcrafted goods made of wood, pottery and faceted glass. The crafts were sold locally and eventually, nationally.

Appalachian Studios was formed later to handcraft and sell liturgical furnishings (above) to Catholic churches.

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 1982: Brother Bob Hoffman started People’s Self-Help Housing to make affordable, quality

housing available for low-income people and to provide jobs in the county. The organization has partnered with volunteers from the nearby Glenmary Farm to build hundreds of homes over the years. This agency and the Christian Community Center were started by Glenmary missioners and have been successfully turned over to Lewis County residents to continue.

 2006: Ecumenical cooperation is key to

many of the countywide programs that help meet the needs of residents, especially Project Merry Christmas. The annual event provides gift options and holiday food distribution for low-income individuals. Since Holy Redeemer’s founding, parishioners and Glenmary missioners and coworkers have been involved in city and county organizations, both to help those in need and to further educate people about Catholicism.

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 2011: Some of the ministries Glenmary

helped start in Lewis County, like Appalachian Industries, are no longer in existence. But the Holy Redeemer community, currently led by pastoral coordinator Michele Bertot, continues to build on the foundation of service, evangelization and outreach laid by Father Pat and all the missioners who followed him.

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2011 jubilarians / by Jean Bach

Dedicated to serving God’s people Brother Tom Sheehy, Brother Mike Springer mark anniversaries of First Oath

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or more than half of Brother Tom Sheehy’s 25 years as a Glenmary Home Missioner, he helped build homes and build up people’s lives as the executive director of the Habitat for Humanity chapter in Dodge County, Ga. But he’s quick to say that he didn’t found the chapter. “God did that through me and the many, many community people who helped,” he says. Eventually, the homebuilding program grew into a Glenmary service opportunity for high school and college students.

This ministry allowed the missioner from Reedsville, Wis., to use both his carpentry skills and his training as a social worker. “Habitat is about trying to build people up and helping them get the resources they need,” he says.

He saw firsthand how home ownership can change people’s lives. The resident of the first house finished by the Eastman, Ga., chapter obtained a better job and began work towards a college degree. In the 13 years Brother Tom ministered in Eastman, 15 houses were built.

“My work in Eastman was extremely fulfilling,” he says, adding that it was also very hard work. “I didn’t have a staff…it was just me. So I was doing business on my cell phone while working on a roof!” of Ministry Prior to moving to Eastman, he served as the youth minister at Glenmary’s mission in Morehead, Ky., and as a social worker at the local Christian Social Service Center.

He has also served as director of the pre-novitiate program when it was based in Hartford, Ky., and as a parish brother at the former mission in Man, W.Va. This summer, he will begin a new assignment as an outreach minister in Unicoi County, Tenn.

25 Years

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o say that Brother Mike Springer’s home mission ministry focus has changed since taking First Oath would be an understatement. His first two assignments after his First Oath 50 years ago were maintenance-related. After completing a two-year degree at Ohio Mechanics Institute, he became the maintenance supervisor/boiler operator at Glenmary Headquarters.

But from 1970 on, his outreach efforts became focused on people rather than machines. He served in a variety of roles in Glenmary missions in Kentucky, North Carolina, Virginia, West Virginia and Georgia.

And the thread that tied all those assignments together was the connection he made with the people living in the mission areas he served, most especially the young and the old.

He became well-known in each of these assignments both for his work at the missions and for his outreach ministries that included visiting nursing homes; promoting literacy by teaching people to read; and coaching youth in baseball, basketball and football.

He eventually gave up coaching when “it was taking longer for me to get up off the field than it did to show a team how to roll out of the way of a block.”

But it wasn’t until the early 1980s that his attention began to focus more on the needs of the elderly. He obof Ministry tained a degree in gerontology and became certified in activity therapy so he could better minister to this often-forgotten segment of society.  Brother Mike received senior member status in 2008. He most recently ministered in Chapmanville, W.Va., a former Glenmary mission, before moving to Glenmary Headquarters in Cincinnati this year.

50 Years

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community outreach

dining in the kingdom photos / kathy o’brien

Members of a culturally diverse Arkansas mission community follow Jesus’ example, breaking bread together to break down barriers

one in god’s kingdom: About 140 parishioners at St. Jude mission in

Waldron, Ark., attended at least one of 20 dinners designed to bring together the English- and Spanish-speaking members of the community. “We brought people of different cultures together and formed the Body of Christ at those meals,” says organizer Kathy O’Brien.

