Professional Documents
Culture Documents
T here was a moment where people thought Africa was Jobs continent.
It is amazing how the story of Job provides hope. In the end Job
overcame the problems that were confronting him. This hope is built on
NC; Gathering the Fragments: A Survey of Lay
Mission Programs .............................................. 6
USCMA Staff
Rosanne Rustemeyer, SSND, Executive Director rrustemeyer@uscatholicmission.org
Kevin Francis Day, Associate Director kday@uscatholicmission.org
Marie Stelmach, OP, Associate Director for Operations mstelmach@uscatholicmission.org
Anne Louise Von Hoene, MMS, Accountant/Admin.Assist. vonhoene@uscatholicmission.org
Website: www.uscatholicmission.org
S even years of study for the priesthood in the United States has immersed me into the multicultural reality of the country. I
have learned languages (English and Spanish), and most importantly the language of humanity which is love for the
people.
I have ministered to African-American, Anglo, and Hispanics in the US. Three crucial things have made my experience possi-
ble and successfulthe love for the people, the respect for the culture, and the relationship with the Missionhurst Congregation,
especially the experience of its formation program.
Firstly, my love for the people helped me to adjust. Though I have to admit that the first time I entered into contact with the
American culture, I was confronted with a different reality and setting. I learned that love is not judgmental. Love is patience,
admiration, forgiveness, understanding, and openness to others. In spite of my difference, I was able to admire the beauty in the
people. In return, the people could sense the love and respect I had for them.
The second important element is the respect for the culture. I believe that culture is what makes us who we are. I credit my
Congregation which takes seriously the learning of the language of the people to whom we are called to minister. I learned
English and then Spanish. This helped me to put myself into their shoes, to admire their values, and to see their beauty. I had to
put myself into their shoes when it came to food. At first, broccoli seemed tasteless. I couldnt connect it with any vegetable
from my country. I never said broccoli was bad, just different. Different doesnt mean bad or wrong or good. Different just
means different. Today, broccoli is my favorite vegetable. I wonder if I will be able to find some broccoli in the Democratic
Republic of the Congo because maybe upon my return, home vegetables might seem tasteless as well. I have fallen in love with
the American Culture and the people to whom I minister. Being a missioner is a lot about attitude. Having a positive attitude
assures the success of mission.
Finally, the Missionhurst training which involves many years of formation begins in the
country of origin. It enables the candidate to interact with other candidates from different
backgrounds. It equips one to function positively. It provided me with opportunities to
learn and to connect through new families and friends.
I would like to end by affirming that all cultures generate values and are good. As a
missioner, I have learned to appreciate cultures rather than to pass judgment on them.
Getting along in a culture with people is like falling in love with someone. It requires time, Fidele Dikete, CICM, (Diacionate
patience and perseverance. As a Missionhurst, I sincerely love and respect the people to Ordination) 2 nd from left, with Friends
from Christ the King Parish, San Antonio,
whom I am sent. I adopt a listening attitude and try to gain a knowledge and understanding TX: Juanita, Lupita, Fr. Alfonso Guevaro,
of their socio-economic, political, cultural and religious realities... (Art. 4 of Our Pastor, Sally, and Sr. Mary Ann Lucy, OP
Constitutions). This is my missionary experience and I want to thank all who have made this possible.
A Call ffor
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www.mission-education.org needs your mission education articles and resources. Mission-
education.org is targeted for visitors of all ageschildren, youth, college students and adults.
The web site features links to programs, video/audiotapes and other resource materials of interest
to various groups and individuals.
As a member of USCMA and a sponsor of this web site, you are invited to submit articles
and resources for consideration. It is our goal to make this web site a comprehensive one-stop
shopping site for mission education. To do this successfully we need your help by providing us
with articles and resources on the missionary nature of the Church and how U.S. missioners are
serving here at home and throughout the world. Kindly submit your material to Kevin Day via e-
mail at kday@uscatholicmission.org or via postal mail to USCMA.
Raleigh, NC
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