The following article first appeared in the Fall 1999 President's Circle Newsletter.  For more information about President's Circle, call 1-800-935-0975 or contact Father Dominic Duggins.

President Circle Turns Out in Record Numbers
Annual Gathering a 'Wonderful Day'

Members of the President Circle pose for a group photo with Father Jerry, center, and Father Dan Dorsey, far right, at the conclusion of the annual gathering at Glenmary headquarters.

A record number of members (26) gathered at Glenmary Headquarters on Oct. 15 for the President’s Circle annual gathering. Members traveled to Cincinnati from as far away as New York, Montana, Missouri and Upper Michigan to attend.

The beautiful autumn day allowed first-time visitors a chance to soak in the peaceful atmosphere of the grounds surrounding the Glenmary Headquarters and residence, while the many repeat visitors renewed acquaintances with Glenmary President Father Jerry Dorn as well as other Glenmarians and office personnel.

Glenmarians weren’t the only ones greeting guests as the day began at 10 a.m. First time attendees Jerry and Shirley Chartrand of St. Louis were greeted by a herd of deer grazing along the driveway. Shocked, Jerry stopped to stare, and they stared back before continuing to feed. “It’s amazing that you leave all that (traffic and congestion on Rt. 4, the road at the foot of the property) and come up here. It’s pure heaven.”

The group gathered in the morning for a presentation by Father Wil Steinbacher on the history of Glenmary as well as an update on the diverse ministries Glenmarians are involved in today. The group heard many Glenmarians describe their ministry and missions firsthand via taped messages.

Participants found the information very enlightening. Even those who have been supporters of Glenmary for many years learned something new. One participant, for example, was surprised to learn about the Lay Pastoral Coordinator Program. “I thought I knew a lot about Glenmary,” she said, “but I did not know there were lay persons out there running the missions. I’m very impressed.” Presently there are 11 lay pastoral coordinators staffing nine Glenmary missions.

Following Father Wil’s presentation, Mass was celebrated in Our Lady of the Fields Chapel by Father Jerry Dorn. Father Dan Dorsey was the homilist, and he spoke of his nine years in southeast Arkansas and the call of “all of us” to be missioners. He reminded those gathered that “we are all missionaries by right of our baptism.”

“You don’t have to live in southeast Arkansas to be a missionary. You are a missionary through your support of Glenmary. But don’t let it stop there,” he said. “Money and prayer are very important, but even more important is opening your arms and the Church to all people. In our everyday lives, we can be missionary-minded, living in such a way that it is clear to all we meet that everyone is welcomed here (in the church).”

Following lunch, Father Jerry thanked those who participated in the day and urged them to be “light for others” by sharing their faith, much the same way Glenmarians “leave all we know and go to another place. We don’t mind because we are doing God’s will,” he said. “You, too, are doing God’s will.”

He used a flashlight focused on a crucifix to illustrate the way Glenmarians bring the light of Christ to the rural and poor areas in  the South, Southwest and Appalachia.

Spreading that light, he said, is made possible through the generous gifts of “people like you”–and especially by the prayers offered for Glenmary’s work.

Following the luncheon participants were free either to return to the assembly room to enjoy the many displays Father Wil provided on Glenmary’s past and present or to tour headquarters.

“It was just a wonderful day,” said Celeste Dorsey of St. Louis, Mo., mother of Father Dan. “We have enjoyed ourselves and everyone has been so friendly and helpful.”