By Dale Hanson

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n 2010, when members of Glenmary’s Waldron, Ark., mission were looking for some way to bring their culturally diverse community together, they decided on a method that Jesus used often: sharing meals and conversation.

Kathy O’Brien, the mission’s administrator, says St. Jude mission was facing an ongoing challenge familiar to missions with English- and Spanish-speaking members who attend separate Masses—overcoming the barriers of language and culture.

Looking back on their bilingual meal experiences since then, Kathy says, she’s “so happy our ‘Dining in the Kingdom’ dinners worked as well w w w. g l e n m a r y. o r g

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as they did. They were a joyful experience. They reminded us that in God’s kingdom, everyone eats at the same table.”

Glenmary Father Neil Pezzulo arrived to pastor the Waldron and Danville missions in 2003, with Kathy joining him in 2004 as a pastoral associate in Waldron. When Father Neil first arrived, Spanish-speaking Catholics in the area didn’t feel welcome at the mission. Seven years later, Kathy says everyone felt welcome, but language and culture divisions remained.

So when a 2010 diocesan parish survey again brought this issue to light, the Waldron parish council discussed possible solutions. “Why  Autumn 2011

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‘Imitating Jesus’ example of table ministry has been a really good idea that we want to keep going.’  don’t we have dinners togeth-

er?” said parishioner Bridget Duffield, who emigrated from England years ago and empathizes with recent immigrants in the mission.

When Kathy heard this suggestion, “I realized it was a great idea, and I told Father Neil and the council I’d work to help make sure it happened.”

There is a theology to this idea, she says. “Scripparish unity: The ture tells us centerpiece on the that Jesus did dining table reminda lot of ‘table ed participants that ministry’ with they are all members many differof God’s family, the ent people.

Body of Christ.

When individuals eat together and talk, something good happens: it helps build trust and relationships between them.”

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athy and her organizing committee—which included English- and Spanish-speaking parishioners—proposed that St. Jude sponsor a series of meals called “Dining in the Kingdom.”

The name was taken from Luke 14:15: “Blessed is the one who will dine in the kingdom of God.” But before these dinners became a reality, she and the committee had a planning meal to brainstorm ideas, create guest lists and come up with “icebreaker” questions that would serve as conversation guides.

Kathy’s house was chosen as the site because it was convenient, neutral territory—and because she’s trusted by all

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members of the community.

Kathy, who is fluent in Spanish, also served in the critical role of translator at most dinners to help break through the language barrier.

Twenty sit-down meals were held from September through December 2010 and from February through April 2011. The dinners were scheduled on Sunday afternoons between the English and Spanish Masses.

The number of participants ranged from five to 11—with the typical dinner group consisting of one or two English-speaking families representing different ethnic groups (e.g., Anglos, Filipinos, Native Americans, Vietnamese, first-generation English and Irish); a Spanishspeaking family (bilingual children); and sometimes one or two committee members.

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ach meal was simple—storebought lasagna, garlic bread, salad and homemade cake.

And participants brought a favorite food of their culture to share with members of their dining group.

After beginning each dinner with a prayer, Kathy or other participants read Luke 14:12-15 aloud in both English and Spanish. The verses are a prelude to the Parable of the Great Feast.

Kathy then asked the guests questions to encourage sharing.

She asked about their birth­ places and families; the journeys that brought them to Waldron and the mission; their Church experiences; and how they’d like the Church to help them in their lives and faith.

“The questions led to good conversations about many things,” says Kathy. “The participants told their stories and learned about each other.” The

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immigrants often talked about their journeys that brought them to Waldron and the hardships that caused them to come to the United States.

“Some stories opened people’s eyes,” says Kathy. “The dinners led guests to look at each other as equals and as real people who were trying to make better lives for their families.”

After the dinners, a number of people expressed a desire to learn more of the other language and more about the cultures of the other mission members. They also said they knew these kinds of efforts could help bring the mission community together.

