A Vanceburg View
An Update From the Director of Glenmary's Volunteer Office

July 2006

A model of Christian service

Summer continues as a time of change at the Glenmary Farm. On July 5, Sister of Providence Joseph Fillenwarth returned to her motherhouse in Terre Haute, Ind. Sister Jo served as pastoral coordinator for Holy Redeemer, the Glenmary mission in Vanceburg, Ky., for 12 years. During those years, she worked and prayed with countless volunteer groups—a true blessing to them and to the people of Lewis County.

From organizing Project Merry Christmas to helping people move to better housing to administering Holy Redeemer, Sister Jo has modeled Christian service to all those she met at the Farm. She exhibited openness to all and a true sense of hospitality to thousands of volunteers that have come to serve the needs of Lewis County. She is special to many in Lewis County and to the Glenmary Farm community.

Sister Jo has always had time for the Farm managers, willing to listen to the challenges of life at the Farm. We knew she would make herself available early in the morning, after “lights out” or even over dinner after an evening Mass. Whatever the time, Farm managers knew we could count on Sister Jo for counsel or just a listening ear.

Service will continue

Sister Jo is a person of patience and understanding with a great sense of humor. Not only that, she is an excellent cook and a great conversationalist. She taught me to love and serve and that service not a 9-to-5, five-day-a-week, punch-the-clock job.

In Terre Haute, Sister Jo will work with the outreach ministries of the Sisters of Providence, including organizing their Christmas store in December. Those of us at the Glenmary Farm have been truly blessed by Sister Jo and we hope that God blesses and keeps her in her new ministry.

Welcome to the Farm, Jill!

In other news, the Glenmary Farm welcomed a new manager in June, Jill Collet. A native of Ottawa, Ohio, she is a graduate of University of Cincinnati with a degree in biomedical engineering. She is looking forward to sharing the unique needs and culture of Appalachia with the volunteers that serve with us in Lewis County. In her spare time Jill likes to crochet, cook, and read old textbooks that she says she did not read in college (that could keep me busy, too!). Jill has a sister in Peoria, Ill., and her parents still live in Ottawa.

Until next time: Adios amigos, love is the only way.

Joe Grosek
Glenmary Volunteer Director
jgrosek@glenmary.org

And if you missed previous Vanceburg Views, check them out.

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