Word from the Pastor

Eighteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Dear brothers and sisters ,​
We are the Church not just the building in which we gather. The Church is universal, embracing people of every place and culture, united as the one Body of Christ. This is the faith we profess each time we recite the Creed.

This weekend, we, the parishioners of St. Elizabeth of Hungary, have a beautiful opportunity to live out the universality of the Church by sharing our prayers and resources with the Glenmary Home Missioners.

Allow me to introduce the inspiring mission of Father Joseph and the Glenmary Home Missioners.

Glenmary Home Missioners is a Catholic society of priests and brothers who, together with dedicated lay coworkers, establish and strengthen the Catholic Church in small towns and rural communities throughout the United States.

Not all missions are overseas. Glenmary is the only religious community devoted exclusively to serving the spiritual and material needs of people in the home mission areas of our own country.

Founded in 1939 by Father William Howard Bishop, Glenmary was born from his vision that every county in the United States should have a permanent Catholic presence. At that time, more than 1,000 counties had no access to the Eucharist. Today, although much progress has been made, there are still 182 counties with no Catholic presence at all.

Since its founding, Glenmary has served 164 parishes in 139 counties across 14 states. Once a parish becomes self-sustaining, it is entrusted to the local diocese, allowing Glenmary to move on and establish the Church in another mission area.

The communities Glenmary serves typically have fewer than 1% Catholics, poverty rates averaging twice the national average, and 40% to 60% of residents with no religious affiliation. In many places, Glenmary is the very first Catholic presence.

Many of these missions begin humbly in a family's home, a carport, an Elks Lodge, or even a town library. Yet through faith and perseverance, these small beginnings grow into vibrant parish communities. In the past six years alone, Glenmary has dedicated five new churches and established two new missions.

A Glenmary missioner serves the entire county. Everyone is considered a parishioner, and outreach programs are developed according to the unique needs of each community.

Glenmary also operates the Glenmary Farm at Joppa Mountain in Tennessee, where high school students, college students, and adults spend a week in missionary service. Since 1971, more than 20,000 volunteers have participated in this retreat-like experience, returning home with renewed faith and a lifelong commitment to serving others.

How can we help?

First, through our prayers for the mission communities and for more vocations to this important ministry.

Second, through our financial support. Your generosity helps build the Catholic Church in rural America while bringing hope and assistance to some of the most vulnerable people in these mission communities.

I personally thank you for your generous hearts and for embracing your own missionary calling.

May God bless you and reward your kindness.

Rev. Fritzner J. Bellonce
Pastor