Conveying the Home Mission Message
by Father Dan Dorsey

I have often reflected that Father William Howard Bishop, Glenmary’s founder, was an unlikely missionary. Born and raised in an affluent family in Washington, D.C., Howard (as he was known) was shy and reserved. Who could have guessed that one day he would found a missionary community to work in rural areas of the United States?

Neither charismatic in personality nor eloquent in speech, Howard was, however, an excellent writer. Over the years the written word was his most effective communication tool.

In 1937 Father Bishop arrived in Cincinnati under the sponsorship of Archbishop John T. McNicholas to begin a home mission society. In February 1938 the first issue of his home mission magazine, The Challenge, appeared with the headline, “Vast Areas of Nation Priestless.” The magazine has evolved since 1938, but it has remained true to its original purpose: to promote the need for missionary work in the United States.

Beginning with Father Bishop, Glenmary has been blessed with excellent editors. Karen Hurley, the editor of Glenmary Challenge for the past eight years, followed in this line. She resigned as editor and communications director in April.

During her tenure Karen made significant contributions to Glenmary Challenge. For example, she spearheaded the process that ended in the magazine’s new design launched in 2003 to more effectively convey the home mission challenge to today’s magazine-reading audience. Last year Glenmary Challenge received national recognition when it was awarded a general excellence award from the Catholic Press Association in the mission magazine category for its “solid magazine structure and efficient execution.”

On behalf of Glenmary I want to thank Karen for all she has done over these eight years. During her time as editor the quality of Glenmary Challenge was enhanced and Glenmary’s vision and home mission challenge to the people of the United States was communicated clearly and effectively.
We at Glenmary wish her all the best and ask God’s blessings on her and all her future endeavors.