The following are press releases from the Glenmary Communications Office unless otherwise noted.

From the December 2002 'In Search of the Spirit' newsletter
What Are We Waiting For?
This is the "Advent Question," says Father Steve Pawelk. "Are we just waiting for Christmas? Are we waiting as if Jesus were not already born? Are we waiting for the world to end? What in the world are we waiting for?" Read Father Steve's Advent reflection

December 2002
Old Farm House Burns to Ground; No One Injured
Early on the cold, snowy morning of Dec. 5, a passerby spotted flames coming from the Old Farm House at the Glenmary Farm outside of Vanceburg, Ky., and the local fire department was called. But, given the nature of the structure and the intensity of the fire, nothing could be saved. Fortunately, no one was hurt. All volunteers and staff were safely sleeping in the bunk house and staff house. For more information

From the November 2002 Boost-A-Month Club Newsletter
Arkansas Mission Helps Deliver 200 Thanksgiving Dinners
Thanks to Glenmary's mission in Crossett, Ark., over 200 elderly and shut-in residents have a hot meal this Thanksgiveing—delivered by local youth. What began in one Catholic couples' home over 12 years ago is now an ecumencial effort based in this Glenmary mission's parish hall. Father Neil Pezzulo, at left, is responsible for baking three of the turkey. Read all about it.

September 2002
Most Complete Data on U.S. Religious Affiliation Now Available From Glenmary Research Center
Religious Congregations & Membership in the United States: 2000 includes 24 color maps, a CD-ROM and a wall map. $110 includes cost of shipping.
• To order
• For information about the study

Church Is Alive and Well in Rural America!
In an article in the summer 2002 issue of Church magazine, Liz Dudas of Glenmary's Department of Pastoral Services presents the strengths and weaknesses of the small rural parish. She believes the larger church can learn a lot from the experiences of rural ministry. Read the full article, "Rural and Small-Town Parishes: Hope of the Church."

Quecreek Accident Triggers Mine Memories
The Spring 1990 Glenmary Challenge carried Father John Rausch’s “Good Friday in a Coal Mine.” This award-winning story, about the 1990 coal strike in Southwestern Virginia, included a moving account of his first and only visit underground with a mission parishioner on Good Friday 1977. Headlines about the miners trapped—and rescued—in Quecreek, Pa., over the summer brought to mind this story—and Glenmary’s long connection to coal mining and coal miners.

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April 2002
Home Mission Perspective on a National Best-Seller—Soon to Be a Movie
Big Stone Gap, a New York Times best-seller soon to be movie, is set in 1970s Glenmary mission territory and refers to a "Father Rausch." The real Father Rausch reviews this Random House novel against the backdrop of the real Big Stone Gap as he remembers it. For the full story.

March 22, 2002
National Headlines About Church’s Failings: What Are We to Think?
Glenmary Vocation Director Father Steve Pawelk addresses the impact of clergy sex abuse stories in his monthly letter to vocation prospects.
For the text of this monthly vocation letter.
For more vocation information

Spring 2002 Glenmary Challenge
Rural Prisons: The Fastest-Growing Home Mission Territory
Catholic Radio Weekly, distributed by the Catholic Communications Campaign to Catholic radio stations across the nation, recently interviewed Glenmary Father John Rausch about his article in the issue of Glenmary Challenge to be mailed the first week of March. Titled Ministering Behind Bars, the article surveys the growing prison industry in rural America and how Glenmary missioners are responding. For the full story.

February 13, 2002
Glenmary Father John Garvey Dead at 74
A Glenmary priest for 49 years, Father John served missions in Oklahoma, Georgia, Kentucky and Alabama as well as serving for three years as Glenmary's vocation director. Since 1988 he has lived in Gate City, Va.,serving as director of Appalachian Services. He died Feb. 12 in Gate City. After suffering congestive heart failure in 1991, he wrote: "My life belongs not to myself but to Jesus. For my part I need only to trust Jesus, to be one with him and all of his creation....And in life and death, all will be well. For more information.

February 5, 2002
Spirit Leads...Home Mission Leaders Following
At the invitation of Glenmary and the U.S. bishops' Committee on the Home Missions, 11 religious communities with corporate commitments to home mission ministry are taking unprecedented steps toward collaboration and sharing, Read the full story.