Glenmary Challenge Summer 2018

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

For my whole life Charles and Richard profess Final Oath to become perpetually professed Glenmary Home Missioners sixty years of faithful service

Glenmary honors three jubilarians

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

back from belgium

Missioner's education abroad put to good use

the first catholic i ever met

Remembering Father Frank Schenk

SUMMER 2018

Stay Committed

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

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

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

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

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

GLENMARY HOME MISSIONERS P.O. Box 465618 · Cincinnati, OH 45246-5618 513-874-8900 · 800-935-0975 · challenge@glenmary.org © 2018, Glenmary Home Missioners.

Reprint permission granted upon request.

The transient reality of human nature drives our search for more. I think this is why people everywhere gather to witness a marriage.

It isn’t just love we’re celebrating, though love is good. We’re celebrating a commitment. We’re celebrating an act that says, “I know this world doesn’t have much permanence, but this act we are gathered here today to celebrate will be permanent.”

It is a beautiful thing to see someone make a lifelong commitment, and so it was special to be there on May 25 when Charles Aketch and Richard Toboso professed their Final Oath to become full members of the Glenmary Home Missioners. The promise to live the Glenmary way of life is now a permanent part of their life. A life they’ve chosen for love of Christ.

Also in this issue you’ll read about Father Aaron Wessman. Father Aaron, 36, is Glenmary’s youngest priest. He recently returned from advanced studies in Belgium to assume his first mission pastorate. In Father Aaron, one can see commitment in action in how he has embraced his unique role as student and now as pastor to one of Glenmary’s smallest missions.

Commitment to the missions takes fortitude and, above all, faith.

That faith was seen in the commitment of Father Frank Schenk's life. He died in April at age 102, giving everything he had in service to Jesus Christ.

Finally, don’t skip reading about three Glenmarians who have kept the commitment for 60 long years. Praise God for them and those like them.

Commitment to the good is a wonderful thing in all of its forms. When the good is the missionary work of Christ and his Church—it’s all the more special.

ON THE COVER: Father Fid Levri hugs Richard Toboso at Glenmary's Final Oath ceremony. Photo by John Feister.

VOLUME 81

8

NUMBER 2

glenmary celebrates two new members

for my whole life COVER STORY / John Stegeman

13

jubilarians

celebrate

sixty years of service

Father Robert Dalton, Father Wil Steinbacher and Brother Ken Woods are honored for their life of commitment to Glenmary.

14

lessons learned :

back from belgium

Father Aaron Wessman spent three years in Belgium furthering his education. Now he's back in the home missions.

17

THE FIRST CATHOLIC AND FIRST PRIEST I EVER MET

Father Joe Townsend, a diocesan priest, remembers the impact of Glenmary's longest-lived missioner, Father Frank Schenk.

Publisher: Father Chet Artysiewicz Editor: John Stegeman Asst. Editor: See Page 7!

Art Director: Cassie Magnotta Staff Writer: Father John Rausch

Planning-Review Board: Brother Craig Digmann, Lindsay Braud, Father Dave Glockner, Brother David Henley, Frank Lesko, Father Neil Pezzulo, Lucy Putnam, Father Don Tranel

Donor Advisory Board: Theodore Capossela, Jill Collet, Joseph DeAngelo, Richard Delio, Ivan Doseff, William Goslee, Ken Mahle, Terry Schneeman, Albert Vondra

50 years since MLK, racism still an issue FROM THE PRESIDENT / Father Chet Artysiewicz I was preparing to graduate from college in 1968 when our country was stunned by the assassinations of Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. and Senator Robert Kennedy.

Indeed, it had been fewer than 5 years since the murder of President John F. Kennedy and the memory of that tragedy was anything but forgotten. I suspect you have heard more about Dr. King than Senator Kennedy in recent months. That no doubt is the result of the continuing efforts to address the issue of racism in our culture.

The United States does not have a corner on the problem. Sadly all humanity is capable of sin—of preferring darkness to light. And for what—greed? Ego? The contemporary atrocity of human trafficking often has racial connections. Once you deem a race of people as inferior, it’s a small step to justify exploitation. After all, thinks the racist, they’re not really human—at least not like we are....

As a small child I recall my parents instructing me: “If you are ever lost or in trouble, look for a policeman; 4

GLENMARY CHALLENGE glenmary.org

he’ll help you.” This 5-year-old took that to heart. If lost I knew the police would help me, a sentiment I carry to this day. But I realize many parents feel they can’t convey that same counsel to their children, instead cautioning them on exactly what they are to do in case they are stopped and questioned.

Don’t get me wrong, I have deep appreciation and admiration for the police, with the threats they face and the split-second decisions they must make. I have never walked in their shoes and I do not envy their difficult and truly dangerous job. Nor do I know what it’s like to be followed in a store, with security being instantly suspicious simply because of my skin color.