“I left the table some nights experiencing the joy that we will hopefully have in heaven,” says Kathy, “because all the people there were equals, sharing and laughing together. For a time, each dinner group formed a small community. And when dinner was over, people were ready to stay around longer.”

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he program ended on Palm Sunday 2011. “We received positive feedback,” she says.

“Many people said they learned a lot from the experience and from other mission members. Also, many said they’d welcome more dinners and that parishioners have more to share with each other.” Several people even volunteered to host future dinners.

Because overcoming the barriers to parish unity takes an ongoing effort, Kathy says, “We’re already planning to ‘dine in the kingdom’ again this fall—possibly in our parish hall or parishioners’ homes. Imitating Jesus’ example of table ministry has been a really good idea that we  want to keep going.”

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Partner in mission / by Margaret Gabriel

Sister Jan Barthel She’s ‘changing the world one practical step at a time’ in Eastern Kentucky

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“You see a lot more advertising and literature from the coal industry than you used to,” Sister Jan says. “I saw a TV commercial recently that portrayed a single mother running a cottage industry who said if she didn’t have coal-powered electricity, she would have to close her business and lay people off. I see ‘Friends of Coal’ logos in print ads and on license plates. The coal industry knows we’re making a difference in the way people are thinking.”

Sister Jan was instrumental in planning and conducting “Prayer on the Mountain,” an ecumenical service held last year on a surface mining site. The service highlighted the importance of care of creation in Catholic social teaching.

“Most churches are involved in justice issues in their own ways, but Catholics seem to have taken a lead role, especially in the Bible Belt,” Sister Jan says. “For whatever reason, Catholics and justice seem to go together.”

Sister Jan lends a Midwesterner’s common sense to CCA, Father John says. “She’s not an idealist, but she knows what works with practical, hands-on experience. Sister Jan is going about changing the world one practical step at a time.”  photo / margaret gabriel

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artnerships with Glenmary develop in many ways. For Benedictine Sister Jan Barthel that partnership means combining her expertise in management and bookkeeping with a passion for the Appalachian region.

For 12 years Sister Jan served on the board of directors of the Catholic Committee of Appalachia (CCA), a group established in the early 1970s with a goal of addressing issues of justice, environmentalism and labor.

Father John Rausch is one of several Glenmarians who were instrumental in establishing CCA. Today he serves as the director of the 400-member organization, which has members from every state in the 13-state Appalachian region as well as members from outside the area. Although Sister Jan has resigned her seat on the board, she continues to serve CCA as its bookkeeper.

Sister Jan attended her first CCA meeting in 1995, shortly after entering the Mount Tabor Benedictines in Floyd County, Ky. She attended with other members of her community, and after that first meeting, she knew “CCA was something I could believe in.”

Sister Jan’s dedication to CCA and the justice issues the group embraces has continued since she first came to Eastern Kentucky from her home in Minnesota. Her membership in CCA introduced her to Father John and other Glenmarians and launched her partnership in Glenmary’s mission.

Sister Jan has found that her family and friends in Minnesota take a keen interest in the issues promoted by CCA. For example, opposition to surface mining, specifically mountaintop removal, is high on the list of issues addressed by CCA. Because of her involvement with that key issue, Sister Jan’s family has learned of the negative impact that the practice has on the environment.

Sister Jan believes that the work of CCA, specifically the tours that Father John conducts in the region, brings awareness of environmental issues to the public. Just inviting people to see surface mining sites brings attention to the devastation this type of mining causes to the environment and to people’s lives.

justice worker: Sister Jan Barthel with Glenmary Father Les Schmidt. Sister Jan describes CCA as “something I can believe in.”

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final words / from our readers

Reflecting on art, last Mass, trip thank you for picture

in the summer issue of Glenmary Challenge magazine, I was so amazed at the beautiful picture of the swan by such an inspired artist, M.B. Mayfield.

Thank you for putting that in the magazine.

Pauline Meisenhelder Cincinnati, Ohio

photo / vonda Keon

Readers share thoughts inspired by artwork and firsthand mission experiences

last mass in okolona

i had the opportunity to attend the last Mass at St. Theresa in Okolona, Miss., on June 8 as it was officially transitioned into an oratory.

Bishop [Joseph] Latino [bishop of the Diocese of Jackson] was the celebrant and did a fine job recognizing all who had been part of the former Glenmary mission’s history.

