SUPPORTING VOCATIONS IN THE

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1 SUMMER 2010 SUPPORTING VOCATIONS IN THE Year for Priests JUNE JUNE 2010 IN THIS ISSUE Roundtable of Vocations Directors Spotlight on Ron Savage of the Savage Charitable Foundation The Story of the Tepeyac Institute Presenting the Lumen Christi Nominees

2 catholic extension has published Extension magazine since 1906 to share with our donors and friends the stories illustrating our mission to build faith, inspire hope and ignite change in communities across America. contact us Catholic Extension 150 S. Wacker Dr., 20th Floor Chicago, IL catholicextension.org board of governors CHANCELLOR His Eminence Francis Cardinal George, OMI Archbishop of Chicago VICE CHANCELLOR Most Reverend Joseph E. Kurtz, D.D. Archbishop of Louisville PRESIDENT Reverend John J. Wall Elizabeth Hartigan Connelly John W. Croghan Most Reverend Blase Cupich Bishop of Rapid City James M. Denny Geno Fernandez Michael T. Foley Mary Louise Gorno Peter J. McCanna Andrew J. McKenna, Sr. Most Reverend Ricardo Ramirez Bishop of Las Cruces A N O T E F R O M F A T H E R W A L L Dear Friends, These are the months of the year when we revel in the beauty and bounty of God s growing things. What for so long seemed dormant comes to life. And we thrill to be a part of it all. In many respects, this is what our latest issue of Extension is all about: growth and change that not only excites us, but makes us proud to be part of a universal church working to bring the transformative power of faith to forgotten corners of America. Whether in words or pictures, this issue illuminates vibrancy and growth and in places you might not expect. Our series of features, which explore the burgeoning numbers of talented young priests emerging from our seminaries and eager to serve in the impoverished dioceses Catholic Extension and its donors support, is particularly meaningful to me. This series, inspired by Pope Benedict s declaration of a Year for Priests, includes a roundtable discussion with four innovative Vocations Directors, a heart-warming tale of brotherly devotion from a longtime donor who supports seminarian education and a feature about three young priests committed to the American communities that made them who they are. I hope you are as delighted by these stories and by what they say about the robust future of our church as I am. Happy reading, happy summer and God bless! Yours in Christ, Pamela Scholl Most Reverend Michael J. Sheehan Archbishop of Santa Fe Most Reverend J. Terry Steib Bishop of Memphis Father Jack Wall president Most Reverend Anthony B. Taylor Bishop of Little Rock Your investment in Catholic Extension is tax deductible to the extent allowed by law. Catholic Extension is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization. ISSN Number: The Catholic Church Extension Society. All rights reserved. Photography by Paul Heinzen, Dawson Hunt, istockphoto, Richard Kalonick, MontanaPictures.net, Griffin Norman, Brother Simon Stubbs, OSB, of Saint Joseph Abbey Extension is a publication provided to you and your family by Catholic Extension. If you do not wish to continue receiving Extension, magazine@ catholicextension.org and we will remove you from this mailing list. Diocesan seminarians at St. Joseph Abbey and Seminary College in St. Benedict, Louisiana, serve the Eucharist at the Abbey. Pictured, left to right: Ruben Dykes, Stephen Gadberry, Ryan Casey and Alberto Carbajal. For more on Saint Joseph, see page 20.

3 ON THE COVERS FRONT Fr. Jarett Konrade, Vocations Director for the Diocese of Salina, Kansas BACK St. Francis Xavier Parish, El Paso, Texas inside SUPPORTING VOCATIONS IN THE 12 Donor Spotlight: United in Giving The story of Ron and John Savage, brothers united in a commitment to fostering the education of the next generation of priests 22 The Year for Priests A profile of three young priests who serve in America s mission dioceses 26 A Vocation Given to God Father Jack Wall hosts a discussion with three Vocations Directors about their work and experiences recruiting young men to the priesthood O T H E R H I G H L I G H T S 10 Creative Solutions Bringing Management Training to Pastoral Leaders 14 Inspiration to Give Out of the Ashes: St. Mary s Catholic Church 16 American Journey A Vision for Leadership: The Tepeyac Institute I N E V E R Y I S S U E 4 From Our Readers Year for Priests JUNE JUNE News Briefs 20 Your Donations at Work 10

4 from our readers T hank you for sharing your thoughts on Extension! We love to hear from our readers and look forward to your suggestions. Is there something you d like to see in our next issue? Let us know by contacting us at magazine@catholicextension.org. Congratulations on an exceptionally fine issue of Extension that gave very positive, creative and informative articles about religious women today. In fact, I would like about 10 more copies of it to distribute. I hold Extension very close to my heart and esteem ever since I was a child. I was a recipient of its funding during much of my 20 years in Missouri s boot heel. And though I am now allegedly retired on the other side of the Springfield-Cape Girardeau diocese, I haven t given up on my passion and outreach to the poor. I found my photo on the cover of this issue and it brought back many great encounters with the Extension staff. The man in the photo is now deceased, and I remember what he said when I told him I was a Catholic Sister, Ah, Catholic, the Mother Church! I try to promote your cause whenever I can, and I hold you all in my prayers. SISTER MARY FRANCES REIS, BVM I love the new size and layout of your magazine! The content has always been good and the reason I support CCES is because your magazine shows where the money is going. I look forward to future issues. I especially like the news briefs where you show what part of the country the story comes from. I was saddened by the death of Sr. Marguerite but thought the article was very well written. I hope you will continue with the design. The magazine was easy to read and pleasing to the eye. RUTH SPEICE I just received a copy of the spring edition of Extension and was so happy to realize it was dedicated to Celebrating Women Religious here in the U.S. Your sensitivity and sharing of such wonderful stories lifted my spirit. I don t believe any religious are looking for praise or publicity, but do appreciate profoundly the support and gift it is to all of us in religious life. May our generous, loving God continue to bless you abundantly. SISTER JOLENE ELLIS, OSF I just finished reading your Extension magazine, Spring I want to thank you and all involved, not only in the magazine, but in the Catholic Extension organization. First of all, the magazine is an easy read. The choice of paper, print, spacing and 4 Extension