Some years ago I made a comment about a town being a “very friendly place.” A young African American woman asked simply, “For everyone?” The question surprised me. As I tried to form an answer, various thoughts raced through my mind. I was a middle-age Catholic priest visiting a Catholic college in a city with a small population of people of color. Would she have found the same warmth as me?

Because forms of racism can be so subtle, we may

be oblivious to them in ourselves. It takes effort to recognize and overcome them. A priest friend shared a constant theme of his preaching: “It begins with me.” As with so many things, the approach can be applied to this issue as well. We can discuss the need for cultural shifts and societal change and while those grand movements may be beyond my personal reach, I can begin to make the changes in my own life—to begin the process. In the words of St. Francis of Assisi, “Sanctify yourself and you will sanctify society.”

The persecution of the Jewish people is well documented. Arthur Miller in his play “Incident at Vichy” has a classic line: “Each man has his Jew.” The writer in that brief statement exposed racism as humanity’s problem. That “Jew” may be Asian, Latino, Middle Eastern, etc.

I submit that racism constitutes an international problem, not just one within our shores.

But to the extent it does exist within our shores, the challenge is ours. As with all sin, Glenmary strives to share the good news of Christ that there is a better way than hatred and division. Christ's prayer that “all might be one” certainly would apply as we are brothers and sisters in this human race.

While the problem is great and the wounds are real, the evil of racism won’t be eradicated without effort— beginning with me.

Thank you so much for helping us share the light of Christ.

OPPOSITE: Father Chet protests the Ku Klux Klan in Waynesboro, Ga. in 1987.

Photo courtesy of True Citizen.

glenmary news & notes Glenmary responds to immigration raid human dignity / Father Steve Pawelk, ministers, work together

When Father Steve Pawelk heard of the immigration raid on a local meat

packing plant, he immediately began offering Glenmary's St. John Paul II Catholic mission as a place for families to meet and find support.

The April 5 raid in Bean Station, Tenn., saw 97 people detained and sepa-

rated many families, including parishioners of St. John Paul II. Some of the

workers detained have been released on bond, but with restrictions pre-

venting them from working or driving, making them unable to support their families.

“The reality we have here is these are some of my strongest Christian fam-

ilies,” Father Steve told Grainger Today newspaper. "They’re in church. They take care of the kids.... All of this is about the children, you know?”

"We are a nation of laws and affirm that reality, but the application of laws must be done in a way that improves a situation, rather than exacerbates it."

Father Steve said 12 families from his mission have been directly affected

by the raid. In the aftermath, St. John Paul II has joined with Rutledge Baptist

Church, Rutledge United Methodist and other churches to pray and support the families who are now without their primary breadwinners.

Glenmary president Father Chet Artysiewicz released a statement on the

day of the raid.

“This incident points out once again the urgent need for immigration re-

form—a need that has existed for decades and through the administrations of both political parties," reads part of the statement. "We are a nation of

laws and affirm that reality, but the application of laws must be done in a way that improves a situation, rather than exacerbates it.

“We express our prayers and solidarity with those affected and support

the efforts of local churches, including our own St. John Paul II mission, in providing pastoral care to the families involved....

"The families affected by ICE detainment and deportation are our neigh-

bors. Our country must find a better and more moral way of dealing with these issues."

For more information or to support relief efforts, contact spawelk@glenmary.org

Summer 2018

GLENMARY CHALLENGE

5

ar o un d t h e mis s ion s • This year, 10 people entered the Church at Easter vigils in Glenmary's missions. Six were baptized and four were received into full communion with the Church.

• Father Aaron Wessman and the parishioners of Holy Spirit Catholic Church in Windsor, N.C. have developed yard signs to promote the faith.

In Windsor, some people are surprised to find out that the Catholic Church exists because currently they meet in a Methodist church. Father Aaron noted the people of Holy Spirit are proud of their Catholic identity, and the signs "open up a way for us to engage in conversations with others, and to let others know that all people are welcome in our church."

Glenmary runners in it for long haul awar ene ss / Group of students, coworkers win marathon relay

Four runners affiliated with Glenmary Home Missioners joined forces May 6 to win first place in the City Dash four-person open relay event (co-ed division) at the Flying Pig Marathon in Cincinnati, Ohio, raising awareness and funds for Glenmary’s vocation efforts in the process.

Creative development ideas, including a Facebook fundraiser and a

special dinner, brought in more than $3,000 for Glenmary’s effort to seek men called to missionary priesthood and brotherhood.

