Moving forward

BTC YOUTH with Godfrey's T-shirt Gift

January 26 and January 27 at each of the four weekend Masses appreciation was shown to Godfrey Musabe, one of Glenmary's novices, for his five months of service here in Union and Grainger County.

Godfrey and Steve enjoying cake.

During his time here, he has been a fantastic presence and great help.  He will be deeply missed.  Among the many things he was engaged in, his work at Kingswood and Adult Day Care introduced our missionary presence into new areas.  Kingswood is a home for children from challenging home environments.  A positive male role model was a terrific asset.  I am hoping to find a way for us to stay connected with them in the near future.  At the Adult Day Care Center, through they are only a few Seniors present, but providing one on one time with them, listening to stories, sharing small joys made a huge difference.

JP II Youth being silly with Godfrey

Yet, one Godfrey's great gifts is a silent background worker.  He did many small jobs from being our sacristan, to filling in for any liturgical minister who was absent, to putting up letters on our outdoor announcement board.  He visited the sick, homebound and just ordinary families.  He was very present to our youth and filled in to teach a number of times.

Godfrey enjoy more food at JP II

Godfrey's final thank you's

During his thank you to the people, he highlighted how much the devotional life of the Spanish speaking people touched him.  I was very proud that he read the second reading at botj Spanish Masses in Spanish.  That was a great gift to them.  Of course his pronunciation was not perfect, but that he made the effort and practiced was an affirmation of them and a sign of love and respect.

More happy folks

Now he is moving forward with his Novitiate.  He will head back to Cincinnati under the direction of Fr. Dan Dorsey and Fr. Tom Kirkendoll.  His classmate Ambrose will join him.  These next four months or so, will focus on intense prayer, learning more about the evangelical promises ... celibacy, obedience and poverty ---, and the final discernment around his personal call by the Lord to be a priest with the Glenmary Home Missioners.  We here at Blessed Teresa of Calcutta and Blessed John Paul II will be praying for him. 

Who knows, maybe in ten years, Godfrey will return as the new pastor of these two missions.  That would be a blessing!

Cake designed by Spanish BTC community

Three times the love

BTC English Cake