Glenmary Challenge Spring 2016

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

Spring 2016

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Mission Placements

Accomplished!

Glenmary students gain valuable field experience

The Journeys of Two Missions Part 2

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

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

Glenmary is known for deeply Howard Bishop respecting the many cultures Glenmary Founder encountered in the home missions—Appalachian, Native American, African American and Latino among others. Its missionary activity includes building Catholic communities, fostering ecumenical cooperation, evangelizing the unchurched, social outreach and working for justice.

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

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

Publisher: Father Chet Artysiewicz Editor: Chris Gramke Assistant Editor: Dale Hanson Art Director: Tricia Sarvak Staff Writers: Margaret Gabriel, Father John S. Rausch Planning-Review Board: Father Gus Guppenberger, Brother David Henley, Brother Curt Kedley, Father Neil Pezzulo, Father John S. Rausch, Susan Sweet, Father Don Tranel

Glenmary Home Missioners P.O. Box 465618 • Cincinnati, OH 45246-5618 513-874-8900 • 800-935-0975 www.glenmary.org • info@glenmary.org © 2016, Glenmary Home Missioners. Reprint permission granted upon request.

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Celebrating the Year of Mercy FROM THE EDITOR / Chris Gramke

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ope Francis has declared this a year of mercy and reconciliation for Catholics around the world. How fitting that this Challenge issue comes out during Lent, a time of reflection when Catholics around the world repent and prepare for the Resurrection of our Lord at Easter.

Pope Francis invites us all to join in during this Year of Mercy, but what exactly does mercy in our daily life mean? It’s not just about forgiveness; it’s about giving a second chance and loving mercifully when things are difficult. In this age of instant information, we are inundated with stories of events that shake the moral fiber of our communities, our nation and even our world. Frequently, we find ourselves at a loss on how to deal with them.

Mercy starts with family, friends and coworkers and extends to those living in our larger communities and beyond. Glenmarians in the field try to live this way every day, reaching out in love and mercy to the spiritually and materially poor in rural areas and small towns of our country.

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like to think that Pope Francis had our ministry here at Glenmary in mind when he declared this the Year of Mercy, but I know it was just a coincidence….albeit Chris Gramke a happy one for us! cgramke@glenmary.org This issue’s cover story (page 9) is about Glenmary’s students in action during their short-term mission placements, which help them learn the culture of Glenmary mission areas and how to minister to the people there, as they touch the lives of the county residents and prepare for their life’s work.

The feature story (page 15)—the second part of the “Journeys of Two Missions” begun in the Winter 2015 edition—profiles the Celina, Tenn., mission and the great things happening there.

Have a blessed Easter!  ABOUT THE COVER: During his recent mission placement at the Maynardville, Tenn., mission, Glenmary student Charles Aketch (right)—along with pastor Father Steve Pawelk—encourages parishioner Tavish Curry as he practices on his trumpet in preparation for Christmas Mass. w w w. g l e n m a r y. o r g

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

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Vo l u m e 7 9 / N u m b e r 1

Cover Story

9 photo / JEANIE CURRY

Student Mission Placements Accomplished!

Glenmary students spend a great deal of time in the classroom, but there are no substitutes for the experience and understanding they gain by ministering in Glenmary mission areas.

Feature Story

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The Journeys of Two Missions (Part 2)

The second part of a two-part story featuring Tennessee missions, this article profiles the Celina parish—a small congregation of Catholics who live out their faith.

Mission story, Page 15

Departments & columns

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From the President / Father Chet Artysiewicz

In proclaiming the Year of Mercy, Pope Francis said mercy is the bridge that connects us all to God.

Glenmary News & Notes

Volunteer alumni mission week; Easter cards; racetrack ministry; mission and missioner news.

Volunteers, Page 5

Workshops Help Prepare for Death, Dying

A lay coworker’s “Five Wishes” workshops help people talk about death and write down their personal wishes.

Partner in Mission

Two generations of this family have supported Glenmary; mission trips have reinforced their commitment. “Five Wishes,” Page 8

Final Words /

from our readers

Readers praise Glenmary’s statement on racism and share stories of favorite Glenmarians.

www.glenmary.org

Find more stories and connect with Glenmary’s home mission ministry via the Web site today!

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from the president / Father Chet Artysiewicz

Receiving and bestowing mercy In papal ‘Year of Mercy,’ the challenge is still to forgive, show mercy to others

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hile the names of the individuals escape me, I can recall vividly the verbal exchange I read. A man had committed a significant breach of military conduct.

His mother pleaded to a general, “Please have mercy on my son.” To which the officer replied, “He doesn’t deserve mercy.” The mother responded: “Of course he doesn’t; if he deserved it, it wouldn’t be mercy.”

I suppose we could debate the depth of a person’s contrition related to “degrees of deservingness.” But the mother provided a great insight: mercy is not something that is earned or bartered for something in exchange. If you will, it is a “lopsided deal”—at least on the surface.

(There IS the Sermon on the Mount passage that says those who show mercy will receive mercy.)

We are in the midst of the period Pope Francis has designated as the “Year of Mercy.” In his proclamation of the year, he described mercy as “the bridge that connects God and us.” He has also reminded us that there are two aspects to mercy: receiving it and bestowing it. What wonderful news the former represents; what a challenge the latter poses.

The first example of mercy that came to mind was the one so basic as to almost be overlooked in the conversation: the sacrament of Reconciliation. As priests, we have the privilege of being proclaimers of God’s mercy as we minister to people through this sacrament. Interestingly, although I am currently serving in Glenmary’s administration, I probably hear more confessions now than when I was assigned to mission parishes, because I assist at many penance services in our area.

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dare say every priest will tell you that some of the most moving experiences of his priesthood have come as he announced the gift of God’s mercy to a penitent. It is truly humbling and enriching to be part of lifting a burden off someone’s heart and witnessing the joy in the person’s voice and eyes as he or she hears, “Go in peace. Your sins are forgiven.” God uses human instruments to preach, baptize, marry, bury, and also proclaim his mercy.