5 Open Hearts Open Minds length of articles certainly added to my wanting to read the magazine from cover to cover. I commend the staff for choosing to write about the women religious, the dear Sisters who had such an influence in the growth of Catholics in the United States. I am so grateful that there is an organization that helps the struggling parishes in the United States. We need to remember that we are one in Christ and we have an obligation to encourage and support one another, as the early Church did. May God continue to bless all involved. MRS. CHRISTINE TRKSAK I was so moved by Extension magazine s recent reporting on the great work being done by Catholic nuns across the country. It was inspirational to be reminded how they are truly embodying Christ in everything they do. MRS. JUDY GRAF Pathways Awareness helps religious organizations take steps to include individuals of all abilities A church with aisles or doors too narrow to accommodate a wheelchair. A lower level parish hall with no ramps. One in five Americans has some disability today and, unfortunately, many religious institutions are not equipped to meet their needs. Pathways Awareness is a non-profit organization dedicated to changing this. Its Open Hearts, Open Minds program helps houses of worship and religious schools include those with physical, sensory, mental or emotional differences in all aspects of faith life. Each year, its Open Hearts Awards program provides grants of up to $1,000 to congregations for use in improving accessibility and fostering inclusion. Congregations applying must already have taken some action to be more accommodating to worshipers with varying needs. Since 1997, Pathways Awareness has distributed more than $100,000 nationwide. Funding has gone toward purchasing Braille worship aides, placing Jewish Mezuzah at wheelchair height, installing automatic door openers, providing sign language interpreters for religious services, making washrooms more accessible and providing specialized religious education materials. Interested in applying for an award? The Pathways Awareness Open Hearts Awards program offers grants through the National Open Hearts Awards for adults and the National Junior Open Hearts Awards, for which children under age 18 can nominate their church or school. Nominations for the awards are now open. The deadline for nominations is August 1. Awards will be announced October 10 in conjunction with Inclusion Awareness Day. For more information about the awards or to nominate your parish or school, call , visit or friends@pathwaysawareness.org. Summer

6 news briefs CATHOLIC DIOCESES ACROSS AMERICA]There are more than 80 mission dioceses geographic regions where the church is growing and the needs are great. HELENA GALLUP Mission dioceses AMARILLO Alaska Puerto Rico St. Michael Indian School Receives First Grant from the Sister Marguerite Bartz Fund Catholic Extension has awarded the first grant from the Sister Marguerite Bartz Fund GALLUP to St. Michael Indian School located on the Navajo Reservation in the Diocese of Gallup. The $41,451 grant will fund renovations to the school s gymnasium, an essential part of the St. Michael campus that is used for physical education as well as student assemblies, events and allschool Masses. Catholic Extension established the Sister Marguerite Bartz Fund 6 Extension in April 2010 in honor of the late Sr. Marguerite, who worked as a spiritual leader, educator, mentor, activist and community builder for more than 40 years before she was murdered during a robbery in her home in November The fund supports the essential work of women religious and the ministries they create and inspire in the most underserved regions of the United States. It supplements the more than $1.6 million Catholic Extension has already committed to distributing in 2010 to support women religious and their ministries. St. Michael Indian School

7 Thank you for this gift and for honoring Marguerite and all of us, said an emotional Sr. Kathleen Kajer, SBS, executive director of St. Michael Indian School, upon receiving the grant. We have the oldest gym on the Navajo reservation and our students will be so grateful for [this renovation.] I know Sister Marguerite would be so pleased with this gift because she was the chairperson of our facilities committee. Sr. Kathleen Kajer, SBS, of St. Michael Indian School and Fr. Jack Wall St. Michael Indian School was founded by St. Katharine Drexel, founder of the Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament, in 1902 in order to provide students from local Native American communities with a quality education rooted in the Catholic faith and a deep appreciation for Native heritage. Sr. Marguerite, who entered the Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament in 1966, was a member of the St. Michael board and ministered to the students of the school and people in the surrounding community until her life was tragically cut short. St. Michael Indian School is the longest continually operating K-12 institution and the sole remaining Catholic school within the Navajo Reservation. NEW RATES Be secure. 55 or older? Secure lifetime fixed annuity payments while supporting Catholic Extension. Benefits include: Lifetime fixed payments at favorable rates Immediate and future tax benefits Payment frequencies that meet your needs Charitable Gift Individual Annuity Rates Age as of July 1, 2010 Payment rate Age Payment rate % % % % % % % % We request a minimum gift of $5,000 to participate. Calculate your gift annuity benefits at catholicextension.org/annuities. TO LEARN MORE, Contact Judy Blackmer at or jblackmer@catholicextension.org. Summer

8 news briefs Diocese of Amarillo Receives Four-Year, $120,000 Grant to Fund Why Catholic? Program St. Ignatius Mission AMARILLO Catholic Extension has committed to provide the Diocese of Amarillo, Texas, a four-year, $120,000 grant to fund implementation of RENEW International s Why Catholic? Journey through the Catechism/ Por que ser católico?, a bilingual program that aims to strengthen faith in Catholic communities from a pastoral, personal and practical standpoint. Why Catholic?, which will launch in the diocese in the fall of 2010, empowers parishes and all Catholics to better understand and strengthen their faith through a series of 48 small group study sessions. Conducted by local parish volunteers over the course of four years, the sessions encourage reflection on Catholic beliefs, sacraments, morality and prayer. The sessions are intended to give participants the confidence to share their faith with others and serve their communities. In electing to institute the pro gram in all of its parishes, the Diocese of Amarillo is taking a comprehensive approach to growing people s faith and developing new lay leaders across the vast expanse of the Texas panhandle. Funds Help St. Ignatius Mission Offer New Home for Sisters Serving the Parish Catholic Extension has granted $25,995 to St. Ignatius Mission in the Diocese of Helena, Montana, to provide a home for Sr. Mary Stauder, O.P., and Sr. Margaret Hillary, O.P., who serve the parish. HELENA The Sisters used to travel a great distance to St. Ignatius each day to oversee faith formation and counseling programs and conduct concentrated outreach throughout the community and the Flathead Indian Reservation where the church is located. Catholic Extension s funds will help the parish replace a small mobile home on the church grounds that was poorly insulated against the elements with a new one that is safe and weatherproof. The new home will provide the sisters easy access to St. Ignatius and the members of the community they serve. 8 Extension