Josiah Kimani, Antonio Marchi, Rachel Thome and Wilmar Zabala com-

pleted the 26.2 mile course in 3:06:29, coming in first of 303 teams in their division. Antonio and Josiah are Glenmary men in formation preparing to

be Glenmary brothers. Rachel works in Glenmary’s mission education and ministry office. Wilmar is Glenmary’s vocations counselor.

ABOVE: From left, Antonio Marchi, Josiah Kimani, Rachel Thome and Wilmar Zabala combined to win the four-person relay event at the Flying Pig Marathon.

Photo by John Stegeman.

Glenmary Book of Prayer now available

m iss ion s pi r i tual it y / New edition shares glimpse of Glenmary prayer life 'from our heart'

The Glenmary Book of Prayer, first

taken longer than originally planned

mary prayers, is from our heart and a

and a lot more pages.

ered many prayers were written by

cation prospects, donors, volunteers

published in 1946, has a new look

The book was a labor of love for

Glenmary's vocation director, Brother David Henley.

because during this process I discovGlenmarians over our past 80 years that were not in previous editions.

"Father William Bishop, Glenmary’s

way that we can share and invite: voand friends of Glenmary to pray with us and the people that we serve. "

A free copy of the book can be

"I started updating the Glenmary

founder, wrote in his diary, 'A prayer is

ordered by contacting the Glenmary

said. "It has been a process that has

heart.' This book, a collection of Glen-

vocation@glenmary.org.

Prayer Book in 2016," Brother David

6

GLENMARY CHALLENGE

not a creation of the mind but of the

glenmary.org

Vocation Office at (513) 874-8900 or

Challenge adds veteran staffer with a Glenmary past c om mun ic at ion s / Glenmary magazine welcomes John Feister to team

John Feister, award-winning journalist

Feister is co-author of multiple books

Years ago John and his wife, Cathy,

and editor, has joined the Glenmary

and serves on the board of directors

lived in Glenmary parishes in Lewis,

Feister is well-known for a nearly

also served as a consultant-member

working in various social service min-

Challenge staff as assistant editor.

30-year career at St. Anthony Messenger magazine and Franciscan Media. He is the founding editor of

for the Catholic Press Association. He of the United States Catholic Bishops' Communications Committee.

For John, joining the Glenmary

Rowan and Carter counties, Kentucky, istries. They were married at Sts. John and Elizabeth, in Carter County.

“This a homecoming,” says John.

AmericanCatholic.org, the predeces-

communications team isn't just the

“Glenmary was a foundation for

and of CatholicGreetings.org.

lowing the Holy Spirit.

again.”

sor website of FranciscanMedia.org,

next step in a storied career, it is fol-

Legacy society crucial to ministry mission partners / Planned givers ensure future for Glenmary

Each year, Glenmary hosts a Mass and luncheon for members of the Father Bishop Legacy Society. This year's gathering took place June 1.

Father Bishop Legacy Society members are those who support Glen-

mary through wills, trusts, gift annuities and other means of planned giv-

ing. In recent years, planned giving has been a significant source of Glenmary's income, which in turn has fueled growth in the missions.

Glenmary appreciates the gifts of all those who support the missions,

said planned giving officer Susan Lambert.

"All of our supporters' gifts come together to ensure this crucial minis-

try continues," she said. "I give special thanks to those who have included us in a form of planned giving."

Cathy and me—I’m excited to be back

ar o und t he mi ssions • The parish hall of St. Francis de Sales church in Idabel, Okla. is undergoing renovations. Upon completion, the facility will be renamed "Glenmary Hall."

• Father Ed Gorny, a Glenmary senior member, celebrated 50 years of priestly ordination on May 4. In his 50 years of priesthood, Father Ed has served in nine different pastorate positions in six different states. He now lives in Cincinnati, Ohio, where he can frequently be found celebrating Mass and enjoying God's creation during his morning walks.

Above: Father Bishop Legacy Society members gather for Mass at Our Lady of the Fields Chapel at Glenmary headquarters in Cincinnati. Photo by Cassie Magnotta.

Summer 2018

GLENMARY CHALLENGE

7

COVER STORY / John Stegeman PHOTOS / John Feister

for my whole life

Glenmary celebrates Final Oaths of two new members From the beginning Christian missionaries traveled far from home. Inspired by the Holy Spirit, they left everything behind to preach the gospel.

Charles Aketch and Richard Toboso each professed their Final Oath with Glenmary Home Missioners on May 25 during a Mass at St. John Neumann Church in Cincinnati, Ohio, becoming full members of the society.

While all Glenmarians are missionaries, few have traveled as far to reach their Final Oath.

Both candidates for missionary priesthood hail from Kenya. Charles, 38, is from Kisumu. Richard, 29, is from Kakamega.

