early 15 years ago, a wave of immigrants, mostly from Mexico, moved north from Texas through

Oklahoma to Arkansas, where many of them settled. Fr. Tom Stehlik, C.M., and the other priests serving at St. Anne Parish in North Little Rock recognized that the new immigrant community was underserved and in need of assistance. The Vincentians set about finding innovative ways to serve and minister to the Hispanic population in the region.

VINCENTIAN LAY MISSIONERS ON FIRE WITH THE LOVE OF JESUS

CONGREGATION OF THE MISSION WESTERN PROVINCE

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St. Vincent de Paul

IN THIS ISSUE

2 Letter from Fr. Ray

3 DonorProfile4OurBeloved

Senior Priests

7 Memorials&Tributes

S U M M E R 2 0 1 8

The Lay Missioner Program, first established in Coachella, CA, proved to be a perfect fit for the needs of the people of North Little Rock. The program begins with an intense retreat experience that encourages people to encounter the radical love of Jesus. Once a person becomes a Vincentian lay missioner, they make a commitment for the rest of their lives to continue to grow in their relationship with Christ.

“The Vincentians saw the discrimination that was taking place and the pressing needs of the people,” says Guillermo Bruzatori, currently the Lay Missioner director. “They wanted to call these people back to the Church – to re-evangelize the immigrant community. The Lay Missioner Program helped them do just that.”

(SEE VINCENTIAN LAY MISSIONERS, PAGE 6)

Fr. Toshio Sato, C.M., pastor of

St. Anne Parish in North Little Rock,

with a Vincentian Lay Missioner.

A Deep Love For The PoorBOB AND CATHERINE SHADDUCK

was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me.” – Mt. 25:35

“This Gospel quote describes how the Vincentians live every day,” says Bob Shadduck, long-time supporter of the Western Province. “The priests and brothers recognize people as individuals and share whatever they have with those they serve.”

Bob and Catherine Shadduck first encountered Vincentians at Padre Serra Parish in Camarillo, California. Fr. Kevin McCracken, C.M., was working as a professor at the nearby seminary and served in the parish on weekends.

“We immediately clicked with Fr. Kevin,” says Catherine. “He was teaching liturgy at the seminary and his deep love for the Mass and sacraments stood out to Bob and me.”

“We fondly recall many conversations about the liturgy with Fr. Kevin,” adds Bob. “I was helping to train altar servers in our parish and serving as Master of Ceremonies for the archdiocese at the time, so the love of the Catholic liturgy brought us together.”

While a mutual love of the liturgy helped shape the Shadducks’ early connection with the Vincentians, it was their concern for the poor that cemented it. When they learned about the Vincentian work taking place in East Africa, they knew for certain that they wanted to get involved. For many years, the couple had sponsored a young man in Kenya.

“The Catholic Church is growing faster in Africa than in many other places in the world,” explains Bob. “The Vincentians are on the leading edge of sharing the Gospel in Africa, where people are hungry for the message of Jesus Christ.”

“The priests and brothers have little to work with,” Catherine adds. “They walk with those they serve and do whatever they can to help. People’s lives are simple – they don’t demand a lot, but there is great need. That is always the challenge – to recognize the need and meet it.”

For the Shadducks, the missionary spirit of the Vincentians is apparent in the pastoral and service work they have undertaken today. “They are willing to travel to the edges of the earth to reach out to those on the peripheries,” says Bob. “They endure a lot of hardship and make many sacrifices to carry out their Vincentian ministry.”

“We also love how they interact with each other,” Catherine adds. “When the priests and brothers come together, you witness the strong sense of community, a brotherhood that is a critical aspect of how they sustain each other in their work.”

Bob and Catherine Shadduck live in Camarillo, California, near their three children: Anthony, a jazz bassist and professional musician; Claire, an artist and educator; and Sarah, a math scholar working at Ventura Naval Base. The couple enjoys serving in their parish, gardening, traveling and cooking with their children, nieces and nephews.

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DEAR FRIENDS,

oyful! There’s no better word to describe an event where all the participants are actively engaged in a celebration that touches their hearts.

I sensed joyfulness on May 26 during the ordination of six new priests in Kenya – the largest group of Vincentian priests to be ordained there to date! In previous newsletters I’ve mentioned how festive the ordination ceremony can be, and this year’s celebration was no exception. I felt like I could almost reach out and touch the joy on that day!

Joyful (alegre) is the mood that fills the air at the end of the retreats given by the Misioneros Vicentinos Laicos in North Little Rock, Arkansas (see the Lay Missioner article in this issue). At the end of their retreat weekend, these folks find that their Catholic faith has taken on new meaning and new purpose. More importantly, many of them discover a closeness to the Lord that they hadn’t known before. What a joy!