9 Make a perfect match before it s too late! Chicago philanthropist Richard H. Driehaus will provide a $1,000 match for the first 500 Socius Circle members of A TRADITION OF SUPPORT 38 of the 84 dioceses Catholic Extension supports report that their Catholic populations are growing. The $500,000 Driehaus Challenge. Take it. To learn more about the Driehaus Challenge Grant or make a contribution, please call our Development Office at or visit catholicextension.org. Now s your chance to increase the impact of your gift by accepting the Driehaus Challenge, which matches the first $1,000 of your contribution and entitles you to membership in the 2010 Socius Circle. This giving society is for donors who make an annual commitment to support the work of Catholic Extension with a gift of $1,000 or more. Summer

10 C R E AT I V E S O L U T I O N S Bringing Management Training to Pastoral Leaders priests, sisters and lay leaders serving in America s poorest dioceses are some of our country s most creative people. With few resources at their disposal and vast distances to travel, they still find ways to surmount the roadblocks standing in the way of two important duties: providing church communities with Christ-like pastoral leadership and soundly managing their limited resources. At Catholic Extension, we believe one of our major responsibilities to our dioceses and our donors is to remove those roadblocks so that the church flourishes even in the most challenging situations. That s how an unprecedented fiscal management seminar held recently for parish leaders from across the island of Puerto Rico came to be. As part of Catholic Extension s constant communication with representatives from under-resourced dioceses in the U.S. and its territories, we learned in 2009 that many Catholic leaders from Puerto Rico s six dioceses yearned for the tools necessary to more effectively manage their communities financial resources. However, they struggled to find the time or funds to travel to annual meetings in the U.S. sponsored On behalf of our donors, we want to work with dioceses to better understand their issues and become the link between resources and need. JOE BOLAND, Senior Director of Grants Management, Catholic Extension by the Diocesan Fiscal Management Conference (DFMC). We realized the time had come to bring management training to Puerto Rico s pastoral leaders instead of bringing Puerto Rico s pastoral leaders to management training. 10 Extension

11 So began six months of extensive planning with the DFMC in consultation with officials from the island s dioceses to co-sponsor a day-long seminar. Held in April 2010, it attracted almost 250 participants, ordained and lay, who came by the busload from Puerto Rico s six dioceses. They were eager to learn best practices in financial management within the context of parish life. Catholic Extension and the DFMC recruited bilingual presenters with strong experience in training priests in financial management and making the most of meager resources. Given that almost 90 percent of participants rated the conference as very or extremely helpful, we plan to bring more cost-effective educational opportunities directly to the doorsteps of leaders working in financially strapped dioceses. On behalf of our donors, we want to work with dioceses to better understand their issues and become the link between resources and need, says Joe Boland, Senior Director of Grants Management for Catholic Extension. Specifically, the more we re able to train pastoral leaders in sound management practices, the more they will be able to help their parishes and ministries become self-sustaining, ensuring that the Church is present and active in those places. Include us. Catholic Extension s four planned gift opportunities bring real savings and benefits to you and your family during and after your lifetime and strengthen America s neediest dioceses far into the future. Eliminate income tax payments on your retirement fund by naming Catholic Extension as a future beneficiary of your IRA, 401(k) or 403(b) plan. Increase current income, receive a tax deduction and reduce capital gains by establishing a charitable gift annuity AGE or charitable remainder trust OR by converting a low return on CDs and stocks into a higher lifetime payment. Leverage a life insurance gift by naming Catholic Extension as a beneficiary of your policy. Your premiums will be tax deductible. TOP LEFT: The conference attracted almost 250 participants from Puerto Rico s six dioceses. TOP RIGHT: Fr. Felix Olivera, Director of Finance, Diocese of Caguas, PR BOTTOM LEFT: Ms. Linda Lugo, Diocesan Director of Finance, and Fr. Toni Alicea, Diocesan Director of Education, for the Diocese of Fajardo-Humacao, PR BOTTOM RIGHT: Priests, deacons and lay leaders discuss matters of financial management. Build a legacy gift by remembering Catholic Extension in your will or living trust. TO LEARN MORE, contact Catherine Marquis, Director of Planned Giving, at or cmarquis@catholicextension.org. Summer

12 THE SAVAGE CHARITABLE FOUNDATION Gainesville, Virginia D O N O R S P O T L I G H T Gainesville Fueled by their shared belief in loving your neighbor as Christ commands, Ron Savage honors his brother by supporting seminarian education UNITED IN GIVING They were very different people, the savage brothers. Ron was the thinker. He went to college on a full scholarship and spent his career as a teacher and educational administrator. John was the mover. Uncomfortable in classrooms, he was gifted with his hands and became an inventor with 30 patents on successful electronic products. Ron Savage with his grandchildren, Extension

