The following story first appeared in the Summer 2006 Glenmary Challenge.
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The Joy of Being a Missionary
‘My call to be a Glenmary missioner has brought a deep sense of joy and happiness.’
By Father Dan Dorsey

A JOYFUL MISSIONER: Father Tom Kirkendoll jokes after Mass with members of Glenmary’s Vanceburg, Ky., mission.

Each day when our Glenmary community here in Cincinnati gathers for morning prayer, we ask that God “give us joy in our ministry.” Joy is a gift of the Holy Spirit and is often the fruit of faithfully living out our baptismal call. I was inspired to reflect more on the significance of joy after reading The Joy of Priesthood by Father Stephen J. Rosetti.

God’s call to be a Glenmary missioner has been my “pearl of great price.” There is no doubt that this call has brought with it difficulties, trials and tribulations; but, ultimately, it has been a privilege and honor to serve Our Lord in the missions. In addition, I have found a deep sense of joy and happiness on my journey.

Every year each of our brothers and priests has a formal “visitation” from a member of the Glenmary Executive Council (Fathers Bob Poandl, Dominic Duggins and myself). Reading over the reports of these just completed visitations, I am struck by the joy that Glenmarians are finding in their work and lives. These Glenmarians, who are happy in their service to the most forgotten, are a striking contrast to the often sensational headlines reporting negative news about priests.

I want to share some of the comments that I heard personally from Glenmary priests and brothers during my visitations over the past three months:

• “The Kairos ministry in the local prison brings me a great deal of joy. Also sacramental ministry—especially that of reconciliation.”
• “Seeing people working together is great….The ecumenical dimension of my ministry brings me great joy. Plus I have eaten many free meals!”
• “My music is a source of great joy. I love playing for Mass on Sunday.”
• “Preparing my homilies and being able to share the Word with the people is joyful. Also adult education—we have 10 people coming!”
• “Getting the people together on Sunday and being the celebrant at Mass—being able to gather people gives me great joy.”
• “I enjoy entering into the lives of a variety of people, introducing people to one another. It is a joy to see people grow in their faith and to live their faith.”
• “It is a joy to live next to the church and to be close to the Blessed Sacrament.”
• “It is a joy to see people take on responsibility and the church growing. Leading people to the Eucharist is a source of joy for me.”
• “To be the celebrant of the Eucharist is the source of joy for me. The Eucharist is the center of my life. It is the foundation upon which my life is built.”