But let’s not forget the other side of the coin: 4

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if we have received mercy (and we have!), should we not in turn extend that gift to others? Jesus’ parable about the servant who was forgiven a huge amount, then throttled a fellow servant who owed him a pittance, reveals God’s attitude toward those who want to be only on the receiving end. Who in your life is that person who needs your mercy? A family member? A coworker? “They were absolutely wrong! They’re not worthy* of my mercy.” (*See above.)

The pope has stated that our traditional “Corporal Works of Mercy” constitute an excellent practice of mercy. And let’s not forget, the lack of forgiveness we bear takes a toll on us, doesn’t it?

From an emotional standpoint, Father Chet extending mercy removes that Artysiewicz burden; it’s freeing for us. cartysiewicz@glenmary.org

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s I put the finishing touches on this column, images of several funerals I have recently attended are fresh in my mind. As a concelebrant, I was afforded vantage points from which I could scan the congregations. The expressions from face to face communicated palpable pain.

And yet, as the funeral liturgies proclaimed repeatedly, there is hope for God’s people; there is Easter joy, the profound joy by which “every tear will be wiped away.”

I believe that is an expression of God’s mercy—the concern of a compassionate God who is well acquainted with tears in a time of loss.

Jesus must have cared deeply for his friend Lazarus. For a merciful God, the Resurrection is the ultimate gift of mercy; the promise of life overcomes the sorrow of death.

To be sure, mercy is something that can be applied by businesses, corporations and even nations—not just individuals. But it is wise to start with ourselves. An epidemic of personal mercy will go a long way toward healing an ailing world. “Blessed are the merciful….” Have a profound celebration of the Lord’s Resurrection!

Thank you again for your prayers and other forms of support for our mission effort.  w w w. g l e n m a r y. o r g

Glenmary

Volunteer Alumni Week at Toppa Joppa

news &notes photoS / Jodi Mott

Volunteers

Special event provides opportunity to serve, brings back experiences [tennessee] During the week of Feb. 7, a different sort of group participated in a short-term mission immersion experience at Glenmary’s new volunteer program site at Joppa Mountain in Rutledge, Tenn. Rather than the high school and college groups who typically spend a week in service to those in need in Appalachia, this group consisted of older adults.

The invitation to this Volunteer Alumni Mission Week was extended

by Eddie Biehn, a Glenmary Farm volunteer from 1982 to 1984, who became inspired to reengage with Glenmary after attending Father Jerry Dorn’s funeral and the closing of the Glenmary Farm site in Vanceburg, Ky., in November 2014.

Eddie traveled to Rutledge in December 2015 to see the new Tennessee site and came away impressed. He said that the current long-term Mountain managers—Mark, Mia and Matthew—told him the new location w w w. g l e n m a r y. o r g

mission service: A Mountain manager and a volunteer alumnus combine efforts to repair the floor in the trailer home of a Rutledge, Tenn., resident.

is “not the same as the Farm, but it rhymes with the Farm,” and he agrees.

Joe Grosek, Glenmary’s volunteer program director, said that “there is always plenty of work to be done in Grainger and Union counties,” and he is thrilled that Glenmary Farm alumni are interested in reconnecting with Glenmary in this unique way.

These first Volunteer Alumni Mission Week participants served the Rutledge community by packing food commodities; distributing hats, blankets and scarves (it dipped down to 18 degrees during the week); preparing and distributing 50 boxes of food for farmworkers who have

little opportunity for work during the winter; doing repair work on a trailer home with no electricity and no water; and more.

Participants were also welcomed with warm

hospitality at two of Glenmary’s area mission parishes: they attended a Mardi Gras celebration at Blessed Teresa of Calcutta mission in Maynardville, and Ash Wednesday Mass at St. John Paul II mission in Rutledge.

Enthusiasm for future volunteer alumni mission trips is evident, and the next one is already scheduled for fall of 2016. Eddie Biehn and Glenmary are happy to extend the invitation to all Glenmary Farm alumni who served in Vanceburg (Lewis County), Ky. On behalf of Glenmary, mission education coordinator Jodi Mott says, “Please consider joining this group. We’d love to see you again!”

Contact her at jmott@ glenmary.org if you wish to join in the next Volunteer Alumni Mission Week, scheduled to take place Oct. 27-30, 2016.

Volunteer gathering: Some of the volunteers

who worked together to serve people in need in Rutledge, Tenn., the week of Feb. 7 were (from left): Dave Mott; Jodi Mott; Mountain managers Matthew Bayens, Mia Gleber, Mark Dumond; and Kirk Woita.

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news & notes

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Donor Services

Order your Easter cards today!

Send greetings to family, friends using one-of-a-kind cards free upon request, although a donation of $5 will help cover printing and mailing costs.

“We’re happy to make these beautiful cards available to all those who want to share with their families and friends the joy and blessings of new life at Easter,” said Father Don Tranel, Glenmary’s development director.

[ohio] As the Easter season approaches, Glenmary is once again making available one of its most requested Easter greeting cards, which features an original work by California artist Jennifer Smith Greene.

Those who receive the cards will be remembered in Glenmary’s annual Easter novena.

Cards, in packs of five, are

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

Are you looking for an easy way to help the causes you care the most about?

Congress has made the IRA charitable rollover permanent. If you are 70 1/2 or older, you can make a gift from your IRA account to help support the work of Glenmary Home Missioners.

The IRA Charitable Rollover is

PeRmAnenT!

Gifts made from your IRA (up to $100,000) • Are not reportable as taxable income.

• Qualify for your required minimum distribution (RMD) which can lower your income and taxes.

For more information, 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  Loaves and Fishes Food Pantry in Aberdeen, Miss., was named MidSouth Food Banks 2015 Food Pantry of the Year. The food pantry was started

by Glenmary Brother Terry O’Rourke in 1996 as the St. Francis Food Pantry.