13 " We didn t have much in common and we didn t always agree, but in one area of life we were completely in sync: our faith, our values, says Ron, 76, who runs the Savage Charitable Foundation. The brothers were united in their belief that, as Ron emphasizes, Loving your neighbor as Christ commands means helping those less fortunate. Catholic Extension s mission to strengthen poor and isolated Catholic communities across America is at the heart of their story of giving. Raised by devout Catholic parents, the brothers spent their adult lives on opposite ends of the country Ron in Virginia, John in California. Ron married and had a family, John remained single. But they John and I were of one mind about the need for good priests, and nd d I th ha an nk k I thank God every day for the privilege of being able to fulfill his wishes. RON VAG ON N SA AV AG GE E SAVAGE I said, Father, if there was one Catholic charity you would recommend I give to, what would it be? He said, Catholic Extension. You can count on them to use your money well. RON SAVAGE stayed in touch, and Ron reveled in John s business triumphs as he parlayed his inventions into two profitable companies. Then in 2003, John was diagnosed with terminal cancer. He turned to Ron to help plan his estate and, upon his death, execute its terms through his newly formed foundation. John wanted me to sell the companies once he died and give 50 percent of their value to educate seminarians, Ron says. I knew Catholic Extension was the answer. It funds the education of good seminarians to become good priests, and those priests go out to serve in dioceses where the needs are great. Ron had learned about Catholic Extension years before from his parish priest, an Irishman named Father O Brian. I found myself with a little disposable income to give back. I said, Father, if there was one Catholic charity you would recommend I give to, what would it be? He said, Catholic Extension. You can count on them to use your money well. Catholic Extension was a good fit for Ron. As a former seminarian himself for nearly five years, he had internalized the Gospel call to serve the poor. As a former veteran and proud American, John Savage with his niece, 1993 I really appreciated that Catholic Extension s mission to help the poor was homegrown. People are hurting everywhere, but I believe charity begins at home. Over the years, Ron gave more than $13,000 to support Catholic Extension s mission to build faith, inspire hope and ignite change in communities throughout the country. He never imagined he would be in a position to give much more. But then his brother got sick. And together, the two of them carefully developed a plan to divest John s assets and honor his charitable intentions. John died in Ron has been distributing funds from John s foundation ever since, including $125,000 to Catholic Extension to support the education of men in seminary training. More will come once Ron sells the second of John s companies. John and I were of one mind about the need for good priests, and I thank God every day for the privilege of being able to fulfill his wishes, Ron says. The important thing is to give what you can and plan when you re able. And pray. Ask God for guidance when it comes to giving, and he will assist you. He will help you find an organization you can trust, one that will use your money the way you want it to be used. For me, that s Catholic Extension. To learn more about how you can donate to Catholic Extension, visit catholicextension.org. Summer

14 St. mary s catholic church Lamar, Missouri Diocese of Springfield-Cape Girardeau i n s p i r a t i o n t o g i v e out of the ashes One year after their historic church was destroyed by an arsonist, parishioners at St. Mary s rallied to meet a fundraising challenge from Catholic Extension to see their beloved church rebuilt Residents of lamar, missouri, were horrified on February 8, 2009, when St. Mary s Catholic Church, a fixture of the community since 1904, was set ablaze by an arsonist. St. Mary s was the only Catholic church in all of Barton County and the spiritual home and A rendering of the proposed new church social hub for Catholics in the region for several generations. The fire devastated the century-old structure. The cost of rebuilding St. Mary s was estimated at $1.2 million. Insurance was able to cover $800,000 of the cost, but the parish needed to raise the remaining $400,000. Determined to rebuild, St. Mary s 90 families knew their task would not be easy. The small rural community of 4,500 had been hit hard by the economic downturn. At least 700 residents had lost their jobs. Many of St. Mary s parishioners are retired and living on fixed incomes. 14 Extension

15 By the end of March, church members had garnered an unprecedented $175,000 in combined pledges and fundraising activity within a community beset by economic hardship. In January 2010, Catholic Extension s team shared a plan with St. Mary s a challenge grant in which Catholic Extension s donors would commit $150,000 to the fundraising effort if the parish could raise at least $90,000. Catholic Extension hoped the parishioners could match the challenge in six to 12 months. The team was stunned when, in just two months, the St. Mary s community had accumulated $130,000 in pledges. Fueled by the challenge grant, St. Mary s parishioners involved the entire community in countless fundraisers. They sponsored Lenten fish fries, car raffles, carnivals and chili cook-offs. They dug deep into their own pockets. By the end of March, church members had garnered an unprecedented $175,000 in combined pledges and fundraising activity within a community beset by economic hardship. Following the parish s overwhelming response to the challenge grant, Catholic Extension announced during Holy Week that the $150,000 pledge would be honored in full. Dr. Gene Aug, Director of Development and Properties for the Diocese of Springfield-Cape Girardeau, lauded St. Mary s parishioners for their resolve to rebuild and credited Catholic Extension s challenge with inspiring people to give. ABOVE: The devastation caused by the fire, 2009 These faith-filled people have been deeply committed to making this happen from day one, but Extension s involvement and promise definitely spurred them into more action, said Aug, who noted that other parishes in the diocese and local churches of all denominations also rallied in support. While fundraising will continue, with the funds raised so far, construction to rebuild St. Mary s has begun and is expected to be complete in October The new church will draw from the original St. Mary s design and incorporate stones from the old church. It will seat nearly 200 worshipers. In the interim, St. Mary s parishioners are celebrating Mass and gathering in St. Mary s parish hall, which was built with Catholic Extension funds in Together, they are honoring their past by rebuilding for their future. To learn more about the communities Catholic Extension supports, visit catholicextension.org. Summer

16 EL PASO, TEXAS Tepeyac Institute Diocese of El Paso A M E R I C A N J O U R N E Y For more than two decades the Tepeyac Institute has helped engage, educate and empower lay leaders A VISION FOR LEADERSHIP T hree decades ago, a young priest stood on tepeyac hill near Mexico City where Our Lady of Guadalupe first appeared to Juan Diego in The priest looked to Her for guidance and answers. Tepeyac Institute I knew I wanted to do something that would help prepare the Church for the future, says Monsignor Arturo Bañuelas, founding director of the Tepeyac Institute in El Paso. I asked the Blessed Mother, What do I do? What happens from here? The meanings and inspirations of Vatican II filled his mind that day, particularly its precept that lay people are important to the life of the Catholic Church. Then it hit him. That s it! he thought. That s what we ve got to do train the laity. More than 30 years later in Father Robert Dueweke s Spiritual Guidance class at Tepeyac, Romana Grijalva speaks up. I have some good news to share, she says. I am going to start up a little group at St. Stephen. Grijalva, who is typical of students at Tepeyac, embodies Msgr. Bañuelas vision fulfilled. Taking inspiration from her course work, she is bringing together the women in her parish for weekly discussions about meditative prayer, and the relationship between spirituality and daily life. Fr. Dueweke is pleased. Students who apply their Tepeyac training by creating groups such as Grijalva s are living resources for their parishes and communities, helping to build faith and inspire hope wherever they go. That s what Tepeyac is all about, he says. 16 Extension

