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In
Search of the Spirit
A
monthly letter from the Glenmary Vocation Office
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November 2006
A 'Thank You' for Discerners and Donors—in the Spirit of St. Paul
"We give thanks to God always for all of you, remembering you in our prayers, unceasingly calling to mind your work of faith and labor of love and endurance in hope of our Lord Jesus Christ, before our God and Father, knowing, brothers loved by God, how you were chosen. " (1 Thes. 1:2)
St. Paul almost always begins his letters with words of thanks for the community he is addressing. I found these words to the Thessalonians reflecting my own sentiments about those I am addressing in this newsletter--that is, those in discernment about a Glenmary vocation as a priest or brother. These words also reflect my thoughts about all the Glenmary donors who make possible my ministry and all the home mission ministry of Glenmary. Furthermore, these words extend to all the folks who have shaped me--my parents, friends, teachers, other Glenmarians and parishioners.
One part of this biblical quote that especially appeals to me is this phrase: "how you were chosen." God in his own way chose all these people to be in my life: my parents and my family; my teachers and the Glenmarians I have worked and lived with. God also chose those who come to worship in our mission areas. And God has chosen you!
Discerners, God chose you to be his followers. It is through God's grace that your path and mine have crossed in faith. This is a holy event.
What else is God choosing for you? That is what you are now discerning. Join me in thanking God that he has chosen you to look more deeply at your call, your personal mission and the vocation that will allow you to respond in love to him. I am thankful for the depth of faith, the sincerity of purpose, the generosity of spirit that I find in you. I am thankful for your willingness to walk a different path, your openness to the Spirit, and your joy in service.
Many of you have conversion stories that witness to the power of God to change us and save us. Others have stories of a faith that has gradually deepened into solid discipleship and fidelity to the Lord and the Catholic Church. I am humbled and honored that God has chosen me to walk with you. For this opportunity, I thank you, I thank Glenmary and I thank God.
Donors, you too were chosen by God to support home mission ministry. Thousands of charities, many of them sponsored by the Catholic Church, beg for your financial and prayerful support. Yet you have chosen Glenmary Home Missioners because God has chosen to place that conviction in your heart.
I am so very grateful for the freedom that your support provides. Because of you, I do not have to worry about my daily needs. This allows me to be available to those in need--whether that means the folks in our home missions lands or the discerners I meet in my present vocation ministry. Your generosity allows me to travel around the world, literally, to search out young men willing to become priests and brothers in service to the people of our rural home missions. My work could not be done without you. Thank you very much!
Glenmarians are dedicated to spreading the good news of Jesus Christ to rural America. This begins with a deep gratitude for the gift of faith that Jesus has given to us. The same gratitude that has called me to be a missionary priest with Glenmary calls me to remember you daily in my prayers.
To discerners and donors alike, I give thanks to almighty God for the love and dedication shown in your lives that give witness to the love of Christ our Savior in your daily actions. May God be praised for you this day and everyday.
