b'Brother Jim envisioned himself as a working brotherPHOTO: CEASAR LIZADA those who often serve in ministries such as grounds -keepers, construction workers and cooks. But during oneof his early retreats, he realized something important:God has given me gifts with my hands and my mind.I needed to use both, he says. So while he continuesto serve as a working brother, he also uses his rela-tionship skills. Since 1981, he has been ministeringas a spiritual director to those in religious formationat the Oblate School of Theology in San Antonio.Discovering ones gifts and using them to serveMarys mission is the basic calling of all Marianists.Father Tim Kenney entered religious life with a strongyearning to make a difference. As a kid, I startedasking myself: How do I show up and serve theworld? Being a brother was one way to do that, hesays. Early in his ministry, he was drawn to takingyoung people on immersion trips to work with thepoor in Jamaica, Nicaragua, Appalachia and Mexico.These experiences stretched his heart for justice. Heexperienced other growth spurts when called to workin provincial leadership. This wasnt my originalgoal, but others have seen qualities in me and chal-lenged me to use my leadership skills. Being pushedto take on these responsibilities has forced me out-side of my comfort zone, he says.Its also been an exercise in humility. Many timesI have found myself in front of a large group of peopleand thinking: I am not sure what I am supposed to say. Father Jim Russell, one of the oldest in the cohort, Father Tim Kenney, SM, This was not my dream. But Lord, you brought me also is amazed by the people who still remember his celebrates his 50th year as here! As we say in Communion, Lord, I am not worthy. work21 years during which he served in campus a professed Marianist.But help me figure out what I am supposed to do.ministry at University of Dayton. I sometimes under-For Father Tim, there were other instructive moments estimated the value of my ministry, he says. Butof helplessness. Many times Ive walked with people after all of these years and people expressing theirbefore their deaths or dealt with families who have gratitude for my work, I am convinced that it wasexperienced suicides, and I found myself with no easy the Lord who was truly the minister.answers. But Mary has given me the grace to realize that Ministering to a needy world requires hope and joy,I dont need all of the answers. Mary, the listener, the says Pope Francis. He exhorts all those in religiouscompassionate one, who stood at the foot of the cross, life to wake up the world by their examples.teaches us the value of simply being present to people Being examples of hope and joy means maintain-in their pain and their joy. This is the heart of our ing a balance between seekingGod in prayer and enjoy-Marianist calling. ing people in the outside world, says Father Tim.For all who love and follow Christ, that may be theWaking up the world biggest challenge of all.\x00Father Pat McDaid, the youngest of the jubilarians,speaks for all of them when he says, I am amazed! (For a complete list of 2021 Jubilarians, go toThe years just flew by! https://www.marianist.com/jubilarians-2021/)Please help the Marianists care for their senior priests and brothers.To donate, use the enclosed envelope or go to marianist.com/donate or call 800.348.4732. marianist.com/donate 15'