17 The Tepeyac Institute is about adult Christianity, which means to not just preach the Gospel, but live the Gospel. fr. robert dueweke, Director of the tepeyac Institute LEFT: Tepeyac Director Fr. Robert Dueweke stands beside the Tepeyac Institute banner, which depicts San Juan Diego and Our Lady of Guadalupe. TOP: A cross reflecting the local Hispanic culture ABOVE: A statue of Our Lady of Guadalupe, patroness of Tepayac, is a recent addition to the Institute s campus. Summer Summer

18 A M E R I C A N J O U R N E Y I knew I wanted to do something that would help prepare the Church for the future. MONSIGNOR ARTURO BAÑUELAS AN EXPLOSIVE BEGINNING Msgr. Bañuelas first proposed the idea of a training center for lay people in the 1980s to El Paso s then-bishop Raymundo Peña, who made establishing an institute a priority for his diocese. With full diocesan support, Msgr. Bañuelas began raising funds, developing a curriculum, attracting teachers, and spreading the word about the Tepeyac Institute. With financial support from Catholic Extension, it opened its doors in It was explosive from the beginning, Msgr. Bañuelas says. We had 1,200 people show up the first year. Due to exceptional certification programs and investments from supporters such as Catholic Extension, growth has been exponential ever since. More than 20 years after its founding, Tepeyac has become the largest bilingual institute in the country that trains Catholic leaders. It offers all courses in both Spanish and English, along with sign language when possible. And it has certified more than 20,000 people from El Paso and neighboring communities in numerous ministries. Catholic Extension has given more than $700,000 in donor contributions over the last two decades to support the programmatic, educational and infrastructure needs of Tepeyac. RADIATING OUTWARD INTO THE FUTURE Fr. Dueweke, who became director of Tepeyac in 2009 after Msgr. Bañuelas retired, is following in his predecessor s visionary footsteps and believes the institute is about, adult Christianity, which means to not just preach the Gospel, but live the Gospel. Gabby Martinez, administrator at Tepeyac, and Veronica Rayas, Programs Coordinator, stand in front of a display of crosses in the offices of Tepeyac. Rayas master s degree from Fordham University was funded by Catholic Extension. 18 Extension

19 Wish today. Msgr. Arturo Bañuelas, founding director of Tepeyac Institute, describes its origins. Order your Christmas cards from Catholic Extension and support the poorest dioceses in the U.S. At Tepeyac, incoming students complete a basic faith formation program before earning certificates in specific ministries, such as retreat leadership, elder care and lector training. Fr. Dueweke also encourages their involvement in additional facets of community life. What is the responsibility of religious institutions to the community? he asks. How can Tepeyac be the voice for the voiceless? These are some of the questions guiding his own vision in which Tepeyac is a venue for people to discuss critical issues affecting communities, and Catholic leaders also are community leaders. Consequently, Tepeyac s growth will ensure the vibrant growth of Catholic parishes and their wider communities in the process an ambitious course initially inspired by a pilgrimage to the place where Our Lady of Guadalupe revealed her vision to a simple layman named Juan Diego. To learn more about the Tepeyac Institute, visit catholicextension.org. TO VIEW YOUR MANY CUSTOMIZED CHRISTMAS CARD OPTIONS AND PLACE YOUR ORDER, PLEASE VISIT catholicextension.org. Summer Summer

20 Your ADonations at Work SEMINARIAN EDUCATION BY THE NUMBERS $3,154,275 in grants 533 seminarians 32 dioceses america s 84 mission dioceses, which include the most impoverished and remote areas of the country, spend an average of $30,000 a year per seminarian for training in philosophy, spirituality and pastoral ministry to prepare future priests for ordination. Costs include tuition, room and board, books and health insurance. Catholic Extension is committed to ensuring that anyone answering the call to serve God and the Church as a priest receives the support they need. From July 1, 2009 to May 31, 2010, our donors helped provide grants totaling $3,154,275 for seminarian education. These grants helped fund the education of 533 seminarians. This is half of the 1,070 men who are studying for the priesthood in America s mission dioceses. The grants are educating an estimated 15 percent of America s seminarians nationwide. They are from 32 geo graphically diverse dioceses, including Juneau, Alaska; Fargo, North Dakota; and the Samoan Islands. We also support the vocation work of the Archdiocese of the Military Services. SAINT JOSEPH ABBEY and SEMINARY COLLEGE Located in St. Benedict, Louisiana, Saint Joseph offers three programs to prepare seminarians for entrance into a Roman Catholic theologate. Studies incorporate the four pillars of formation: human, spiritual, intellectual and pastoral. ABOVE LEFT: Robert Cigainero, seminarian of Saint Joseph Seminary College, getting hooded at his graduation ceremony. This year, 25 of the 26 graduating seniors at the seminary are planning to continue their priestly formation at a graduate theological seminary. ABOVE RIGHT: Graduate Alberto Carbajal at the commencement Mass FACING PAGE: Seminarians of St. Joseph Seminary College 20 Extension

21 Your Donations at Work We would not be able to pay for seminarian education if it weren t for Catholic Extension and its donors. FR. RAYMOND RODRIGUEZ, Vocations Director, Diocese of Cheyenne Summer

22 SUPPORTING VOCATIONS Year for Priests JUNE JUNE 2010 FOR FATHER RAY FLORES, the year brought a good harvest with the humble farmers of his tiny New Mexico parish. For Father Jarett Konrade, the year was dedicated to recruiting more seminarians from the Diocese of Salina, Kansas, than it has seen in decades. For Father Bill Hill, the year was spent traveling thousands of miles across the vast expanses of northern Wyoming s mining country to serve the people he loves. And for Catholic Extension and our donors, the year was committed to supporting the education of hundreds of seminarians and the work of countless priests in poor and remote corners of our nation. Saint Joseph College seminarian Ruben Dykes serving Mass during April s Holy Thursday liturgy. 22 Extension CES Extension Summer 2010.indd 22 6/25/10 6:48 PM

