What’s New on the Glenmary Vocation Scene
A report on decisions at Glenmary's 2003 General Chapter
By Father Steve Pawelk

Glenmary's first-steps in the area of international vocations were affirmed by the 2003 Chapter. Above, Glenmary first international students from Nigeria, Austine Duru (left) and Victor Ihesiaba (right) help Father Tom Kirkendoll locate their African homeland. Austine and Victor came to this country to begin their journey with Glenmary in late 2001.

The first two weeks of June have been very important for the Glenmary Home Missioners. During these two weeks, called Chapter, Glenmary has set its direction for the next four years. Among the many things accomplished is some good news on vocations.

First Glenmary wishes to look inside itself as a community and discover what may be hindering vocations among us. We know that our mission is life-giving and vital to the life of the church. Yet, only a few choose us. Thus the Chapter passed this resolution:

"That a committee be established to do an in-depth study to identify the obstacles to Glenmary attracting and retaining vocations from the United States; and to make practical proposals on how to remove these obstacles to the extent that this is possible within present Catholic Church law and practice; and that this committee work in consultation with the Vocation Department, the Formation Department and others who have necessary and useful information; and that the committee make regular progress reports to the General Assembly and receive the feedback and suggestions of the General Assembly, with a final report by May 2005; and that the Society deal with the topic of vocations in the context of this report at the 2005 Congress."

This means that Glenmary will be placing both time and energy to increase vocations. It is very rare for a committee to meet for two years and to dedicate so much time to one theme. Congress is an annual gathering of Glenmary membership. Thus, this means that Glenmary continues to place vocations as a high priority.

To this extent, the vocation department will be adding another person to help with promotion and recruitment. This is good news for the people of the home missions.

Two other resolutions affirmed the on-going invitation of international students. These two resolutions read:

"We, the members of the XIII Glenmary General Chapter affirm that the recruiting and acceptance of International Vocations to membership in the Glenmary Home Missioners is in keeping with the vision and charism of Father William Howard Bishop. We also affirm that welcoming people from different cultures is a process that happens on an individual and community level."

"This XIII General Chapter directs the administration, the Formation and the Vocation Departments to attempt to develop a pre-candidacy, pre-formation program in Mexico."

Both of these resolutions demonstrate a willingness to receive anyone that God truly is calling to serve the people of the rural home missions in the United States.

We give thanks to God, Our Lady of Guadalupe, whose care the Chapter was placed under, and the participants of this chapter for their commitment and desire to nurture more men to become Glenmary priests and brothers for the service of the people in the home missioners.