A Vanceburg View
An Update From the Director of Glenmary's Volunteer Office

August 2006

Changes in Vanceburg—and at the Farm!

The summer season of change continues at the Glenmary Farm. At the end of July, Father Bruce Brylinski left Holy Redeemer Parish for a two-month Spanish immersion program at the Instituto Mexico Americano Culturo in Guadalajara, Mexico. This will help him more effectively minister to the growing Hispanic population in Jefferson County, Ga., the location of his new assignment as pastor of St. Joan of Arc Church in Louisville.

Good-bye, Father Bruce! “Thought-provoking” is the phrase I think of when I think of Father Bruce. Through his beautiful homilies and liturgies, he challenged me and many volunteers to think about our faith in new and exciting ways. Father Bruce used his creativity in the performing and visual arts to bring the gospel to light for many Glenmary Farm volunteers. He is not afraid to stand up for the Church’s teachings, even when they are very unpopular. 

One example of his courage: After the 9/11 attacks in 2001, Father Bruce wanted to spread a message of peace during a time of war-mongering. So he delivered a homily consisting of a skit that he performed with Austine Duru (then a Glenmary candidate who  took his First Oath as a Glenmary Home Missioner in June 2006). The skit reminded us that the answer to tragedy is not a vengeful “eye for an eye” policy but one of forgiveness and recognition of Christ in our neighbor.

Father Bruce will be missed and I hope his ministry in Georgia will be blessed.

Hello, Father Larry and Michele! As we waved goodbye to Father Bruce, we welcome two new missioners to our community: Father Larry Goulding, as sacramental minister for Lewis and Carter counties, and Michele Bertot, as pastoral coordinator for Holy Redeemer. Father Larry comes to Lewis County from Waynesboro, Ga., and Michele previously served as a parish administrator in Rochester, N.Y. They both look forward to meeting volunteers from the Farm.

A Summer Thank-You. Finally, at the end of this summer season of volunteers, I would like to thank all of you who have come and served with Jay, Laura, Jill, Julie and me. Thank you for the bridges you built both literally and figuratively in Lewis County. Thank you for the fences you mended, the homes you worked on, the stories you shared with us. Your work and your presence made this season a blessing to Lewis County and to the Glenmary Farm.

Joe Grosek

Glenmary Volunteer Director

jgrosek@glenmary.org

(606) 796-3421

Joe Grosek
Glenmary Volunteer Director
jgrosek@glenmary.org

And if you missed previous Vanceburg Views, check them out.

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