Brother Terry, now a senior member, was in charge of this pantry until 2010.  Glenmary has added some new pages to its Web site, centering on environmental issues and challenges that are topics of discussion throughout the world. The pages are entitled “Care of Creation” and can be found on the Web site under the Resources tab or by visiting www.glenmary.org/careofcreation.  Following a sabbatical, Brother Dennis Craig returned to the Cincinnati residence in mid-January to begin the next phase of his life as a senior member. His most recent assignments were as director of senior members and Cincinnati-residence co-guest master.  Lorraine Vancamp, director of the Department of Pastoral Ministers and Pastoral Services, reports that catechist training and Scripture study classes are going well at the missions in Lafayette, Maynardville and Rutledge, Tenn., as well as Blakely, Ga. A small part of each Scripture class is used to explore a brief section of Pope Francis’ letter concerning the Year of Mercy.  After 41 years of service to Glenmary Home Missioners, Sandy Wissel has retired as treasurer/director of finance. A luncheon was held in her honor in early January at Cincinnati Headquarters. Before her departure, Sandy helped her successor, Michael Schneider, make the transition into his new position. Michael assumed the role of treasurer/director of finance Dec. 14, 2015. Prior to his arrival at Glenmary, he gained extensive related experience in the field, including service as a finance director and a chief financial officer for nonprofit organizations.

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O u t r e ac h M i n i st r y

Glenmarians meet mission needs at local racetracks Missioners at Cincinnati Headquarters feel called to reach out to larger community

Photo / danielle golden, coady phoTography

[ohio/kentucky] Mission can be defined in dif- urgies because he’s drawn to the community’s spirit.

Besides celebrating Sunday Masses at Turfway ferent ways. For instance, Glenmary Fathers Chet Artysiewicz and Don Tranel gladly minister in two and Belterra, Father Niehaus and Backstretch places that aren’t far from Glenmary Headquarters Works of Mercy also helped meet workers’ matein Cincinnati, but in other ways are in a different rial needs, giving them clothing and food.

And today’s Backstretch group—managed by world. They are horse-racing tracks—Belterra Park Steve and made up of longtime participants as in Cincinnati and Turfway Park in Florence, Ky. “The tracks have a real feel of mission,” said well as new people he has recruited—continues Father Chet. Father Don added, “I really look for- these efforts. Another highlight has been the annual Christmas party for hot-walkers, exercise ward to being with the people who work there.”

The priests see the importance of bringing the riders and stall workers—up to 200 individuals Church to any place where there’s a need. They who toil long hours for low wages.

“The spirit at the are currently serving racetracks can be traced full-time as Glenmary’s largely to Father Niepresident and develophaus’ work,” Steve said. ment director. But they While some workstill feel called to reach ers live there, the faith out to others in spiricommunities also intual or material need. clude horse owners, The racetrack optrainers, public-address portunity began with a announcers, ushers, question from Bishop ticket-takers, veterinarJoseph Binzer, auxiliaians, and others who ry bishop of the Archknew Father Niehaus. diocese of Cincinnati.

Because of their He told them that work, it would be difFather Frank Niehaus, racetrack liturgy: Father Don Tranel celficult if not impossible a deceased archdiocebrates Mass at Belterra Park in Cincinnati. for many of them to atesan priest, had been a tend weekend liturgies great lover of horse racing and people connected with that sport. And he and receive sacraments—if not for Father Chet had launched a ministry to area racetracks after and Father Don’s efforts.

Glenmary senior member Father Bob Hare retiring—a ministry that flourished from the late and other area priests have also been valuable 1990s until his death in 2013.

When the bishop asked if they could help con- contributors as substitutes when needed.

Father Don said those who attend see their actinue this ministry by celebrating Mass at the tracks, the two Glenmarians said they would do cess to Mass and the sacraments as a privilege.

“They have a real sense of family. I like being able as much as their schedules allowed.

Cincinnati native Steve Hater, Jerry “The Rus- to keep a foot in pastoral ministry, so I’m very sian” Antoniuk and others worked with Father glad to be part of it.” They often share coffee and Niehaus in his ministry, which the priest called doughnuts afterwards, too, which contributes to “Backstretch Works of Mercy.” When Steve was a the sense of belonging.

Steve recalled that Father Niehaus “did what child, he was a member of Father Niehaus’ parish. He said his family became friends with their Jesus asked all of us to do.” And he’s grateful to pastor because of his dynamic outreach to others. Father Chet and Father Don—as well as Father So when the priest decided to reach out to race- Bob and the other area priests—for helping that track people, Steve was happy to help. He’s also a ministry continue.

“God sent them when we needed them,” said Steve. former racehorse owner who attends weekend litw w w. g l e n m a r y. o r g

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Pastoral ministry / by Liz Dudas

Helping prepare for death, dying ‘Five Wishes’ workshops help people talk about death, write down personal wishes (Editor’s Note: Liz Dudas is the consultant for ministry development in Glenmary’s Department of Pastoral Ministers and Pastoral Services.)

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have found that older people want and need to talk about death. So for the last two years, I’ve been offering “Five Wishes” workshops— for Glenmary mission members and other mission-county residents—as a way to begin this conversation with their families and friends.

Five Wishes is a document written in everyday language that completes and complements state-approved advance health care directives.

It helps people express their wishes regarding areas that matter most—the personal and spiritual—in addition to the medical and legal.

Our local Public Broadcasting Service (PBS) station has produced a documentary series entitled Aging Matters that includes Five Wishes as a topic. The series was designed to open a community-based conversation about what older citizens need to do to optimize their quality of life, and what the community needs to do to prepare for the rapidly increasing number of older citizens and the care they will require.

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ive Wishes was created by Dr. Tom Neal, who volunteered with Mother (now Blessed) Teresa of Calcutta and her reli-

gious sisters in the United States and Mexico.

