SPREADING HIS WORD

Salvatorians attend advocacy conference

Peace in the Middle East was the focus of a June conference offered by Churches for Middle East Peace (CMEP). Provincial Fr. David Bergner, SDS, and Justice and Peace Coordinators John Dimmock, SDS, and Linda Dimmock, SDS (Lay Salvatorians), attended.

CMEP believes a peaceful two-state solution is critical to the stability of the region. “During this conference I became convinced, for the first time, that a two-state solution may, after all, be possible, if incredibly difficult,” John said.

CMEP is a coalition of 23 public policy offices of national churches and agencies – Orthodox, Catholic and Protestant. Their goal is to maintain dialogue with Congress, the Administration and the diplomatic community to advance concerns, assessments, and advocacy for the avoidance and resolution of armed conflicts, human rights, arms control, foreign aid, and the unique nature of Jerusalem - sacred to Christians, Jews and Muslims.

The conference included worship, prayer, overviews, workshops, and visits with senators and representatives. The sessions focused on broader situations in the Middle East ranging from the expansionist policies of the current Israeli government, weakness of the current Palestinian leadership, aggressive attitude of Hamas in Gaza, the punishing Israeli blockade to the instability of Iran, uncertainty of Iraq, and the dilemma of Afghanistan and Pakistan.

For Fr. Dave, the most valuable aspect of the conference was the training he received to lobby Congressional legislators, and the opportunity to put that training into action on Capitol Hill. “I was fortunate enough to be teamed up with Bishop Bruce Burnside, the Madison bishop from the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America,” he said. “Together we met with the Congressional staffers of both Senators Kohl and Feingold who took our message seriously and promised to share it with the Senators.”

CMEP advocates the current proximity talks as a hopeful first step, with the objective of establishing a secure Israel, an independent Palestinian state and a sharing of Jerusalem between two peoples and three faiths.

Click picture for larger photo (conference jpeg): John Dimmock, SDS, and Linda Dimmock, SDS, with Fr. Dave Bergner, SDS, at the conference.

Fifty years later, Jubilarians reflect

For five Salvatorians, 2010 marks their 50th anniversaries of profession. Fr. David Cooney, SDS, Br. Edward Havlovic, SDS, Fr. Michael Newman, SDS, Fr. William Remmel, SDS, and Fr. Joseph Wambach, SDS, reflect on the past five decades and share some of their favorite Salvatorian memories.

“I remember being so impressed by the dedication exhibited by the priests, brothers and sisters at Minor Seminary in St. Nazianz, Wis.,” recalls Fr. Dave. “Their example inspired me to a life in the priesthood.”

Dedication to service played a large role in many of the men’s most cherished memories. “In the 1960’s, the development of a comprehensive program of recruitment and formation for the Brothers was expanded to include those interested in apostolic service,” explains Br. Edward. “I was the first Salvatorian Brother to become a high school teacher in 1963.”

The Salvatorian commitment to social justice provided Fr. Bill with one of his more memorable experiences, which took place in the mid-1960’s in Selma, Alabama. “I was exposed to the Jim Crow laws and the day-in-day-out effects of racial segregation,” he says. “I remember protesting in Washington D.C. with other Salvatorians, demanding President Johnson send federal troops to prevent more violence.”

Fr. Mike cites his service on the Provincial Council from 2006-2009 as his favorite memory. He explains, “I loved serving the community and really enjoyed the people I served with. I discovered a new appreciation for their dedication, expertise and humor.”

Fr. Joe echoes those sentiments. “By far, the best thing about being a Salvatorian is the community,” he says. “We have one common purpose and whether it’s through prayer, worship or even recreation, we take every opportunity to come together as a community.”

Twelve Salvatorian priests and brothers are celebrating 40-, 50- and 60-year anniversaries of profession this summer. Check back each month as more Jubilarians recall their favorite Salvatorian memories.

Click picture for larger photo of Br. Edward and Fr. Mike, who attended the Jubilee celebration.

Fr. Jude celebrates 50th!

Fr. Jude Weisenbeck, SDS, celebrated the 50th anniversary of his ordination to the priesthood on Sunday, June 6 at St. Mary’s Parish in Durand, Wis.

As a young boy growing up in Durand, Wis., he often heard his parents talk about how much they wanted one of their sons to become a priest. “I thought to myself, ‘why couldn’t that be me?’” he recalls.

Armed with the support of his family and a certainty in God’s call, Fr. Jude attended Salvatorian Seminary in St. Nazianz, Wis. and later continued his studies at the Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C.

From there he served in a variety of capacities all over the country – from Blackwood, N.J. to Lewisberg, Tenn.; from Owensboro, Ky. to Waukesha, Wis. Much of his ministry was spent in education, filling the roles of teacher and academic dean, among others. He retired to La Crosse, Wis. in 2003.

For Fr. Jude, such a variety of experiences provided countless memories and an overall sense of doing something bigger than himself. “The most rewarding part of being a priest is being able to do God’s work – whatever that might be,” he says. “It’s not always easy, but it’s always worthwhile.”

Whether facing challenges or celebrating triumphs, Fr. Jude appreciates the encouragement and support of other priests. Keeping in touch with fellow clergy helped him weather the hard times, and he encourages all priests to reach out to those who know what they’re going through. “It can sometimes be lonely,” he says. “But having the support of those who understand is so helpful, a real blessing.”

During the 50th anniversary celebration, Fr. Jude encouraged others to consider the priesthood. “We’re experiencing a great shortage of priests,” he explained. “But the rewards of priesthood are countless. We shouldn’t be hesitant.”

Click picture for larger photo of Fr. Jude.