Provincial Stephen Glodek announces the appointment of Fr. Pat Tonry (Eldersburg, Md.) as spiritual director for the Marianist Mission in Dayton effective July 1, 2006. In this role, Fr. Pat will ensure Marianist values are reflected as the Mission explores news ways to expand its reach and relevancy to supporters.

Fr. Pat, who has served as pastor of St. Joseph’s Church in Eldersburg for the past 10 years, will be part of the executive team of the Marianist Mission, which also includes Lisa Gooding, executive director of development, and Charles Smyser, operations chief. Fr. Pat also will serve as an advisor to the Province Development team, which includes staff in Dayton, Cupertino and St. Louis. Fr. Pat will commute to the Mission over the summer until his move to Dayton in October.

Fr. Pat’s other duties will include donor visits, staff enrichment programs on Marianist beliefs and history, daily prayer for donors and developing new ways to approach the Mission’s mail and phone activities. “I am honored to do this ministry after the fine examples of Frs. McCoy, Knuge and Mulligan and Bro. Ron Overman,” said Fr. Pat. “The Marianist Mission is about spiritual support as well as financial support.”

Prior to his ministry at St. Joseph’s, Fr. Pat served as rector at the University of Dayton, provincial and assistant for religious life of the former New York Province and taught high school for 17 years in Cleveland, Mineola, N.Y., and Rio Piedras, Puerto Rico.

“ We expect Fr. Pat’s skills and good humor will trigger new ways to help those we serve and those who give to Marianist works. I’m confident he’ll help us grow and improve,” said Lisa Gooding, to whom Fr. Pat will report.

As the spiritual director, Fr. Pat’s signature will appear on the Mission religious materials and messages. In 2005-2006, the Marianist Mission mailed out over seven million envelopes containing multiple pieces and received thousands of phone calls. Over $13 million were generated from supporters of Marianist ministries, patrons of the Mass card program (The Marianist Spiritual Alliance) and from gifts received through wills and charitable annuities. Approximately 625,000 people have donated to the Mission over the past two years.

According to Gooding, Fr. Pat’s sensitivity and diverse experiences in religious life will prove invaluable as the Marianist Mission increases its efforts to expand donor research and update systems to better serve donors and increase interest in Marianist ministries.

A replacement nomination for Fr. Pat at St. Joseph’s has been presented to the Cardinal who oversees the parish and is expected to be approved by September.

Our prayers and best wishes to Fr. Pat as he begins his new ministry!