16 Marian Helper • Winter 2023-24 • Marian.org Thank you and Godspeed! Christine Mountain Senior data entry operator 46 years Congratulations to five other employees at the Marian Helpers Center who retired this year after many years of service: Stephen Hamberg Mail inserting supervisor 45 years David LeFave Computer desktop administrator 33 years Off to the races When the ban was lifted in 1978, it was literally off to the races. “That was a big deal,” Charlie says, remembering the excitement of Fr. Seraphim. “We went upstairs and emptied all the closets of stuff that was printed about Divine Mercy before the ban and had been stored for 20 years. Now it could be brought out and distributed.” The election of the first Polish pope in history later that same year added to the momentum. “All of a sudden we didn’t have enough print capacity,” Charlie says. Expansion was on the cards, and technology improved with computers. Charlie oversaw the purchase of a new press, the biggest single expenditure on equipment in the Province’s history. He worked closely with Fr. Seraphim on the design and composition of the first English-language edition of the Diary. “It was a challenge,” he admits. “We had to take photographic prints of each page and put them in order on sheets. We printed 3,000 copies of that first edition.” Today, literally millions of booklets, pamphlets, and prayer cards continue to be produced in the MHC print shop. Of the largest and most consistent jobs, the “How to Pray the Rosary” pamphlet shares top billing with the “M17,” Fr. Seraphim’s booklet The Divine Mercy Message and Devotion. “It’s not unusual to print a quarter-of-amillion at a time,” he says. Stories abound about the helpful role of the Holy Spirit over the years. “There have been times when we just could not get a machine working, and I called a Marian in to bless the equipment — and it always helped,” Charlie says. Making a difference Charlie leaves behind a dedicated print shop team, including his younger brother Joe, who is Press Operator III. Joe joined the MHC in 1981, which means he has 13 years to go until his 55th anniversary! In retirement, Charlie will spend more time with his wife of 49 years, Jane, and his two grandchildren. There’s also his favorite pastime: car racing. Looking back, Charlie says he will miss the people the most. “I’ve made good friends here, my co-workers as well as the Marians,” he says. He’s also proud of the work the print shop has done for evangelization. “Father Walter always spoke of ‘the printed word of God,’” he recalls. “For everyone who works here, it’s more than just a job and a paycheck. It’s humbling when you think of the millions of items we have produced and sent around the world, and the work that was done in tough times and challenging circumstances. It makes you feel good that we’ve all made a real difference.” “There have been times when we just could not get a machine working, and I called a Marian in to bless the equipment — and it always helped.” Susan Booth Assembler Order Packer 33 years Mary Clark Video production manager 10 years
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