Each recited and signed their Final Oath, saying “I do solemnly promise and swear before God to dedicate myself for my whole life to the missionary apostolate in 8

GLENMARY CHALLENGE

glenmary.org

the rural areas and small towns of the United States and to the Glenmary way of life.” Their oaths were officially witnessed by Glenmary president Father Chet Artysiewicz and director of formation Father Dan Dorsey.

With almost the entire society of Glenmarians present, both Charles and Richard felt ready to take this important step.

“I have been in seminary for the last 15 years,” said Charles, who began his formation with the Consolata Missionaries before joining Glenmary. “I feel that I’m ready to enter into this family as a full member. I’ve been living this charism and spirituality. It is just a matter of saying, ‘God I’m giving myself to you for life.’”

“I know I’ve had challenges asking God, ‘Is this really the life you are calling me to,’” Richard said. “I’ve prayed

over it and talked to spiritual directors and Father Bruce Brylinski (Glenmary post-novitiate director). I have something to offer in Glenmary, especially in the missions. I find it fulfilling to take that risk to say yes for the Final Oath.”

Glenmary began discerning with international students in 2001.

“I find it exciting that young men from around the world feel called and are responding to that call to serve with us in mission,” said Brother David Henley, who discerned with Charles and Richard as they entered Glenmary’s application process. “Charles and Richard had a level of maturity about them and were open to where God was calling them. They both had lots of ministry experiences and involvement in their local communities and parish. It is inspiring to me that they are willing to leave their own country, travel to a distant land and enter into a new culture. I have seen that by their living with us in community they have brought many gifts to Glenmary and the missions.”

Charles’ Journey

Charles’ path to his Final Oath goes back two generations in his family. The family at that time was largely irreligious, but Charles’ grandmother Sulumena Osewe, now 96, changed all that. A young single woman, she chose to become a Catholic.

Her father didn’t approve. She would hide as she walked 20 miles for religious education. When she was caught, she was flogged and sent to bed hungry. Nevertheless, she persisted. Her witness led some of her siblings to convert as well. When Sulumena was married, things were no better. Charles’ grandfather opposed her faith, insulting her and sometimes beating her.

In time, grace prevailed, and Charles' grandfather was converted by her steadfast faith.

“Little did he know that all her children became Catholic,” Charles said. “In 1990, my grandfather was baptized a Catholic, and after three years died a CathoLEFT: Richard Toboso receives congratulations from Father Tom Kirkendoll, Glenmary priest of 31 years. TOP RIGHT: Charles Aketch and Richard kneel in prayer during the Final Oath ceremony. BOTTOM RIGHT: Father Chet incenses the altar; the smoke symbolizes purification, sanctification, and prayers of the faithful rising to heaven.

Summer 2018

GLENMARY CHALLENGE

9

a c l o s e r l o ok

What is an oath?

Of my own free choice, I, a member 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 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.

Professing this Final Oath made Richard and Charles perpetually professed members in Glenmary’s society. The oath is a covenant unique to religious life. So what is an oath?

Put simply, an oath is a promise made to God. All religious communities and societies have some form of oath or vows that initiate their members after formation.

The Glenmarian promises of chastity, poverty, obedience are not unlike the vows made by other religious communities. Glenmary’s oath is unique as it includes a specific mention of prayer, the mission, as well as a pledge to support fellow members.

For a Glenmary brother candidate, the oath is the final ceremony. Candidates for priesthood, like Richard and Charles, await ordination.

Men in formation Samuel Mungai, Jose Carlos Miguel Lopez, and Kenneth Wandera each renewed their temporary oath for the first time May 24. Photo by John Stegeman.

10

GLENMARY CHALLENGE

glenmary.org

lic and was given a Catholic burial.”

Life expectancy for a woman in Kenya is about 65 years, but the nonagenarian Sulumena’s mission in life isn’t over just yet.

“She keeps on telling me one thing,” Charles added. “'I will die after you bless me as a priest.' I hope she will be very happy.”

Born into a strong faith, Charles spent time assisting his parish priest. He was an altar server and helped arrange the Mass kits for when the priest would travel.

“All these things played into my vocation,” Charles said.

In 2003 Charles joined formation with the Consolata Missionaries. He was attracted to Glenmary when he heard of the society in 2006. Finally, in 2011, he made the decision to join Glenmary and was accepted.

“I wrote asking if I could now start with Glenmary,” Charles said. “The idea was always coming. Glenmary, Glenmary, Glenmary, Glenmary. I liked the kind of ministry Glenmary does here in the U.S. with the poor and where the Catholic faith is 1-2 percent of the population.”

cause you can find anything you want,” Charles said.

