Glenmary novice Jude Smith, originally from Louisiana, is spending time this year, with a thankful heart, in the Georgia missions, discerning his vocation. Among his many activities, he is replacing ceiling tiles at Holy Family church, including installing energy-saving lights.
Thanksgiving, every day, is the real secret for a better life. It might be our highest religious calling: to live a life of thanks, glorifying God for everything we’ve received through God’s grace.
We asked some of our Glenmary family what they are thankful for. As you read, consider what you are thankful for. Our Church is really a “network of thanksgiving.”
Brother Dennis Craig has spent a life of service in the missions and in various Glenmary programs, hammer and prayer book in hand. He still goes back to the beginning: “I was very pleased that God helped me to find a group of both missionary priests and brothers who minister in rural towns.”
Recently a group of Glenmarians and lay co-workers spent a few days in the mountains of southwest Virginia, studying and praying together to gain a deeper understanding of mission. Father Dan Dorsey, Glenmary President, says, “I just returned from our theological reflection so my response was immediate: Glenmary’s co-workers and their passion for mission!!! What a blessing!”
Speaking of whom, lay co-worker Tania Delgado, a Floridian who serves as religious education director at Holy Family mission parish in Macon County, Tenn., says, “I’m thankful that Glenmary works with laypeople in the missions. I’m thankful that Glenmary is all-inclusive, and looks for ways to be different in ministering to everyone!”
Father Bruce Brylinski, director of Glenmary students before and after novitiate, says, simply, “the gift of community.” His grace-full experience is with new Glenmarians at the Glenmary House near St. Meinrad Seminary in Indiana.
Another Glenmarian looks back fondly at his calling. Brother Craig Digmann says, “I am thankful for the opportunity to share about our Catholic faith in our missions where Catholicism is so often misunderstood.” He’s devoted to forging friendships with people of all faiths in Trousdale County, Tennessee. Father Wil Steinbacher is thankful for “the joy of being a missionary, to be Kingdom builders.”
Jamie Rickett helps lead the lay staff at Glenmary’s headquarters in Fairfield. She is thankful for all of her co-workers, and “the wonderful feeling that our work at Glenmary truly makes a difference in the lives of those who Glenmary serves.”
One of those coworkers, Trish Taylor, shares the thanksgiving spirit of so many who encounter Glenmary: “Every time I go to a Glenmary Mass, although I’m Protestant, I get a genuine blessing from the priest at communion. I always feel welcomed and enjoy God’s presence. I LOVE that we have a common goal of, “Loving God and Loving People”.
That, of course, includes everyone in the Glenmary family! It’s no surprise that more than one respondent is thankful for Glenmary’s fans and supporters. Brother Craig sums it up: “I’m thankful for your prayers and support, which enable us to do the work we do.” Thank you!
—John Feister