Seeing how they cared about the comfort and human dignity of the dying, he saw the importance of people’s planning for serious illness and death. He designed Five Wishes as a tool to use for a dignified approach to life’s end.

A hospice chaplain once commented that people need to say five things before they die: (1) “Please forgive me”; (2) “I forgive you”; (3) “Thank you”; (4) “I love you”; (5) “Good-bye.”

Five Wishes offers a way to accomplish this goal.

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hen using Five Wishes, the individual indicates: (1) the person I want to make medical care decisions for me when I can’t, (2) the kind of medical treatment I want or don’t want, (3) how comfortable I want to be, (4) how I want people to treat me, and (5) what I want my loved ones to know.

In leading Five Wishes mission workshops, I go through each wish and talk about the various preferences. And participants can share their experiences and explain their choices.

Another topic that always comes up is their desire to plan their own wake and funeral services. Such thoughtful planning helps individuals to apply their own beliefs and values and to experience death as an event of faith lived till the end with dignity and grace.

We promote Five Wishes in mission workshops as a way to support people during serious illness. There is even a Five Wishes document for seriously ill children.

W “Five Wishes” Programs: Glenmary lay coworker Liz Dudas has been offering these workshops for two years in Glenmary mission areas.

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hen health care wishes are clearly stated in writing, there is no secondguessing. Guilt feelings and family disagreements can be avoided. Five Wishes is a GIFT to spouses, families, friends and doctors.

Five Wishes meets legal requirements in 42 states. It’s used in the other eight states by attaching the completed Five Wishes document to state forms.

The most typical comment from our participants is, “This was wonderful! Although we don’t want to talk about death and dying, Five Wishes surely makes it easier to start.” 

for additional information: Visit the Web site www.agingwithdignity.org. w w w. g l e n m a r y. o r g

photo / pete richardson

cover story

Students in action: During a mission placement at the Lafayette, Tenn., mission, Glenmary student Richard Toboso (left) works with the parish’s young adults and youth group members to pack boxes of food for distribution to county residents in need at Christmastime.

Mission Placements Accomplished!

Glenmary students in formation gain valuable ministry experience and afffiirm their vocations, while serving others in home mission areas

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lenmary students travel many roads on their journeys to becoming fully professed missioners.

These students attend classes, complete their academic work, and meet regularly with mentors and directors along the way to becoming Glenmary priests and brothers.

But perhaps the greatest lessons they learn—and the greatest incentives they have to continue their efforts—come not from knowledge obtained in the classroom, but from their w w w. g l e n m a r y. o r g

by Chris Gramke actual experiences in the field, when they spend time at various Glenmary missions in Appalachia and the South.

These experiences are called mission placements, according to Glenmary formation director Father Dan Dorsey, and there are no substitutes for what the students learn during the temporary assignments.

“The more mission experience students can get, the better,” said Father Dan. “It gives them the real flavor of what is yet to come.”

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Missioner: Working With Veteran Glenmarians ‘Priceless’ Brother Jason Muhlenkamp can attest to Father Dan’s statement.

He professed his Final Oath in 2015 and is serving in his first full-time assignment in two Georgia mission counties. When Brother Jason was a student in formation, he found the mission placements an invaluable learning opportunity on his path to becoming a missioner. According to him, the chance to work alongside veteran priests,  

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witnessing to vocation: Avelardo Mercado Chavez—an-

other Glenmary student on a Lafayette, Tenn., mission placement—traveled to Alabama to speak to a six-parish retreat group about responding to his own religious vocation call.

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the missions was “priceless.”

He said “I found the mission placements energized me to complete my school studies and helped instill in me a missionary zeal. They amplified the importance of ministry, presence and relationships. They let me put my hands in the dirt literally and figuratively. People in the counties became an integral part of my formation and affirmed and kindled my call to serve in the home missions.” (See page-12 sidebar.)

Students in these placements participate in a variety of ministries—for example, working with and teaching mission youth; visiting and administering Communion to homebound people in their residences and those in nursing homes and hospitals; ministering to inmates in prisons; doing repair and maintenance work at the missions or around the counties; and spreading the Good News to all they encounter.

These and other hands-on experiences reaffirm their com10

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mitment to the goal of becoming Glenmary missioners.

Student: Experiences ‘Fuel Us in Our Formation’ Jose Carlos Miguel Lopez reentered the Glenmary formation program in 2014. He is studying to become a priest, and he has already been on several mission placements.

His most recent was during the 2015 Christmas season, when he spent time working at Holy Family mission in Lafayette, Tenn. It resulted in his most touching experience to date as a student.

“One of my best experiences there happened when I worked with the mission youth group,” Jose Carlos explained.

“I accompanied them to a local nursing home to sing Christmas carols to the elderly residents. Afterwards, we stayed and visited with the people and

photo / father vic subb

photo / courtesy holy family mission

‘Being in the mission field gives students a chance to put into practice what they have been studying....’

Vocation Director: Placements Likely the Key Part of Formation A critical aspect of Brother David Henley’s job as Glenmary vocation director is to recruit men who have been called to a religious vocation and are considering joining Glenmary as priests and brothers.

Right now, Glenmary has 12 men at various stages of formation, with more to come. He feels that their mission experiences are probably the most important part of the formation process. “Being in the mission field gives all our students a chance to put into practice what they have been studying in school,” said Brother David.

“They are not only learning but are helping serve the people of God. They learn from the priests and brothers and get to experience these men’s simple living and dedicated service to people in mission areas.” 

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visiting the sick in nursing homes: Still another student in

Lafayette, Tenn., for a mission placement, Jose Carlos Miguel Lopez (rear) visits with a parishioner during his stay at a local nursing care/rehabilitation facility. w w w. g l e n m a r y. o r g

photo / carmen santos

swallow. However, I talked and prayed with them.

“I especially remember a patient I’ll call Anna. She could not talk and was very weak.

She was always glad to see me.