23 ON JUNE 19, 2009, Pope Benedict XVI called on the entire church to celebrate a Year for Priests. Marking the 150th anniversary of the death of St. John Vianney, the patron saint of priests, the Year for Priests has been dedicated to the following: Emphasizing the importance of the priest s role and mission in the Church and in contemporary society and Helping all Catholics rediscover and reinforce their knowledge of the gift of grace that ordained ministers represent. Catholic Extension and our donors can take great pride in knowing that we helped Father Flores, Father Konrade and Father Hill complete their seminary training. Our support also made possible their work as faithful priests in America s 84 mission dioceses, places where both Catholic churches and resources to build community are few. Throughout the Year for Priests, Catholic Extension s donors provided more than $3 million to contribute to the education of more than 500 seminarians from the mission dioceses. This total is greater than any amount we have ever awarded for seminarian education. It is our response not only to the Year for Priests but also to the reality that diocesan endowments for seminarian education have shrunk during the current economic downturn even as the number of Catholics in poor and isolated regions of America continues to grow. How is a Catholic community to flourish without the spiritual wellspring of the Eucharist and the sacraments? asks Father Jack Wall, President of Catholic Extension. We honor the many priests who heroically minister to our country s poorest communities. They help people sanctify and celebrate the most significant moments of their lives, and encourage them in every moment to experience the transforming power of faith and share it with others. Such is the life of Fr. Flores, whose parishioners are the salt of the earth. They come in droves to Our Lord of Mercy Parish in Hatch, New Mexico, each week to experience their pastor s joyful enthusiasm for nurturing their spiritual lives. I m privileged to witness miracles > St. John Vianney PATRON SAINT OF PRIESTS May 8, 1786 August 4, 1859 Canonized: May 31, 1925 Feast Day: August 4th Also known as Jean-Baptiste- Marie Vianney, St. John Vianney was a French priest ordained in In 1818, he was made parish priest of Ars, a remote French village of 230 residents. At Ars, his reputation as a confessor made him known throughout the Christian world. People began to travel from distant places to consult him. It is estimated that by 1855 the number of pilgrims visiting St. John Vianney had reached 20,000 annually. He would spend hours a day hearing confessions of people from all over the world. His life was filled with works of charity and love, and it has been said that even the worst sinners were converted at his mere word. Father Ray Flores prays the rosary in front of a statue of St.Terese with members of Our Lord of Mercy parish in Hatch, New Mexico. Summer

24 with the cycle of every harvest, says Fr. Flores, who was ordained in 2005 and grew up in a parish very similar to Our Lord of Mercy. Sometimes the crops are good, sometimes not, which makes us all aware that we would have nothing if not for God s generosity. Fr. Konrade employs a combination of online communication tools and personal charisma to encourage vocations among young people throughout western Kansas particularly men considering the priesthood. His approach is working. Ordained in 2005, he became the Diocese of Salina s Vocations Director in 2008 and has brought at least five men into the seminary every year since. My own vocation grew out of a college retreat given by a young priest who showed us the possibilities of a deeper spiritual life. I heard the call to priesthood that weekend, but all of us heard the call to be better people. As a priest, I am constantly aware of my obligation to reach out to others in service to God, Fr. Konrade says. My own vocation grew out of a college retreat given by a young priest who showed us the possibilities of a deeper spiritual life. I heard the call to priesthood that weekend, but all of us heard the call to be better people. Fr. Hill was ordained in 2006 and ministers to parishioners living in the remote regions of the Diocese of Cheyenne where he grew up. FR. JARETT KONRADE Fr. Jarett Konrade and members of his band, Clerical Hum FROM LEFT TO RIGHT: Luke Thielen, seminarian, Fr. Randall Weber, Fr. Nicholas Parker 24 Extension

25 But he attended seminary in Chicago with men accustomed to a Catholic church on practically every corner. Some of them couldn t imagine a place where there weren t many Catholics. I always told them that a lot of our churches have Catholic Extension plaques in them because Extension funds helped build them, says Fr. Hill. I think of my education as having a Catholic Extension plaque on it, too: This mind was formed from the generosity of the donors to Catholic Extension. In July, Fr. Hill will be leaving his post as Associate Pastor at St. Matthew s Catholic Church in Gillette, Wyoming, to become the Vocations Director for the Diocese of Cheyenne. The Year for Priests concluded on June 19 with Pope Benedict presiding at a World Meeting for Priests in St. Peter s Square in Rome. Fr. Flores, Fr. Konrade and Fr. Hill were there in spirit. So were Catholic Extension s donors, who helped make their journeys possible. To learn more about the grants Catholic Extension provides, visit catholicextension.org. Give today. Membership in Catholic Extension Giving Societies Mission Partner or Socius Circle also entitles you to exciting benefits. Member Benefits Mission Partner ($25-$999) Special reports from President Fr. Jack Wall Weekly online meditations from Bishop William Houck SOCIUS CIRCLE ($1000 +) Socius Circle ($1000+) A subscription to Extension magazine The opportunity to share Extension with someone else The opportunity to judge our annual Lumen Christi Award Invitations to our celebrations around the country Opportunities to visit our supported dioceses Catholic Extension also welcomes partnerships with foundations that share our commitment to strengthening Catholic communities. TO DONATE, please return your gift in the enclosed envelope or visit catholicextension.org for simple, secure online giving. Summer

26 S U P P O R T I N G VOCATIONS A Vocation Given to God Father jack wall, president of Catholic Extension, convened a discussion of four Vocations Directors from around the country: Father Ray Flores, Monsignor R. Scott Friend, Father Jarett Konrade and Father Raymond Rodriguez. The priests discussed their personal journeys toward priesthood, their work and the state of vocations in some of America s most forgotten places. They also talked about today s seminarians and the exciting energy and spirit they encounter in the young people who are the future of the Church. ABOVE: Fr. Konrade talks with a potential seminarian candidate. 26 Extension

