SPREADING HIS WORD

An inspiring evening with Fr. Joe

Blending music, humor, stories and inspiring words, Fr. Joe Rodrigues, SDS, Provincial-Elect kicked off the annual Milwaukee Archdiocese Council of Catholic Women (MACCW) Convention in mid-May. Combining his musical ministry with a multi-media presentation, he effortlessly reached out to more than one hundred women at the convention in a relaxing and inviting way.

Jean Kelly, Co-President of MACCW said, “Women are the heart of the parish and very important to ministry.” Hoping to bring new energy and life to the annual event and its mission, Fr. Rodrigues’ energy and inspirational approach were brought to her attention by a parishioner from St. Mary’s Visitation Parish in Elm Grove, Wis. She Googled his name and was excited by what she learned, quickly deciding to recruit his support. She said, “He’s was perfect for this group!”

“There are so many ways to apply our gifts and talents in this vocation,” Fr. Rodrigues said. “I am fortunate to be able to spread faith-filled and inspirational messages of hope.”

Founded in 1920, the MACCW’s mission is to support, empower and educate Catholic women in spirituality, leadership and service consistent with the teaching of the Catholic Church.

Click pictures for larger photo.

Fr. Joe Rodrigues inspires at the MACCW convention.

Living among the Lakota

Fr. Jordan’s vision that Salvatorians become one with those they serve is unmistakable in the ministries of Br. George Maufort, SDS. Nudged toward the Society of the Divine Savior as a Brother candidate in 1961, he utilized his farming skills and began work at the Colonial Dairy Farms in St Nazianz, Wis. until it closed in 1985. “I’d been farming all my life so I felt torn apart – disconnected from nature in every way,” he said.

Opening his heart and mind to where God was leading him, he found himself welcomed by American Indian students and professors at a Multicultural Club at Milwaukee Area Technical College (MATC). Invited by a deacon and fellow student, a Lakota man, to the Congregation of the Great Spirit on Milwaukee’s south side, he said, “I believe God led me to this prayerful Catholic community where the elders took me under their wing.”

After graduating from a drug and alcohol program in 1996, he went on to spend the summer in Canada on the Assumption Reserve working with the Dene Tha Nation. He later had an opportunity to fill in for the pastor and recognized that there was a definite spiritual need among Indian nations. He approached several bishops who served American Indian populations within their diocese and received positive responses from many.

After discerning for several months, Br. Maufort felt a significant connection to the Lakota/Dakota Nation of Standing Rock and accepted a position to serve at the Catholic Indian Mission in Bismarck, ND. He was ordained a deacon in 2003. “I am now able to integrate cultural traditions into liturgical celebrations and offer Communion to parishioners in five Sioux City parishes served through the Catholic Indian Mission,” he said.

“It’s wonderful and spiritual,” he said. “I’m not here to save the people. I am here to journey with them; accept them as brothers and sisters. If I do that they may be drawn to Christ.”

Find out more about St. Bernard’s Mission School.

Click picture for larger photo.

Br. George Maufort, SDS at the Colonial Dairy Farm in St. Nazianz, Wis.

Raising Salvatorian identity

Salvatorians recently participated in a valuable opportunity to offer information about our unique religious community, and to share what it means to embrace the Salvatorian way of life.

During the annual Los Angeles Religious Education Congress (LA Congress) over 36,000 youth and adults converged in California for the largest annual gathering of its kind in the world. Open to people of all vocations and different faiths, LA Congress is focused on teaching more about the Catholic faith and advancing personal spiritual growth for its attendees.

Fr. Joe Rodrigues, SDS, Provincial-Elect noted, “The dynamic that occurs between Salvatorians and conference attendees creates curiosity. What is interesting is that visitors ask where we have been and why they have not heard of us.”

For Salvatorians this continues to be a valuable opportunity to raise our identity to the Catholic Community. Books, CDs and artwork were displayed and sold to further show how the Salvatorians are moved to minister by “all ways and means.” Fr. Rodrigues added, “We are able tell our story, and share our charism and mission person to person. It remains a good source for developing potential vocation relationships.”

Check our pictures from LA Congress on our Facebook page at Salvatorians on Facebook.

Click pictures for larger photo.

Fr. Joe Rodrigues, SDS Provincial-Elect converses with a group of young men on the exhibit floor of the LA Congress.

Mario Lainez, Salvatorian novice, talks with a conference attendee.

Camp St. Charles fun in full swing

Leaving their iPods, iPads and Wiis behind, some fortunate kids are getting ready to pack their sneakers, bug spray and sun lotion, and gear up for some good ol’ fashioned summer fun! One hundred percent faith-based, recreational fun!

Nestled on a small but well used parcel of land north of the Potomac River, Camp St. Charles, sponsored by the Society of the Divine Savior, was established in Maryland in 1952. Originally operated by Salvatorian Priests and Brothers, this all boys camp became co-educational in 2001.

Fr. Glen Willis, SDS, Chairman of the Board, began working at Camp St. Charles as camp cook after completing his Novitiate in 1961. Not aspiring to be the camp cook forever, he became a certified water instructor and quickly took charge of the dock, swim area and boating activities. Though Fr. Willis’ ministry has moved him around through the years, he remains involved at the camp with fundraising, strategic decision-making and as chairman. He said, “We have two main goals: to help kids develop an appreciation for God’s creations- showing them to take care of the world around them, and to help them learn how to get along with one another.”

This faith-based experience offers a unique blend of participants thanks to an endowment offering tuition assistance for kids from needy families. Youngsters come from a variety of backgrounds; wealthy, foster homes, and group homes. Fr. Willis said, “Most of the kids are urbanized, never having pet a cow or fed a gerbil.”

Camp Director Laura Hall says camp is a huge part of her personal life. She met and married her husband at Camp St. Charles and now her own children attend each summer. She said it is so much more than a job. “I am inspired by what I hear and see from the campers. They are trying new things, making new friends and even surprising their parents!”

Fr. Willis shared, “We have been blessed with Salvatorian Priests, Brothers and Lay who have a great connection to children. Evangelization surfaces with kids at camp. Prayer happens every day and before each meal. The kids are involved – leading it.” Father Jordan’s goal to make Jesus known is hard at work at Camp St. Charles, which is gearing up to celebrate its 60th anniversary this fall.

Click here to learn more about the Camp St. Charles ministry.

Click pictures for larger photos.

Brian Gorman gets ready for a trail ride on one of the camp’s gentle horses.

Erin Buckingham, archery instructor, teaches Haley Fuese how to improve her technique.