Since the earliest days of Glenmary Home Missioners, the Mission Cooperative Program (MCP) has followed a two-pronged approach: spreading the word about Glenmary and securing financial support. While the program’s name has evolved, “The dynamic really hasn’t changed,” said Father Chet Artysiewicz, who joined Glenmary’s development team full-time in 2020.
The MCP remains central to Glenmary’s ministries. We rely on the donations of our supporters to continue our work.” Father Chet explains.
Each year, from May through September, Father Chet is among many Glenmary priests, Brothers, and lay associates traveling to dioceses across the country to make mission appeals. Last year, he presented 13 mission parish appeals from Michigan to Louisiana.
“When we speak at a church, they take up a second collection for Glenmary, and we appreciate that. We ask for their prayers and to spread the word about Glenmary. We hope there will be people who hear our appeal and want to be one of our regular donors,” explains Father Chet.
Even more rewarding, he adds, is the awareness the appeals raise: “Many people tell me, ‘I never knew there was such a need here in our own country.’ It’s fulfilling when that light goes on. There’s a lot of competition for charitable giving, and I’m thankful for those inspired by our mission.”
One key outreach tool is Glenmary Challenge magazine, distributed after Mass. “Someone may hold on to that magazine and donation envelope for a year or two or send a gift during Lent. Every story counts.”
As Cultivate readers know, the Challenge presents all manner of stories about Glenmary’s mission. And of course, they always make a connection between Glenmary’s mission and the gospel reading of the day as they preach from the pulpit.
“It’s humbling to know people believe in us and share their hard-earned dollars,” Father Chet said. “We take that seriously. We pray and strive to be good stewards every day.”
When not traveling, Father Chet helps thank supporters—adding personal notes to acknowledgment letters and making phone calls. Senior Glenmary priests also assist by calling to express appreciation directly.
“We’re seeing the fruits of seeds planted decades ago,” he reflected. “One man recently made a gift after hearing a Glenmary priest speak at his school—in 1960s Chicago!”
That long-term impact, Father Chet says, is what makes MCP so vital: “It’s important for the future of Glenmary that there are regular donors 10 or 20 years from now. The Mission Cooperative Program plants those seeds today for the development office of tomorrow.”
By the way, a Glenmarian just might be coming to a place in or near your parish this summer. You can see the schedule a here.