Joyful is the atmosphere in my office when we see the success of our Walking with the Poor campaign. I get a huge grin on my face (and yes, occasionally I even give a loud hoot) when I think of the generosity that you, our friends, have shown us as we work together for the poor here in the U.S. and in Kenya. This campaign is really making our Bicentennial into a remarkable celebration that is very joyful indeed.

Joyful! I’m sure that St. Vincent is also sharing in our joy. He knew from personal experience the great joy that flows from sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ with the poor, both by word and by action.

As Pope Francis said in his apostolic exhortation, “The Joy of the Gospel,” “An evangelizer must never look like someone who has just come back from a funeral!”

Joyful? Yes! And what follows joy? Gratitude. Thanks to all of you who have made a gift or a pledge to our Walking with the Poor campaign! I am hopeful that all of you who are still thinking about making a gift will join the many who already have. Your support helps us to serve the poor, share our faith and bring joy to those who need it the most.

Joyfully yours,

Fr. Ray Van Dorpe, C.M.Provincial Superior

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“ I’m sure that St. Vincent is also sharing in our joy. He knew from personal experience the great joy that flows from sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ with the poor, both by word and by action.”

– Fr. Ray Van Dorpe, C.M.

“I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to

drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me.”

– Mt. 25:35

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Bob and Catherine Shadduck live

in Camarillo, California, near

their three adult children,

Anthony, Claire and Sarah.

Vincentian Trivia

1. This Vincentian saint was the first United States-born canonized saint in the Roman Catholic Church.

A. St. Catherine Laboure B. St. John Gabriel Perboyre C. St. Elizabeth Ann Seton D. St. Justin De Jacobis

2. Vincentians of the former Province of the West pioneered a mission in this central African nation in 1979. The missioners joined the Daughters of Charity already working there, but political conditions turned so dangerous that the Province withdrew its members in 1985.

A. Chad B. Burundi C. Angola D. Cameroon

3. For more than 25 years, this Vincentian priest helped the Association of the Miraculous Medal grow from a small prayer ministry in the Midwest to spiritual powerhouse, reaching hundreds of thousands of people around the world each year.

A. Fr. Tom Hinni, C.M. B. Fr. George Weber, C.M. C. Fr. Charles Shelby, C.M.

(answers on page 7)

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5 t h e v i n c e n t i a n 4

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Fr. Tom Hinni, C.M.

“Look at the variety of ministries Vincentians take on… we are all willing to serve – we are willing to

say ‘yes’ to the needs of those we serve. I am so impressed by the younger Vincentians’ passion for the poor. They have a passionate love for those who are in need.”

Fr. George Weber, C.M.

“I love what is called the Vincentian Family… they are focused more on the concerns of the poor and all aspects of

caring for the poor. They have influenced the priests and what we do – they have pushed us to get back to our main charism of caring for those in need.”

Fr. Walter Housey, C.M.

“The Vincentian charism is continued here at the Apostle of Charity Residence. You are together with people who are

your dear friends, but who you haven’t seen for a while. We can reconnect with each other after years of active ministry.”

Fr. Charles Shelby, C.M.

“The Association of the Miraculous Medal is a spiritual center of devotion to Our Lady in the United

States. The Association is an important way to reach out to so many people throughout the world. I loved being a part of that spiritual work.”

Fr. Jack Shine, C.M.

“The people in parishes mean so much to me – the people save you, when you see their faith in action. You

learn that every one of us is poor in some way. Who are the poor? People who need God.”

Fr. Ron Ramson, C.M.

“We learned our ministry from the people we served… people will teach you what priesthood is. You think you

know what it is, but if you’re open, the people will teach you what priesthood should be.”

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Our Beloved Senior PriestsVincentians at Apostle of Charity Residence Reflect on Their Years of Ministry

Memorials And Tributes

In prayer and gratitude, we lift up those who have made gifts between February 5, 2018, and May 1, 2018. We apologize for any names inadvertently omitted or misspelled.

In Honor Of:Hattie Louise Bays Mr. and Mrs. Ivan E. BaysReverend Richard Benson, C.M. Reverend Leon HuttonMargaret Chidester Ms. Marguerite SchweisthalReverend Thomas Esselman, C.M. Mrs. Mary MartinReverend Louis Franz, C.M. Ms. Peyton BishopReverend Paul Golden, C.M. Mr. and Mrs. Richard BulleneReverend Hank Grodecki, C.M. Diocese of Springfield - Cape GirardeauReverend Kevin McCracken, C.M. Reverend Leon HuttonBaby Ragland Mr. and Mrs. Lou MariettaReverend Ronald Ramson, C.M. Mr. and Mrs. Salvatore J. SciasciaReverend Walter Reisinger, C.M. Mr. and Mrs. Jeremy ChamberlainReverend Gregory Semeniuk, C.M. Reverend Leon HuttonFaculty of St. John’s Seminary, Camarillo Reverend Leon HuttonReverend Derek Swanson, C.M. Diocese of Springfield - Cape GirardeauReverend Pedro Villarroya, C.M. Mr. and Mrs. Thomas PayneSenior Vincentians Mr. Michael BuckleyBob and Jean Walter Mr. Pat CallahanReverend Robert Wood, C.M. Mrs. Carol L. WoodTanner Zippay Mr. John Rebman