27 the participants FATHER RAY FLORES Fr. Flores was ordained in He is the pastor at Our Lord of Mercy in Hatch, New Mexico, and is Co-director of Vocations for the Diocese of Las Cruces. MONSIGNOR R. SCOTT FRIEND Msgr. Friend was ordained in He is Vicar General and Vocations Director for the Diocese of Little Rock, Arkansas. Msgr. Friend was the recipient of the Lumen Christi Award in FATHER JARETT KONRADE Fr. Konrade was ordained in He is Vocations Director for the Diocese of Salina, Kansas. FATHER RAYMOND RODRIGUEZ Fr. Rodriguez was ordained in He is Vocations Director for the Diocese of Cheyenne, Wyoming. He will be leaving vocation ministry in July to serve as pastor of St. Mary Magdalen Church in Worland. FR. JACK WALL: Can you briefly discuss some important aspects of your own calling to the priesthood? FR. KONRADE: I would consider myself a product of our culture, which means I grew up in the world pretty much drawn to girls, sports and a career in money. The whole priesthood thing was definitely not a part of my equation at all. As I went off to college, I started to come to terms with what it meant to be Catholic. I was introduced by a girlfriend to a retreat experience, which happened to be guided by a young priest who had a sense of humor and a real zeal for his priesthood. He was very joyful, and that was really attractive to me. I remember making a deal with God. I said, Well, I m in this really awesome relationship. I really like this girl, and if you want me to follow this priesthood thing, I think you really are going to have to hit me over the head. My girlfriend called me up about four days later and broke up with me. That was the road of discernment for me! MSGR. FRIEND: I would say that my dad, especially, helped me to develop a great love for the church. He was very much involved with our parish. We had a great uncle who was a priest as well as a cousin on my dad s side. It was something that wasn t out of the ordinary in our family. FR. FLORES: I say that my grandma was my prophet. When I was a little boy, she told me I was going to grow up and be a priest. Now that I m a pastor in a small farming village I understand what she meant. Farmers are witnesses to miracles. They drop a seed and with time and care and love, it produces something. So, I tell people that she was my prophet and I came to understand [the seed she had planted in me]. Like Jarett, I too met a priest who had a great impact on my life when I was in college. I saw the way he engaged the people and how they > 27 Extension Summer

28 We are trying to help young men be open to the possibility that God has a plan for them, and to answer that call with courage and not be afraid. FR. RAYMOND RODRIGUEZ responded to him and I thought to myself, I want to be like him. So I went and got my degrees and I was working as a school counselor and I thought, I need to give [the priesthood] a try. I don t want to live with regret. Taking that first step of faith is the most difficult thing. But it s certainly been a great adventure. FR. RODRIGUEZ: I went to a Catholic junior high and high school. There was a lay teacher who introduced me to the idea of the priesthood. I was 13 years old. She mentored me. And my parish priests were great guys. I wanted to be like those men. I found [the priesthood] to be an awe-inspiring way to give my life a way to serve other people. 28 Were there any big surprises or challenges for you as you moved into vocations work? FR. WALL: For me, vocations work has had its joys but it s been much more challenging than I expected. For those who are drawn to priesthood, most of what attracts us is parish life. Vocations work doesn t have a lot to do with that. At the same time, I find that it s also opened me up to some things that I wouldn t have been able to experience in a parish. FR. KONRADE: FR. RODRIGUEZ: I was four years into being a pastor when we received a brand new bishop who asked me to become the vocations director. I think I was just hitting my stride as a pastor, so Extension CES Extension Summer 2010.indd 28 6/25/10 6:49 PM

29 that was really kind of a jarring thing. But a former vocations director had said to me, You know, the future of the church goes through the Office of Vocations Director. That really gave me a deep and profound sense of awe in what we do and steeled me through the difficult times. Fr. Wall: How have you come to understand your role in your diocese? Fr. Rodriguez: I think my role is being an advocate for individuals considering the possibility of priesthood. But every pastor every priest is really a vocations director. One of my pastors said every priest has a duty to replace himself two times. That really [gave] me a sense that we are trying to help young men be open to the possibility that God has a plan for them and to answer that call with courage and not be afraid. Msgr. Friend: [I try] to help develop the relationship between the people in the diocese and the seminarians, and help [people] realize that they need to take a direct role in and work with vocations by prayer and support. It has also been really important to change peoples perspectives. We are going to have around 30 seminarians this fall. Even though we have that number, a lot of people still have the perception, which is driven by the media, that nobody wants to be a priest. It s just amazing how cynical everyone is about vocations. We have to change that attitude. Fr. Konrade: I don t remember interacting with a priest in my first 18 years of life who was, at least in my mind, under the age of 65 or 70. I am sure I did but that was the image in my mind, so I find that a huge part of my role is to get out there and interact with kids and young adults. I just try to get into contact with more young people to open their eyes to the joy of the possibility of a vocation given to God. Fr. Flores: I think that we are living advertisements for the seminary and for priesthood. I think people look to us and they look at our lives. I think that speaks more about [vocations] than what we can say. One day a guy said to me, You know, no one ever asked me if I wanted to be a priest. He was married and had children, but I could see that he probably would have considered it. Whenever I meet a young person, I always try to plant that seed and say, Have you ever thought about this? It s an option. Just be open to the possibility that perhaps this is something that God is calling you to. Fr. Wall: Tell me more about the young men with whom you are working. Who are these new seminarians? Fr. Rodriguez: A lot of the young men I see in the Diocese of Cheyenne are amazingly and inspiringly gifted. Many of them are bright Renaissance men. > Saint Joseph seminarian Joseph Bertucci serving Mass under the direction of student Master of Ceremonies Brandon Jones. Summer

30 The Lord came not to be served but to serve. MATTHEW 20:28 They have musical inclinations. They have lots of different interests. They tend to be younger. I see a lot of interest among younger guys rather than second career vocations. MSGR. FRIEND: The level of talent is astounding to me. We have several guys who are just brilliant. It s wonderful to be around them. They are very open to serve the people and willing to do whatever it s going to take to make that happen. When they are together, you experience their sense of brotherhood and their joy for the church. FR. KONRADE: It has been just wonderful to see the energy among the seminarians. It s amazing to see their desire to give of themselves. In the summertime they all want to be involved in different programs and things we have going on in the diocese. It s been great to see the enthusiasm and it really is contagious. FR. WALL: As you think about the future of the church, what do you look for in a young man aspiring to the priesthood? MSGR. FRIEND: They have got to be good, strong men because they are going to face a lot of challenges. The guys have got to be wholesome. We demand high standards, and I think our guys really like that. They step up to that challenge. They also have to have a strong sense of wanting to know the Lord and take their prayer life very seriously. That s the thing that I stress most with them. I want them to be in love with the Lord. FR. RODRIGUEZ: One of the things we look for is a love for the church, a sense of the uniqueness of the Catholic Church, her solidity and her history. We also look for men who can be leaders in their own right and work collaboratively with other priests and lay people. FR. KONRADE: [There is] a passage in scripture that I have used in reflection with the guys: The Lord came not to be served but to serve (Matthew 20:28). I look for a level of humility, and a recognition that they are not perfect and that becoming priests does not make them perfect or give them a sense of entitlement. FR. WALL: When you were asked to be a Vocations Director, why did you say yes? FR. KONRADE: When I started seminary, things were looking fairly bleak as far as vocations. I think there was one point where we had four guys 30 Extension