“But faith-wise? The Catholic faith is way too low in these areas…I was in a mission for my second Mass on Christmas day, and we only had one person come. That shocked me!”

Charles' journey to the priesthood will continue on July 5 when he and Richard will be ordained to the transitional diaconate in Kisumu, Kenya, by Archbishop Zacchaeus Okoth. Beginning August 1, Charles will be assigned to Glenmary’s Holy Family mission in Macon County, Tenn.

Richard’s Journey

While the Holy Spirit had prompted him to pursue missionary life, he still couldn’t wrap his head around two things. In Kenya, as in most countries around the world, the United States is viewed as a wealthy, Christian nation. Learning that pockets of the U.S. are poor and without the Church was a shock to Charles.

“I couldn’t figure that out,” he said. “The U.S. is poor? Those who (have sent missionaries here) are not Catholic?”

Because of his head start in seminary education with the Consolatas, Charles has been working in the missions full time since January of 2017. He has officially served as pastoral associate of Glenmary’s St. Luke mission in Cuthbert, Ga. In Randolph County, in which Cuthbert is the county seat, almost 30 percent of the population lives below the poverty line. At St. Luke, the lone weekly Mass can sometimes net fewer than 10 worshippers. Poverty was familiar to Charles from Kenya, but empty churches were not.

“Economically Cuthbert and (nearby) Blakely are more developed than my home area (in Kenya) be-

As a young boy, Richard looked up to a Mill Hill missionary priest from Ireland who served in Kakamega.

Despite the struggles of missionary life, the priest was a strong example.

“I really admired his struggle as a white person coming from Ireland and living in our village without our local language,” Richard said. “I was always moved at the beauty of being a priest.”

Inspired, Richard took the direct route and enrolled in a minor seminary with an eye towards becoming a diocesan priest. On two occasions during his education, friends mentioned Glenmary’s ministry to the poor in the U.S., and the idea stayed with him.

CENTER OF SPREAD: Richard and Charles pray alongside their new Glenmary brothers during the Final Oath ceremony.

BELOW: Matt Solarz and Josiah Kimani both professed First Oath with Glenmary on June 7. Pray for our men answering God's call to religious life. Photo by Brother David Henley.

Summer 2018

GLENMARY CHALLENGE

11

“At first it didn’t click with me that in the U.S. there were poor people,” Richard said. “When I was (in Kenya) and you watch the news, people don’t talk about poverty in the United States, but I was attracted to being a missionary in a foreign land. I went through the list of other missionary groups, but the society life, the way of life of Glenmary, appealed to me more than the rest.”

Richard comes from an area rich in Catholicism, and he wanted to share that faith in the Glenmary style.

we have an individualistic way of life,” Richard said.

“People don’t have someone to talk to, to share their joys and sufferings…It was a great chance just to encounter those who are isolated.”

Richard said he looks forward to a life of missionary priesthood with Glenmary, but he acknowledges the anxiety that comes with any major commitment, especially in the case of missionaries from overseas.

“Something people should know is it is a struggle being away from your family. You can’t drive there over

“I come from a parish where we have seven other sub-parishes and they are all packed,” he said. “The benefit to Glenmary’s approach is that we're not trying to convert everyone we encounter on the way, but trying to be a witness. That is the thing I have received from Glenmary. We’re there to be present.”

One way Richard has learned to be present is through ministering to the elderly. He did his clinical pastoral education at a hospital in Evansville, Ind., and found that marginalized seniors still had much to contribute.

“I found out the elderly here are so isolated because

the weekend,” he said. “There’s anxiety, but just waking up and going for prayer and having the joy that I’m still here. I’m looking forward to that."

Following his diaconal ordination, Richard will be assigned to Glenmary’s St. Teresa of Kolkata mission in Union County, Tenn., and its mission parish St. John Paul II in Grainger County, Tenn.

12

GLENMARY CHALLENGE

glenmary.org

ABOVE: Charles signs his oath and becomes a perpetually professed member of Glenmary. Richard and Charles will spend a year as deacons before priestly ordination.

Jubilarians celebrating 60 years

Three men, six decades of service, countless lives changed for the Kingdom of God

FATHER ROBERT DALTON

FATHER WIL STEINBACHER

BROTHER KEN WOODS

Father Robert (Bob) Dalton has had a wide range of roles, including pastor of missions, formation director, ecumenical regional worker, Glenmary vice president and president, director of the pastoral coordinator program, co-convener of Glenmary's Commission on Justice and more.

Father Bob finds himself still active long after what a lay person would call retirement age. He lives in Houston, Miss., saying Masses and working in various outreach ministries.

He visits hospitals, the home bound, and for a quarter century Father Bob has worked with those struggling with alcoholism.

Even at age 84 parishioners seek him out.