I would read the Gospel of the day to her and say a prayer. Her family lived far away, so she had very few visits. I know my visits brought joy to her on those days.

“These experiences of visiting the sick and elderly were very humbling. They made me realize how much need there is for missioners, especially Catholic ones. People in many U.S. rural areas are lacking the presence of priests and brothers because there are not enough of us. That’s what keeps me going, knowing that I can help these communities.”

Mission Member: Students Have ‘Profound Impact’ Maria Taylor, a parishioner at St. John Paul II mission in Rutledge, Tenn., points out the profound VIsiting the sick and HOMEBOUND: Glenmary students impact Glenmary students can Jose Carlos and Avelardo (kneeling—far left and right), Father Vic Subb (standing, second from right), and young Lafayette mis- have on mission members. Parishioners get attached to these sion members visit with a fellow parishioner (in wheelchair, with mother behind) who had been seriously injured in a car accident. students and also recognize the immediate benefit to their faith communities. then gave them hugs as we left. courage to continue my studies Maria has seen several stuOne of the residents told me so I can help them.” dents come and go during her six that the last time he received a years in the parish. She is glad hug from anyone was 20 years Student: ‘I Know Now when they are present to help ago. That is something I will I Can Help’ the pastor, Father Steve Pawelk. never forget.”

The names may change, but one Jose Carlos’ experiences in Daniel Ochoa, who is also pur- thing remains the same in her the missions have helped rein- suing priesthood, agreed with eyes: their enthusiasm and eaforce his choice to continue his Jose Carlos’ opinion that first- gerness to serve. formation and become a Glen- hand mission experiences help “That is the best thing about mary priest. confirm the desire to become a having them as part of our mis“One thing that makes me Glenmary missioner. sion,” Maria said. “They are so want to be a missioner is seeing “An experience that stood out eager to get involved and bethose people in small towns who for me was taking Communion come part of the community. would be neglected if it weren’t to an elderly lady who lived a few They share their love for what for Glenmary,” he remarked. miles away from the Blakely, Ga., they do with us, along with shar“Being at the missions fuels us mission,” said Daniel, who has ing their cultures. in our formation, because we been in formation since 2014. “I “The exchange of cultures forget about school for a while also visited tracheostomy-ward between the mission members and get to spend time with and patients in the hospital. I did and students is a great educahave an impact on the mission- not take Communion to them tional experience, especially for area residents. That gives me the because most of them could not our children.” Maria and her 

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Reflections on My Mission Experiences As a Student

by Brother Jason Muhlenkamp

I learned many lessons as a student in the missions.

I learned from many things I witnessed and from my conversations with Brothers Curt Kedley, Jack Henn and Virgil Siefker. My time in Windsor, N.C., taught me the importance of ministry of presence. Enjoying sunshine therapy with a nursing home resident, tossing a football with a child after a tornado, playing cards at the adult day care, praying and sharing with residents of the Bertie Correctional Institute, and visiting people in their homes—these are some of my memories of mission experiences as a student.

The importance of being with people was really ingrained in me, but there was also plenty of doing. I remember packing many food boxes, cleaning up after a flood and a tornado, helping people move, delivering meals, and more. I wanted to be efficient at these tasks, but I also kept in the back of my mind the words of Glenmary’s own Father Jerry Dorn: “We need to waste more time with people.” Ministry of presence brought me great joy and peace, affirming my vocation as a Glenmary brother.

It is a privilege to walk with people through their struggles and joys, especially those who are often marginalized.

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Formation Director: Students Learn Each Place Is Unique According to Father Dan, all the students attest to the fact that there are many benefits to working in the missions. In addition to learning the need to become “self-starters” while in the field, he said that all the students eventually figure out that each place they work is different and unique—and that what works in one mission area may not necessarily be applicable to another.

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gives every student an extra “assignment” to complete for each mission placement. It’s called “10 Questions With 10 People.”

The student’s job is to meet and talk with 10 mission-area residents from different segments of society—over a six-month period—about the mission county

where they work and live.

The 10 residents include people such as a law-enforcement professional, a funeral director, a real-estate agent, possibly a pastor from another denomination, and others. Only one person on each list is Catholic; the point of the exercise is for

FEEDING THE HUNGRY: At Christmastime, Glenmary students Jose Carlos and Richard (rear) go with Lafayette-mission youth group members to deliver boxes of food to—and visit with—grateful local residents. photo / pete richardson

family got to know student Charles Aketch so well during his time in Rutledge that her mother, Marina, refers to Charles as her “13th child.”

Maria remarked that “my family really took to Charles.

He has such passion for what he does. He showed us so much love, and you could see that he just loves people. He is very good about staying in touch with us, whether through cards or phone calls. He has that special gift of opening his heart to everyone.”

Brother Jason Muhlenkamp

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Student: ‘I Learn People’s Cultures, How to Evangelize’ Glenmary student Richard Toboso, who began Glenmary formation in 2013, echoed these sentiments. He finds that talking with county residents is the best way to learn about a mission county and to get to know firsthand the various cultures you have to understand—and the people with whom you have to communicate—in that area.

“Mission placements help us learn the people’s cultures, especially for those of us who grew up in a very different culture,” Richard said. “My mission placements give me a chance to socialize with various people in the missions and counties.

“For example, my placement at Lafayette and Celina, Tenn., gave me the opportunity to learn how to evangelize to both Catholics and non-Catholics by being present at various activities held at the missions and throughout the counties. That was a great learning experience for me as a student missioner.”

Missioner: ‘I Learned Importance of Being Versus Doing’ Brother Craig Digmann—who professed his Final Oath in 2011 and has been serving in his first mission assignment in Maynardville and Rutledge, Tenn., since then—went on three mission placements as a student during his formation years. He said the placements were “crucial” in helping him become the missionw w w. g l e n m a r y. o r g

er that he is today.

