Summer "Come and See" Mission Trip

Seven prospects interested in learning more about Glenmary Home Missioners attended the Vocation Office’s “Come & See” Mission Trip this past weekend. What better way to get to discern their call than to visit the missions, meet the missioners and gain a first hand experience.

Highlights of the weekend included visits to St. Bernard Mission in Gate City VA and St. Patrick Mission in Dungannon, VA on Saturday. The men on the mission trip also had time for prayer, personal sharing and talks about Glenmary’s charism, where we serve, how we serve and Glenmary’s formation program. Parishioners in Gate City and Dungannon VA also took time out to share their perspective on the needs in the mission areas and the variety of ways they have experienced Glenmary’s ministry.

Sunday in the missions was spent at the Glenmary mission St. Michael the Archangel in Erwin, TN and Blessed John Paul II mission in Rutledge, TN. Before and after mass the retreatants were able to spend time with Glenmarians, Fr. Tom Charters, Fr. Steve Pawelk, Br. Joe Steen and Br. Craig Digmann. Parishioners at both of these missions welcomed the men in and openly shared how escited they are that they are beginning to form a Catholic Community for the first time in these parts of the country.  Glenmary seminarian, Clive Owour Otieno whose summer assignment is in TN, also spent time with the group.

In addition to the mission visits and talks with the Glenmary missioners, the participants enjoyed spectacular views of the Appalachian Mountains, “Old-Time Music” at the Carter Family Fold and home cooking. Not only was a good time had by all but the men on the retreat went away with much more information about Glenmary to continue reflecting and discerning. The next step in their discernment would be for them come stay a longer period of time in one of our missions where they could feel the rhythm of life in the mission as the participated in the day-to-day ministry of the Glenmarians.

If you would like more information about upcoming “Come and See” events or are interested in a long term vocation placement don’t hesitate to contact me at dhenley@glenmary.org.