During Lent a couple years back, a mother entered the confessional. She didn't want to go, but her young son, who had just made his first confession, persisted.

"Mom, don't be afraid," said the boy, who recognized Father Bob's kindness. "You can tell him anything."

Time flies when you are doing what God has called you to do. When Father Wil Steinbacher celebrated his 50th jubilee a decade ago, he said, "It seems like yesterday."

The Williamsport, Penn., native was introduced to Glenmary by a cousin who was a Glenmary sister. The information she sent Father Wil came at a time when he was in seminary with other men discerning diocesan priesthood, and he was not feeling a strong call. Father Wil felt that as he read about Glenmary, he knew he had found his true vocation.

Through the years Father Wil has been a pastor in Georgia and Miss., Members' Personnel Director, Glenmary vice president, Associate Director of Glenmary Research Center, worked with National Ministries, and much more.

Father Wil's passionate heart for mission continues to spread his message that "mission means to bring about the Reign of God through love, compassion and justice."

Brother Ken Woods has been a builder, a nurse and a parish brother in his 60 years with Glenmary. His service brought him through eight states.

Brother Ken's earliest assignments involved manual labor. He started off doing farm work, then building maintenance and then joining the Brother's Building Crew.

After that came service of various kinds as a parish brother for almost 20 years.

In 1981 Brother Ken began attending classes to obtain his nursing license, which he accomplished in 1985. Brother Ken became well known for providing medical care to the elderly and the uninsured during his nursing ministry.

Brother Ken's last assignment was at Glenmary headquarters as co-director of senior and disabled members.

He is presently involved with Civitan, a volunteer service agency, and assists at his parish in Tennessee.

Spring 2018 GLENMARY CHALLENGE

13

Back from Belgium Missioner returns to pastoral work after intense education FEATURE STORY / Molly Williamson

Things are different for Father Aaron Wessman now than they were just a year ago.

Before returning to the U.S. to pastor Glenmary’s Holy Spirit mission in Windsor, N.C., Father Aaron spent three years in Belgium. He had been studying the secularization of America, while living in an increasingly secularized European culture. As he worked on his degrees, he battled disbelief from Belgians. While walking the streets in his collar, a skeptical Belgian once asked, “Do you really believe in God?” Yes. He does.

Armed with that faith he embarked on a new adventure in October of 2017, this time as pastor in rural Bertie County, N.C., where more than 60 percent of the

14

GLENMARY CHALLENGE

glenmary.org

people claim no church affiliation and just 0.4 percent of the population are Catholic.

In his first assignment with Glenmary after ordination, Father Aaron was an associate pastor in Maynardville, Tenn., for two years with Father Steve Pawelk.

While studying in Belgium, he helped shepherd a small faith community there as well. Now as pastor for the first time he will continue to work on his degrees while leading one mission and assisting at another. Fortunately, he is well suited for the roles.

“Intellectually, Father Aaron is one of the smartest people I know,” said Father Neil Pezzulo, Glenmary’s first vice president and the most recent Glenmary priest to be ordained before Father Aaron. “He is very impres-

sive, but he is also very approachable and a hard worker.

He is hungry for the work and eager to serve the poor.

I am very happy for Aaron and excited to see what he will do for his mission.”

Holy Spirit is in one of the poorest counties in North Carolina. It has high unemployment rates, low incomes and few adults attend college. More than 80 percent of the children in local schools qualify for free and reduced lunch, and more than 30 percent of the households have “food insecurity,” which means they don’t have adequate food or they must choose between purchasing groceries and paying other living expenses.

Father Aaron joins the Glenmary team already in place. Serving as pastor of Holy Spirit mission in Bertie County and sacramental minister at nearby St. Joan of Arc in Washington County, N.C., Father Aaron will work with Brothers Virgil Siefker and Curt Kedley and Pastoral Coordinator Julian Crespo, who all have served North Carolina for many years and know the struggles and strengths of their respective missions.

In Bertie County, Glenmary helps run the local food pantry, Good Shepherd, one of the largest food programs in the region. Brother Virgil serves as the pantry's treasurer, and along with Brother Curt stocks its shelves each week. In Washington County, Julian

leads St. Joan of Arc, a mission that attracts some parishioners from more than an hour away.

“I look forward to learning from the wisdom that has been gained by Brothers Curt and Virgil,” Father Aaron said. “So much of what I have learned in my life is that discernment and prayer are the most important things for a priest to do upon arrival in a new area. The second thing I hope to do is get to know the people.”

Though more than 4,000 miles apart, Bertie County and Belgium are not very different. Both are starving for God's love, and Father Aaron is using the same approaches he learned in Maynardville and Belgium to grow his North Carolina missions.

