Columban Fathers recognized as founding members of NCDC

During the 40th anniversary National Catholic Development Conference in September 2008, the Missionary Society of St. Columban was recognized as a founding member. In 1968, Columban Father Richard Steinhilber, who was at that time the U.S. Regional Director, and Columban Fr. Charles Coulter, who was at that time head of development and promotion for the society, were instrumental in the launch of the NCDC. Today, the NCDC is the largest single organization dedicated to Catholic philanthropy. The NCDC leads the Catholic development community toward excellence in the ministry of ethical fundraising through education, resources, networking and advocacy.

In the photo, Jeff Norton, Director of Operations for the U.S. region, accepts the plaque honoring the Columban Fathers from NCDC board chairperson Fr. Robert Colaresi.

A $1.00 Mercedes Benz

In 1996, Fr. Sean McGrath and I were assigned to the parish of St. Columban’s, LA. Fr. Sean recently had completed a ten year stint in Belize, and I had worked in a parish in Zambales on the island of Luzon, Philippines. Fr. Sean’s assignment was to raise funds for the education of our future Columbans in the Far East and Latin America. My assignment was to be pastoral administrator of the parish.

Fr. Sean started his work by holding a mammoth raffle. The first year he raffled off an automobile as the first prize. The results were phenomenal. Following the success of the first year, he decided to offer a Mercedes Benz the following year. I thought he was crazy, but it was successful beyond our wildest dreams. The next year, he offered two Mercedes Benz, and he doubled the funds raised for the education of future Columbans.

To increase the excitement and community involvement for the raffles, Fr. Sean booked a five star hotel to supply the venue. He convinced a local restaurateur to provide a delicious gourmet dinner at a very low price. And, he made sure that anyone could win a superb automobile for one dollar.

Fr. Sean literally brought people to the table for fellowship and fun. It was very rewarding and fulfilling work. Fr. Sean secured the future educations of Columban seminarians by involving local parishes and their parishioners in the fundraising process.

Fr. Colm Rafferty is retired after many years of mission work and currently resides in Ireland.

Columban Father Leo Baker Celebrates Diamond Jubilee

By a kindly Providence three Baker sons - Leo, Chris and Pat - from the Baker family of 8 children became Columban missionary priests with each ordained in St Patrick's Cathedral, Melbourne, Victoria, in 1948, 1950 and 1962 respectively. As the first brother ordained, Fr. Leo celebrated his Diamond Jubilee in Australia in July 2008.

Fr. Leo’s brothers, Fr. Chris and Fr. Pat, came back from their missions in the Philippines and Peru to join in the celebrations. Fr. Leo first went to Korea in 1950, but the war with the North Korean communists led to his permanent position in Japan. Following his mission work in Japan, Fr. Leo returned to Sydney and Melbourne.

With three missionary priests in the family, Fr. Leo’s Diamond Jubilee was not only a time of celebration and reflection on a lifetime of mission work but also a happy family reunion for the surviving Baker siblings. Frs. Leo, Chris and Pat were joined by two sisters and a brother for the celebratory Mass in Bendigo. The opportunity to celebrate together was a major milestone in the Baker family pilgrimage through life.

The Missionary Society of St. Columban honors Fr. Leo on his Diamond Jubilee with gratitude for years of faithful mission work.