31 and it was just a depressing time. After my ordination [in 2005], I saw a lot of good things going on in the diocese and our bishop initiating a lot of good programs. I saw the groundwork being laid. When the bishop approached me about [being Vocations Director], we hadn t had a full-time guy for 15 years, I think. Being Vocations Director is something that I am very passionate about because I am still fairly closely connected to that time period of seminary life and young adults. MSGR. FRIEND: I really love the priesthood and helping guys come to find the Lord and figure out what He wants them to do. I really enjoy doing it. FR. WALL: Can you share an example of a discovery you have had or a program you ve created that has helped you in your work? MSGR. FRIEND: We have got to change the perception people have about priesthood and how we present it. I ve found that if I tell people, Well, we have a priest shortage and, you know, we are going to have to close parishes as well, nobody wants to join a sinking ship. It s not very positive, and it s not the truth. We are not a sinking ship. We have to change the way we talk about priesthood, and we have to work to change perspective. Ask today. Please ask your parish to carry Catholic Extension calendars. FR. RODRIGUEZ: One of the things that I think is a huge success is [dedicating] one of our priests to full-time vocation work. To foster those relationships with young men and women is such an important thing, and it does take time. FR. KONRADE: I think that plugging our seminarians back into the [dioceses], in terms of being involved with programs and being visible, is important. I would say a majority of our youth in the diocese is interacting in some way or another with our seminarians over the summer. I think that s getting the message out there and exposing young people to the possibility. FOR MORE INFORMATION ON CARRYING OUR CALENDARS, contact Tom Finnegan, Director of Calendars, at or tfinnegan@catholicextension.org. Summer

32 I N S P I R I N G C H A N G E 2010 umen Christi Award EACH YEAR, Catholic Extension s Lumen Christi Award honors an individual working in one of America s mission dioceses who demonstrates how the power of faith can transform lives and communities. Lumen Christi recipients are laudable not only for the light and hope they bring to forgotten corners of our country, but for inspiring those around them to be Lights of Christ as well. Past recipients of the Lumen Christi Award, which is Latin for Light of Christ, have included priests, women religious and lay leaders from across the nation. The 2010 nominees for the distinction are 14 men and 11 women whose faith and selfless service is an inspiration to all. The Lumen Christi Award is accompanied by a $50,000 grant $25,000 for the honoree and $25,000 for his or her nominating diocese to be used for enhancing a specific area of ministry. Six finalists for the 2010 Award will be named in July; the recipient will be named in September. 32 Extension

33 CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR NOMINEES Mission dioceses Msgr. Louis Antonelli Diocese of Chalan Kanoa (Northern Mariana Islands) 2. Kathleen Bredimus Diocese of Richmond (Virginia) 3. Mark Bristol, USNR Archdiocese for the Military Services 4. Fr. Carlos Gonzalez Diocese of Mayaguez (Puerto Rico) 5. Una Mae Hargrave Diocese of Lafayette (Louisiana) 6. Fr. Maurus Hauer Diocese of Las Cruces (New Mexico) 7. Msgr. Philip J. Heslin, PhD Diocese of Superior (Wisconsin) 8. Deacon Patrick Jones Diocese of Colorado Springs (Colorado) 9. Richard Karam Eparchy of Our Lady of Lebanon 10. Fr. Ed Kohler Diocese of Helena (Montana) 11. Sr. Carolyn Kosub, ICM Diocese of Brownsville (Texas) 12. Ivona Mauga Diocese of Samoa-Pago Pago (American Samoa) 13. Nancy Lee Madden, MSW Diocese of Fajardo- Humacao (Puerto Rico) 14. Bishop John McRaith Diocese of Owensboro (Kentucky) 15. Sr. Lucy Meissen, CPPS Diocese of Las Cruces (New Mexico) 16. Fr. Andres Mendoza Diocese of Lubbock (Texas) 17. Sr. Marie Rose Messingschlager, CDP Diocese of Duluth (Minnesota) 18. Sherry Miller Diocese of Belleville (Illinois) 19. Sr. Sarah (Sally) Neale, SSND, and Sr. Maritia Smith, SSND Diocese of Lexington (Kentucky) 20. Marina Estrada Ocampo Diocese of Monterey (California) 21. Msgr. William O Connell Diocese of Rapid City (South Dakota) 22. William J. O Connell Diocese of Venice (Florida) 23. James Romer Diocese of Knoxville (Tennessee) 24. Sr. Theresa Sarich, OSU Diocese of Laredo (Texas) 25. Very Reverend Daniel Andre Torres, VG Diocese of Lake Charles (Louisiana) To learn more, please visit catholicextension.org. Summer

34 It is because of faith that t we exchange the present for the future. ST. FIDELIS OF SIGMARINGEN Members of the Saint Joseph Seminary s Schola Cantorum exchanging the sign of peace at the commencement Mass in May Extension

35 The percentage of U.S. parishes without a resident priest pastor The average age that priests ordained in 2010 first considered a vocation to priesthood B Y T H E N U M B E R S The percentage of men preparing for priesthood under age 30 The approximate number of priests in the U.S. The percentage of priests ordained in 2010 who completed college before entering the seminary The percentage of men enrolled in priestly formation who are candidates to serve in dioceses SOURCE: Center for Applied Research in the Apostolate s Class of 2010: Survey of Ordinands to the Priesthood and Catholic Ministry Formation Enrollments: Statistical Overview for