“People are more individualized,” Father Aaron said.

“They are not communal. There is a hesitancy or reluctance to learn from something larger than us. That is not a problem, though, because there is always room for individual involvement.”

He is using what he learned from ministering in Belgium to re-engage local Catholics. To draw people back to the Church, Father Aaron and Holy Spirit paTOP LEFT: Street view of Brussels, Belgium. BOTTOM LEFT: Scenes from Father Aaron's time in Belgium. BELOW: Father Aaron presides at Mass at Saint Kwinten Church in Belgium.

Summer 2018

GLENMARY CHALLENGE

15

rishioners are inviting non-Catholics to Mass, handing out fliers and putting signs in their own yards to raise awareness about the church.

These efforts, and more, are the building blocks of how to re-evangelize, whether in Belgium or in Bertie County.

“As Glenmarians, we are already doing things very right,” Father Aaron said. “We do basic, simple things.

We try to involve as many people as possible in the missions. We work well with few resources. In Belgium, they stopped doing the basics.”

Americans, he said, are more receptive to a Christian-based religion, even if it is not their own. In Belgium, people shun Christianity. Father Aaron likened it to a disease reaction. Belgians have a negative association with Christianity and are afraid of “catching it” again.

“Americans generally have a good association with faith,” Father Aaron said. “Also, the nonintrusive way Glenmary evangelizes helps missions grow. It is not our desire to force ourselves on others. It is a gentle invitation to fully understand the Gospel. It is not threatening. It is the embodiment of charity.”

Father Aaron hopes his education will one day be able to help with Glenmary’s seminary formation, and TOP: Holy Spirit mission celebrates Mass inside the parish house when the Methodist Church it rents is unavailable. Right: Father Aaron gives a fist bump to a Plymouth, N.C. youth.

16

GLENMARY CHALLENGE

glenmary.org

to represent Glenmary on a national platform at conferences. For now though, his life back in the U.S. resembles what one generally expects of a Glenmary missioner. He ministers in a poor rural area with many challenges, and there is much to do.

“I like the adventure of a mission,” Father Aaron said. “I like going to a place that is different and believing that you have something to offer. You have to be willing to learn from people and really respect them.

It is a good lesson, both as a missioner and as an academic. We give people the benefit of the doubt and try to find the goodness in other people.”

For Father Aaron, that goodness will not be hard to find. His is the Glenmary approach. Bring the Church to the people and let the Holy Spirit do the heavy lifting.

The first Catholic and first priest I ever met

How Father Frank's mentorship led a man to priesthood

remembering father frank schenk, 1916-2018 / father joe townsend I was 16 years old and at the urging from my mom, who knew I was interested in the Catholic faith, I called and we made an appointment.

Father Frank Schenk truly became a spiritual father to me, and for over 43 years was a constant presence in my life in many different ways. I was honored that he requested that I be one of the three speakers at his wake service.

As I stood in Our Lady of the Fields Chapel at Glenmary headquarters, I was very aware that the last time I stood in this place of prayer and worship was on the occasion of honoring Father Frank on his 100th birthday.

I have over 43 years of memories with Father Frank and for me, as I stood before his earthly body in death, I could not help but call to mind that the mystery of human death has always played a big part of my life with Father Frank. I still remember the first class on the faith he ever taught. It was on the Communion of Saints, which was exactly what I needed to hear because my grandmother who was very dear to me had just passed from this life. His talk about how the dead are still a part of our lives was needed so much.

When I traveled to Colombia for a month with Father Frank, we spent time removing bodies from graves, as was their custom after three years.

The skull of a person rolled to my feet to which Father Frank said, “nuestro futuro," reminding me "all life is passing."

At his wake, one of the readings Father Frank chose was a selection from the book Dying Among Alaskan Indians, A Matter of Choice, about a priest who travels to Alaska to do missionary work. It was like Father Frank was speaking to me from beyond the grave as it was only announced one week before that I would be going to the Diocese of Fairbanks to do missionary work. Father Frank always knew what to say to me and I will forever be grateful.

Father Frank introduced me to the living, giving waters of baptism as he baptized me, the healing of God’s forgiveness as he heard my confession, the nourishing food when he gave me Holy Communion, the wonders of the Catholic faith as he shared its truths. And Father Frank introduced me to Glenmary, a group of men and women, fathers, brothers and sisters, who are truly what the Church should be. They are a group who lives out what Christ calls us all to be: faithful disciples who make the Church better because of their faithfulness to justice for all God’s children, to love the poor and an openness to the will of the Father in all they do.

Spring 2018 GLENMARY CHALLENGE

17

The last time I stood in Our Lady of the Fields Chapel was to honor year number 100; this day I stood in the same place of worship and prayer to celebrate Father Frank's entrance into years numbering eternity. Thank you Father Frank; thank you Glenmary.