One person he singled out was Ruth Agnes Crosthwait. He recalled her being in the church as a young child with her family [over 50 years ago].

Sister Nancy Dawson, now president of the Dubuque Franciscans, was also there.

Sister Nancy ‘The visits to the spent many years of serbeautiful little churches with their vice in Okolona and worked incredible artwork diligently with will be remembered S i s t e r L i z Brown to esfor a long time.’ tablish the Excel Center.

At the end of Mass, Ruth Agnes shared a few memories of her early days in Okolona before she moved to Houston, Miss.

Sister Mary Jean Morris Joliet, Ill. 18

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okolona oratory: Ruth Agnes Crosthwait was one of the many who attended the last Mass at St. Theresa mission as it was transitioned into an oratory—a place of prayer. The former Glenmary mission is now in the pastoral care of the Diocese of Jackson.

wonderful experiences

[the mission trip] to Kentucky was such a memorable time for me. This was my first motor coach trip and it was not only very enjoyable but will be remembered warmly.

The visits to the beautiful little churches with their incredible artwork will be remembered for a long time. To learn about the Glenmary Farm and how it works was an eye-opener as to how others live and how good help can be given.

I also attended the Final Oath Mass [in May] and what a beautiful service it was. Each talk, the music, the recitation of the Oath, all spoke a great deal to me. This was the first time I had the opportunity to attend the taking of Final Oath and I

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appreciated the solemn occasion it was.

Patricia Gagnon Hamilton, Ohio editor’s note: Ms. Gagnon was one of 26 participants on a twoday trip to Eastern Kentucky to visit Glenmary’s missions and outreach programs. Susan Lambert leads this mission trip each spring. Anyone interested in attending next year should contact Susan at 513-881-7441 or slambert@glenmary.org.

Readers’ Views welcome! Send comments to: Editor, Glenmary Challenge, P.O. Box 465618, Cincinnati, OH 45246. Fax: 513-8741690 or e-mail. Please include a postal address.

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O n line Co nte nts

What’s new Missions Response a Constant After Disasters

In the last year, Glenmary missioners and coworkers have partnered with local Catholic Charities agencies to respond to natural disasters in rural areas where economic resources are limited. search: catholic charities

Disaster response

Departments Adopt-a-Missioner

An Arkansas mission member says ‘I can’t go and be a missioner, but this is a way I can help.’ search: adopt-a-missioner

Vocations

View video and a slide show of the diaconate ordination of Cris Adongo and Aaron Wessman in Kenya. search: diaconate

Diaconate video

Department of Pastoral Ministers/Services

Responding to evangelization, spiritual development and parish leadership needs. search: go-to resource

Ways to Give

Become a ‘BAMer.’ Boost-a-Month Club members help keep mission doors open with monthly gifts. search: bam

Go-to resource

Feature Story Volunteer Experience Makes Impact

Jim Kerns never forgot a summer he spent at a Glenmary mission in Georgia. As a result, he and his wife eventually chose to support Glenmary as their primary charity. search: kerns

Committed donors

Father Charlie Hughes on the radio

Father Charlie was featured on American Catholic Radio on May 2. He talks about his past ministry and how his hearing impairment affected that ministry. search: father charlie Catholic Press Association honors magazine, writers

Check out the winning writings of Father John Rausch/ Brother David Henley and Father George Mathis. They won awards at the annual convention of the Catholic Press Association in June. search: catholic press w w w. g l e n m a r y. o r g

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Father Charlie

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NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION U.S. Postage PAID Glenmary Home Missioners

photo / brother david henley

Glenmary G l i m p s e / Newly ordained

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rispine Adongo, left, and Aaron Wessman were ordained transitional deacons at a liturgy celebrated in Crispine’s hometown of Ulanda, Kenya, on June 25. For the first time since Crispine began formation with Glenmary, his family was able to attend and take part in a ceremony marking a milestone in his vocation journey. Aaron’s mother and brother traveled to Kenya for the ordination, as did Brother David Henley, Glenmary’s vocation director, and Father Vic Subb, a member of Glenmary’s formation team. Above, the men are pictured with their mothers, Roxanne Wessman, left, and Esther Ogwan’g Adongo.

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Catholic Missioners to Rural America

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