“One of the greatest things I learned from my mission placements is the importance of ‘being’ versus ‘doing’ in our mission work,” he explained.

“When I first entered formation, I was all about what I could ‘do’ to help the poor, what I could ‘do’ to help bring about God’s kingdom, what I could ‘do’ for God. I gradually learned through reflection and prayer that it was not I who was ‘doing,’ but it was God! I was simply God’s instrument that God was using to build the kingdom here on earth.”

Missioner: ‘I Learned to Await Surprising Presence of Grace’

photo / pete richardson

the student to learn about the county in which he’s working.

“I’ve always found that funeral directors and real-estate brokers know the most about the area,” said Father Dan. “They know the people because they interact with them; they know about the community’s problems and relationships. They see it all and are valuable resources for the student.”

HELPING PROVIDE SHELTER: While on a mission

placement, Glenmary student Jose Carlos prepares to help install insulation in the cold home of two Lafayette mission members who needed assistance.

Father Aaron Wessman—who professed his Final Oath in 2011 and was ordained in 2012—recalled from his student days that one of his first mission-placement experiences was ministering to prisoners in a local jail.

At first he found the experience intimidating and a little frightening. “It’s a place society wants to avoid,” he said. But as in many missionary encounters, he remembered that grace is often waiting in the most unexpected places.

“I found in the prisoners faith that inspired me, hope that challenged me, and trust that invited me to question my disposition toward life and others. In short, I learned to always await the sur-

prising presence of grace, and to never presume that God is not already working in places that missioners will only later encounter.”

Vocation Director: ‘Specialized Training’ Is Still Needed According to Brother David Henley: “Father Bishop, our founder, insisted that our students needed to have ‘specialized training’ to be missioners in Mission Land, USA, and I think the bulk of that training comes from shadowing our missioners in the field while we are students.

“It’s there that students can see and learn how missioners use their gifts in their ministry and how the students can do the same.” 

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Partner in mission / by Dale Hanson

From legacy to major commitment Family’s support of Glenmary has spanned generations; mission trips reinforced belief mission members were wonderful people. We also saw the poverty in these areas.”

She went on most trips with fellow members of the Guild, which finally dissolved in 2003— just three years before her mother’s death.

The 2007 group trip Carolyn and George took to the Vanceburg, Ky., mission made a strong impression on them. “We worked as volunteers for an ecumenical effort called Project Merry Christmas, where people in need could choose donated, age-appropriate gifts for children and adults,” she said. “It gave us another close-up look at some of Glenmary’s work.” The couple also hope to go on a mission trip in 2016.

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he said they support Glenmary financially and prayerfully as major donors, because they believe in the society’s mission and because “it’s what we can do. We don’t have the calling to be missionaries ourselves, but we can help make sure Glenmary’s important work continues.” And in 2011, when the McMahons were revising their will, “We never thought of not including Glenmary.”

In retirement, Carolyn and George—now grandparents of three and great-grandparents of two—are both very active community volunteers. They also keep up with Glenmary ministries by reading the group’s publications.

“We’re very glad we can carry on our family’s fter Carolyn graduated, she married support of Glenmary,” added Carolyn.  George, began raising their two children in their native Cincinnati, and later pursued her teaching career. And George worked as an accountant and business manager.

“When I retired from teaching in 1996, I talked to my mother and decided volunteering with the Guild was a good way to go.” What’s more, Carolyn and George began making regular donations. And after about two years, Carolyn became the Guild’s corresponding secretary and got even more involved in fundraising projects.

Through the years, she went on several mission trips that strengthened her belief in the importance of Glenmary’s work. “I think every donor or prospective donor would benefit from going on one or more of these trips. They were real eye-openers. The dedication of the priests, George and Carolyn McMahon brothers and coworkers was obvious. And the

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phoTo / courtesy George and carolyn mcmahon

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ver the years, Carolyn and George McMahon’s support of Glenmary has been both a family legacy and a personal commitment. As far back as Carolyn’s 1950s college days, she remembers her mother’s work with the Glenmary Guild, a group of women who supported Glenmary’s mission and ministry.

While in college, Carolyn herself helped Glenmary, too. And after retirement, she joined her mother in the Guild, while Carolyn and her husband George—now 79 and 81—became dedicated Glenmary donors as well as planned givers through their will.

“Mother and other Guild members used to make quilts and also sew and mend a lot of items,” said Carolyn. Those items included vestments, altar cloths, layette sets for infants, and more.

“My mother was especially talented at quilting, and those quilts were raffled off to raise money. She had this gift and wanted to give back to God. And she helped with many other fundraising activities. She thought Glenmary was a very good cause because the missioners serve people in need in U.S. mission areas.”

As a University of Cincinnati student, Carolyn joined the Theta Phi Alpha sorority only to find out that the national group’s chief philanthropic cause was Glenmary! She wholeheartedly participated in local-chapter support efforts.

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photo / Pat roberts

feature story

faith community: Pastor Father Vic Subb gathers with some mission members outside the Divine Savior church in Celina, Tenn., following Saturday-evening Mass, one of their two weekly liturgies. He also ministers to and works alongside his outreach-minded parishioners and the county’s residents in many other ways.

The Journeys of

Two Missions

This two-part story focuses on two Tennessee missions and the missioners serving them.

Part 1, published in the Winter 2015 issue: Holy Family in Lafayette.

Part 2, this issue: Divine Savior in Celina.

Story by Dale Hanson

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mall mission, big hearts. In talking to pastor Father Vic Subb and his parishioners, that phrase seems to capture two key traits of Glenmary’s Divine Savior mission in Celina, Tenn.

Those who read the first installment of this story know that, on Sept. 1, 2012, Father Vic and Brother Larry Johnson became members of the new Glenmary team serving in Lafayette, Tenn.

(Macon County); Celina, Tenn. (Clay County); and Scottsville, Ky. (Allen County). The Scottsville mission has since been returned to the pastoral care of the Diocese of Owensboro.