Father Joe Townsend is a priest of the Diocese of Tulsa, Okla. assigned to Fairbanks, Alaska for mission work.

letters to the editor more to the story

My cousin Theresa Weyer sent me a copy of your article (How Glenmary saved a life, Spring 2018) about her and how Father Clem Borchers saved her life. You wrote a very good story but unfortunately only about half of what they deserved....

Her parents moved away from St. John's about the time their children began to seek a partner in life, because we were related to almost everyone else. A very good idea for them, but she missed knowing the other half of the story of Glenmary's contribution to our lives....

My children have heard all my stories about St. John's and the won-

derful priests we had. I pray for those priests and the nuns every day of my life, especially Father Pat O'Donnell.

I've never met a priest who measures up to him.

I enjoy reading the current news of your society. May God keep blessing you through the years.

Maud Zoubek · Milligan, Neb. remembering glenmary

I was introduced to Glenmary at the Farm in Lewis County, Ky. over 40 years ago. It changed my life forever.

John Hagermeister · Wooster, Ohio

Glenmary arrived to share the Catholic faith in Sunfish, Ky. in 1942.

love the redesign

Plan, Prepare, Pray!

Gifts to Glenmary in the form of bequests from wills and trusts are invaluable to the work that we do. A bequest for the home missions is a gift from one generation to the next, ensuring we will be able to continue providing care and a Catholic presence to people in our missions for years to come.

If you have remembered Glenmary in your will or trust, please let us know so we can have the pleasure of thanking you now.

For more information, contact: Susan Lambert, Planned Giving Officer slambert@glenmary.org 800-935-0975

18

GLENMARY CHALLENGE

glenmary.org

The re-design of Glenmary Challenge looks great! I love to see the great work Glenmary does on display!

How appropriate for the Easter season to have a story about new "growth" with all the new churches being built in the Glenmary missions (Assembly Required, Spring 2018).

It's so important to remember that although so many of us have multiple churches in our cities to choose from, many other Americans are not so fortunate.

Thanks again for a great magazine.

Keep up the great work!

Jane Schneider · Cincinnati, Ohio

we want your feedback !

Send to: Editor, Glenmary Challenge, P.O. Box 465618, Cincinnati, OH 45246.

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

T H E W E B S I T E O F C AT H O L I C MISSIONERS TO RURAL AMERICA

glenmary.org

Assembly like a family reunion Each year Glenmarians get together to discuss the business of the society and to reconnect. This year's assembly was June 4-7 in Charleston, W.Va.

glenmary.org/assembly New on the blog Father François talks about being missionary with grade-school classrooms and learns a bit of wisdom from the students along the way.

Friendship beyond state lines St. Bernard Church in Cincinnati, Ohio, has adopted a Glenmary mission church in Lafayette, Tenn., and the results have led to blessings for all!

glenmarystories.wordpress.com

glenmary.org/adoptedmission

Join a Come and See Trip If Glenmary stirs your heart, come and see the missions, meet the missioners, and see if this is where God is calling you to make a difference.

glenmary.org/come-and-see Follow us on Facebook!

Learn more about our missions and get to know our priests, brothers, and coworkers. One thing's for sure, life at Glenmary is never boring.

Volunteer on Joppa Mountain!

Long-term volunteers needed at Glenmary's Volunteer program in rural Tennessee. We live with purpose and simplicity, caring for God's people and His creation!

facebook.com/glenmary.org

glenmary.org/long-term-volunteer

Do you shop on Amazon?

Designate that your charity of choice is Glenmary, and Amazon will donate a portion of each purchase made to the home missions.

glenmary.org/amazon-smile Glenmary in the News The Moment I Knew

Glenmary’s faithful service causes others to take note. Check out a monthly roundup by visiting our website and searching for “In the News.”

Everyone hears the Lord's call differently in their lives. Learn how Father Les Schmidt came to Glenmary.

glenmary.org/fatherlesmoment

glenmary.org

Summer 2018

GLENMARY CHALLENGE

19

adopt-a-mission encounter the heart of god

in the heart of rural america by adopting a mission parish

Glenmary Home Missioners continue the

missions and missioners by providing support

another. Through Glenmary's Adopt-a-

encouragement. Several missioners are in need of

ancient practice of churches assisting one

Mission/Adopt-a-Missioner Program, established parishes can assist Glenmary

through prayer, financial assistance and mutual this type of support. Join together and help bring the Catholic faith to rural America!

glenmary.org/aam

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

P.O. Box 465618 ¡ Cincinnati, OH 45246-5618

NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION U.S. Postage PAID Glenmary Home Missioners