In Memory Of:Maryellen Aylmer Mr. and Mrs. Dave AylmerReverend William Bogel, C.M. Mr. and Mrs. John (JD) FlahertyPaul and Kathleen Borlik Mr. and Mrs. Marcus BurrealThomas Bowler Mr. and Mrs. Omar CortezLuis Castro and Josefino Castro Ms. Milagros C. CastroReverend Jack Cawley, C.M. Reverend Leon Hutton Dr. and Mrs. Martin G. WhiteReverend Lawrence Christensen, C.M. Mr. and Mrs. Ralph Dyer Mr. and Mrs. Michael J. MerrellVincent and Maria Coppola Mr. Joseph M. CoppolaReverend Francis Crowley, C.M. Mr. and Mrs. John (JD) Flaherty

Reverend Louis Derbes, C.M. Mr. and Mrs. Timothy W. JacobsVivian and Roland Eyermann Mr. and Mrs. Walter MorrowPatrick James Flaherty Mr. and Mrs. John (JD) FlahertyElizabeth K. Fulford Mr. and Mrs. Don FulfordJoan Green Mr. and Mrs. Terrence WesthoffReverend Pat Harrity, C.M. Mr. and Mrs. Timothy W. JacobsLawrence Hawkins Mr. Larry D. HawkinsMarie Hermann Brother Richard Hermann, C.M. Mr. and Mrs. David UnterreinerReverend Al Hoernig, C.M. Ms. Shirley A. CracraftWilliam Jacobs Mr. and Mrs. Timothy W. JacobsMr. and Mrs. Leroy Joseph Ms. Rosemary McDonaldJeanette Kazich Mrs. Catherine FrelichowskiKenneth Killian Mrs. Kenneth KillianJack and Sylvia Long Reverend R. William Rhinehart, C.M.Reverend Oscar Lukefahr, C.M. Mr. and Mrs. Robert HurleyJack Lupo Mr. and Mrs. Larry KoenigKenneth and Diane Lyon Mrs. Christina LicopReverend Tony Marti Society of St. Vincent de Paul, Council of Los AngelesDan McLean Ms. Elizabeth McLeanReverend Ignatius “Jack” Melito Mr. and Mrs. Allan Bambao Mr. and Mrs. Anthony C. MelitoReverend Charles Miller, C.M. Reverend Leon HuttonReverend Oscar Miller, C.M. Reverend Leon HuttonReverend Jerry Morales, C.M. Reverend Jeremy Dixon, C.M.Reverend Barry Moriarity, C.M. Mr. and Mrs. Zachary D. Bernard Reverend James F. Dorr, C.M. Mr. and Mrs. Brian Kelley Ms. Terry A. Moriarty Mr. and Mrs. Steve Sweeney Mr. and Mrs. Douglas D. WaiteReverend Edward Mullin, C.M. Mrs. Elizabeth MahalErnie Munoz Mr. and Mrs. David SantosReverend Jacques Nouws, C.M. Mr. and Mrs. John (JD) FlahertyRichard H. Orso Mr. and Mrs. Mark Thibodeau

Reverend Ralph Pansza, C.M. Mr. and Mrs. John O’RourkeReverend Carl Schulte, C.M. Mr. Paul Heidemann Mr. and Mrs. Timothy W. JacobsPatricia A. Seidel Mr. Robert L. Seidel, Sr.Paula Sobieski Very Reverend Raymond A. Van Dorpe, C.M.Reverend Arthur Trapp, C.M. Mr. and Mrs. Edward Carli Very Reverend Raymond A. Van Dorpe, C.M. Mr. and Mrs. John (JD) Flaherty Mr. and Mrs. Timothy W. JacobsMiguel A. Valencia Mrs. Miguel ValenciaJeff Von Essen Mr. Christopher F. ElliottHenry and Rose Von Rohr Ms. Joyce A. Gray