Father Vic is very happy to be a mission pas-

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tor again after several years away from this role.

“Getting to know the people in the mission areas has been a real joy, “ he said. And the parishioners readily express their regard for Father Vic as well as other missioners and Glenmary students who have served them.

“There’s great mission need in both Macon and Clay counties,” he said. This issue’s story focuses on Clay County.

Fewer than 1 percent of Clay County residents are Catholic, and the Celina mission also draws members from two other counties that have no Catholic church. In addition, more than 18 percent of Clay County residents  Spring 2016

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ut their greatest need is growth. “We need to keep inviting people to join our congregation.

It helps that our members are very involved and well known in the county. They have good reputations for helping others, and they’re great witnesses to their faith. That helps break down remaining stereotypes about Catholics, too.”

In the meantime, “One major goal has been to give our parishioners more attention and help build up the parish community,” said Father Vic. “I live in Macon County, but I visit Clay County on Saturdays and Tuesdays to celebrate Mass and minister in varied ways to our mission members.” He visits and administers sacraments 16

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to homebound people and those in nursing facilities and hospitals, as well as visiting other parishioners in their homes. “I also spend time those days doing other social outreach work in the larger community.”

To help parishioners keep growing in their faith and lay leadership, Father Vic has introduced well-received programs on Bible study, Lenten preparation, and The Joy of the Gospel as well as training sessions in eucharistic ministry—with lector and greeter workshops and, hopefully, a Year of Mercy program coming soon.

Parish council meetings are held regularly, too.

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n 2014-15, the mission offered a religious education and sacramental preparation program for the children. “A Glenmary student and two parishioners helped with their instruction. It was a really good, positive situation,” Father Vic said. “In May 2015, five children received first Communion and two of them were baptized, too.”

Since then, two families with children have moved away. And because of scheduling challenges faced by the remaining two families with kids, he’s working to restart the program as a home-based one.

With Father Vic’s encouragement, the parish has also continued its potluck suppers after weekend Masses to socialize and build up the faith community. “For Mother’s Day, I fixed and brought a lasagna dinner, with the male parishioners bringing side dishes, to thank the mothers,” he said.

In the area of community outreach, the parish was doing much valuable work before Father Vic arrived—and has done even more since he came.

Parish council president Richard Accurso remarked that “the majority of us are older, retired and have a little more free time. We’re very caring and willing to give back.

Even though we’re few in number, other churches and community members know that if they need help, they can call on us.”

Both Richard and Pat Roberts also said parish- FEEDING THE HUNGRY: The ioners and many com- Divine Savior parishioner munity members love bagging oranges is one of and respect Father Vic— ten or more mission membecause of his kindness, bers who volunteer regudedication and hands-on larly—with Father Vic and approach. And they be- members of other local delieve those feelings have nominations—at the Second Harvest food distribution program in Clay County, Tenn. w w w. g l e n m a r y. o r g photo / andY telli, diocese of nashville

phoTo / courtesy divine savior mission

live below national poverty level, and over 56 percent of them have no religious affiliation.

While Holy Family in Lafayette is one of the largest Glenmary missions with 300 members, Divine Savior in Celina is among the smallest, with about 32 parishioners.

The small Celina church was built in 1985. And the MISSION’S FIRST COMMUNICANTS: congregation Father Vic poses with five children after was served by they received their first Communion at a succession the Celina mission in May 2015. Two of of missionarythem were baptized that same day. order priests who visited once a week, until the Nashville-diocese bishop invited Glenmary to assume responsibility.

“Since Father Vic came, he has made a big difference,” said longtime parishioner Pat Roberts.

About 25 Anglos (including many retirees) and seven Latinos now make up the congregation. What Father Vic said he has found at Divine Savior is a loving, close-knit group who are proud of their church, care about one another as a family, and also reach out to others in need.

“They’re few in number, but they are very active in doing outreach work—there’s a high rate of involvement,” he said.

photo / dale hanson

further enhanced local ecumenical relationships, despite the lack of a ministerial association. “He’s a wonderful person,” said Richard.

And Pat added that “by his example, Father Vic has inspired mission members to be even more active and involved.”

Along with several Protestant congregations, Divine Savior parishioners financially support and volunteer at the Second Harvest FREE-MEAL CENTER ecumenical food distriVOLUNTEERS: The Celina bution program in Clay mission member standing County. The distribution

by Father Vic volunteers with occurs four or five times fellow parishioners and other yearly and assists 250local church members at the 300 families in need each weekly Free-Meal Center— time. Ten or more misserving lunch for those in sion members—about need. Each week, Father Vic a third of the congrega(here with visiting Glenmary tion!—usually come to student Avelardo Mercado help on these days, inChavez) eats with, talks to, cluding Father Vic. and nurtures relationships Parishioners also with his fellow visitors. support and volunteer weekly at the ecumenical Grace Free-Meal Center, hosted each Tuesday by the local Methodist church. And Father Vic carries out his own ministry of presence, eating and talking with people who need a meal and a friendly ear. “I develop relationships with people by following up with them from week to week,” he said. In addition, the mission provides financial assistance to the community’s Meals on Wheels program.

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s mentioned in part 1 of this story, Brother Larry Johnson is now also Glenmary’s second vice president. He’s juggling multiple responsibilities and splitting time between the Lafayette-Celina area and Cincinnati Headquarters. “We try to support one another as fellow team members,” said Father Vic. One of Brother Larry’s current roles is to disburse money—in Clay and Macon counties—that has been donated by an anonymous priest from another diocese who admires Glenmary. “I rely on Father Vic, as well as local agencies and others, to help identify people with pressing needs for financial help,” said Brother Larry. “For instance, I’m helping fund the ecumenical outreach work of the Celina-area churches.”

Looking ahead to the Celina mission’s future, Father Vic says “we need to continue our prayers and faith formation programs, build up our parish community, do everything possible to make our mission a welcoming place, and encourage new membership. And we need to keep reaching out to the community around us as much as possible.