Ministry of PrayerEd and Joan AlbesCatherine BalkeJo BernhoftChuck BoyleDawn BrendleNancy BurtonKen CallisGrace CampbellThomas CaseyJack and Mary CraneTombo CravensMark CummingsIrene DareJulia DarganPaul Donley and FamilyTom FanningBrendan and Lou FogartyMary Ann FowlerCarol FurdererJose GarciaMarilyn Landes GonzalesLouise GullifoidPaul and Terry GuthkePaul HeidemannSr. Maura HobartJim HoganPatti HuelsmanJames KelletCeleste KimeryGerald Konrad (2)Freddie LeimkuehlerBob LenzYvonne LuedtkeAllen LundSr. Judith LynnRachel MarshLeo “Bud” McAleerPat McBryanJohn “Jack” McGuinness (3)

Jeanine MeisJoseph MeniusGail MillerCynthia Mitchell (2)Reverend W. Barry Moriarty, C.M.Father Tony MulderryStella NoriegaTheresa NovotnyTheresa O’ConnorKen OlsenTom OrsoRobert O’ShaughnessyKara OstrowskiMike ParkerIntentions of Ofelia PerezRoy PfisterIrene PhenixKatherine PlymTrenton PrettyHarold and Yvonne RabalaisGeorgia & Chris ReillyDavid RennerAlvaro RomoMartha RomoE. Brook RosbergMary RuckJeannie Schaeffer (2)Timothy SchellDonie SchmidtMaxine SchwartzGuido and Paul ShannonDeacon Jim SheaDolores SousaSpecial IntentionsPaul StahlschmidtJeannette StonisTarnow and Flemington FamiliesBob TarquinioArlene TeolisLynn TeolisThe Trokey FamilyMary Turney (2)Alan VargaTim VisintineMorris WesselGregory WilliamsAlan Woodard

Vincentian Trivia1. The correct answer is C. 2. The correct answer is B. 3. The correct answer is C.

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At the time, it was not easy to encourage Latino people to come to the Church and inspire them to embrace a life of faith. Poverty, addiction, illness and unemployment plagued many in the community. The lay mission retreat and the vibrant life of Vincentian parishes served as an alternative to the hardship and loneliness that many immigrants experienced as they struggled to begin their lives in the United States.

“Many of the men are dealing with alcohol and drugs,” Fr. Toshio Sato, C.M., commented. “Often, they are hard on their wives and families. During the retreat, these same men encounter God’s tenderness and love in their own lives and they are transformed!”

The program has grown significantly since 2003. Now there are more than 1,600 missioners in 12 parishes throughout Arkansas. After the initial retreat, the missioners take on active leadership roles in their parishes, encouraging even more people to get involved.

Vincentian Lay Missioners(CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1)

“Today, people come from all over the region to participate in the retreats and to share the mercy of God,” Guillermo explains. “After the first retreat experience, they continue to participate actively in a small faith group every week and invite others to do the same.”

Fr. Ariel Ramirez, C.M., who assists in running the program, sees the Lay Missioner Program in North Little Rock as deeply rooted in the Vincentian charism. “We accompany the people we serve in a distinctively Vincentian way,” he says. “We share with them the unique spirituality of St. Vincent and practice Vincentian missionary zeal in our lives.”

“Our goal is to evangelize Hispanic communities through the encounter with Jesus’ love,” Fr. Toshio explains. “We invite them to participate in the life of the Church and to serve joyfully. The Church in North Little Rock is thriving with the tireless energy and deep faith of the Vincentian lay missioners. They are on fire with the love of Jesus.”

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“The Church in North Little Rock is thriving with the tireless energy and deep faith of the Vincentian lay

missioners. They are on fire with the love of Jesus.”

CONGREGATION OF THE MISSIONWESTERN PROVINCE

13663 Rider Trail NorthEarth City, MO 63045

CONGREGATION OF THE MISSIONWESTERN PROVINCE

13663 Rider Trail NorthEarth City, MO 63045

Learn more about the Congregation of the Mission Western Province, join us in prayer and offer your support. Visit us online at vincentian.org.

Celebr ating 200 Years

The Vincentians are celebrating 200 years of service in America. Over the years, the priests and brothers, together with our lay collaborators, have created a distinctive spiritual way of life that can still be witnessed in parishes, shrines and schools, in communities and through devotions, in preaching and teaching.

We give our joyful thanksgiving to God for all the graces he has showered on us! We thank our faithful friends and donors for their prayers and support of our ministries, as we look ahead to our third century in America.

W I T H T H E P O O R

THE CONGREGATION OF THE MISSION WESTERN PROVINCE

CELEBRATING 200 YEARS OF SERVICE

W I T H T H E P O O R

THE CONGREGATION OF THE MISSION WESTERN PROVINCE

CELEBRATING 200 YEARS OF SERVICE

C E L E B R A T I N G 2 0 0 Y E A R S O F S E R V I C E