“It’s a great strength that our parishioners are so involved in helping other people in the county—and that they’re known as Catholics and respected for the way they’re living out their faith.

“We’ll just keep building on our strengths and our faith.”  SMALL MISSION, BIG HEARTS: Four of the Celina-

mission volunteers and Father Vic stand by the supply truck for Clay County’s Second Harvest food program.

photo / andY telli, diocese of nashville

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nd every Thanksgiving, Divine Savior parishioners work with other local denomination members to cook, pack and deliver Thanksgiving dinners for people in need— this past year, for 378 families.

At Christmas, Celina mission members support and attend an ecumenical Christmas party for local nursing-home residents that includes a free meal and gifts for everyone; have participated in an Angel Tree program by buying gifts for children in need; and this year gave a generous gift card to a local family in especially urgent need.

These are just some examples of the many ways the parishioners give back to their fellow county residents.

In addition, Divine Savior Catholics have served local civic causes in the following leader-

ship roles while earning even more respect: organizer of a major community heritage event; commissioner of the gas utility board; leaders of the local American Legion post and auxiliary; member of the organizing committee for the weekly free-meal program; and local librarian who’s a conduit for community information.

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final words / from our readers

Glenmarians thanked and remembered Readers comment on Glenmary’s courage, missioners’ service and friendship ‘Statement on Racism Impressive’

Larry Cooper Milford, Conn.

RemeMbering Missioners’ ImpacT

The “Final Words” letters section of the Winter 2015 Glenmary Challenge mentioned two priests that I used to know—Father Charlie Hughes and Father Jim Ploeger. And thinking about them reminded me of a third Glenmary priest who was a mission pastor in Kentucky and Georgia.

Father Edward Haggerty, my pastor at Glenmary’s Morehead, Ky., mission, brought me into the Church through RCIA, married me and my wife, baptized two of our three children, and became a friend for life.

I met Father Ploeger during my visits to the Newman Center in Morehead. And I met Father Charlie in Claxton, Ga., while visiting Father Haggerty there.

photo / glenmary archives

This is just a short note to let you know how impressive your statement on racism is (“The Racial Divide,” Winter 2015).

The courage that your society is showing is truly remarkable, and I wish you continued success and growth wherever your missionary group is involved.

As you probably ‘For me, your realized, your statewords serve as ment on racism reminders to and other social issues may not be question my very popular. own thoughts But for me, and opinions your words serve as reminders to from time to question my own time.’ thoughts and opinions from time to time. Glenmary serves in parts of the country that I only hear about through the news media.

So thank you for your in-

sights, which will challenge me and help me grow. Peace.

Each of them provided me with memories that emanated from the simplicity of their service to God. I remember Father Ploeger as a tall man who lovingly gave me a stepping stone, dug out of a path behind the parish house in Morehead. He gave it to me when he learned I really wanted it. He would smile if he knew that I have always treasured that stone and still have it today.

While visiting Father Haggerty in Claxton, Ga., we also went to see Father Charlie to fix his chicken coop so that a fox wouldn’t eat his chickens. As payment for my work, he gave me a small dicesized cube of wood with a different-colored tack on each side, and he showed me a sleight-ofhand trick to do with the cube. I still have that cube and show the trick to many people.

Father Haggerty passed away several years ago, but I believe he knows that I have shared my faith with others, as he did with me through the RCIA program.

Glenmary has now returned the Morehead and Claxton missions to their dioceses for continuing pastoral care.

Carl Friedman Albany, N.Y. Readers’ Views welcome! Send comments to: Editor, Glenmary Challenge, P.O. Box 465618, Cincinnati, OH 45246. Fax: 513-8741690, E-mail: challenge@glenmary.org. Please include a postal address. Comments are printed at the discretion of the editor and may be edited for clarity and space.

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

O n line Co nte nts

What’s new Glenmary Makes a Difference in Rural America

Bishop Edward Slattery of the Diocese of Tulsa reflects on the impact of Glenmary’s presence, effectiveness and simplicity in U.S. rural areas and small towns. glenmary.org/bishop-slattery

Bishop Slattery

Departments Ways to Give

Entire parishes can become partners in Glenmary’s missionary efforts through tithing. glenmary.org/tithing

Vocations

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

Mission maps

Resources

Compare your county to those identified by Glenmary as having great mission need. glenmary.org/mission-need-maps

News and Publications

Follow us on Facebook (Glenmary Home Missioners) and Twitter (@GlenmaryMission). glenmary.org/social-media

Social media

Featured column Identity and Mission of Religious Brothers

Vocation director Brother David Henley reflects on the significance—for Glenmary brothers—of the new Vatican document on religious brothers. glenmary.org/brothers

Brother David

Celebrate & Remember Family and Friends

As Mother’s Day, graduations, weddings and other special occasions approach, use Glenmary’s all-occasion and Mass cards to mark those special days. glenmary.org/cards Learn About Glenmary ’s Founder

Meet Father William Howard Bishop and see how his dream of a home mission society came to be a reality. glenmary.org/vision-mission w w w. g l e n m a r y. o r g

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NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION U.S. Postage PAID Glenmary Home Missioners

photo / courtesy St. Michael the archangel mission

Glenmary G l i m p s e / Inviting young adult Catholics

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lenmary’s Erwin, Tenn., mission is reaching out to young adult Catholics to get them more involved in the parish. There was no Catholic presence in Unicoi County when they were younger. So the idea arose recently to invite them to a special dinner at the parish house. The group above, with pastor Father Tom Charters, came and enjoyed the evening. Afterwards, Father Tom and pastoral associate Kathy O’Brien asked how the parish could serve their needs. One need they raised was Confirmation. So the parish is offering them ways to prepare for the sacrament, and several are now in that process. Some of these young adults have also offered to assist with parish youth activities as chaperones and volunteers.

Catholic Missioners to Rural America

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