Tom’s Conversion

Tom had a long career in general merchandising, both in sales and management in corporate America. Travel was the name of the game. In sales and sales management Tom was interested in the customer and tried to offer a complete product line to retail chains to garner shelf space or to encourage retailers to take on his product lines. In management he attempted to get more manufacturers to give his company their product line with exclusive territories. Tom attended many trade shows on both ends of the spectrum.

It was at one retail trade show in Indianapolis where Tom met Bart (Bartholomew), who was manning the booth next to Tom’s. Tom did not know it, but this chance meeting would impact his spiritual life. Bart represented companies with slow moving items that retailers needed to offer as convenience items in their stores. At that time Tom represented a line of Conair products, best known for hair dryers and make up. During slow times at the show Bart and Tom would engage in conversations. Over the next few days, they would cover for each other when one of them needed to leave the booth. They discovered that they both lived in Indianapolis and had similar business outlets.

A few weeks after the show, Tom was asked to check out his company’s displays at a drug store chain, and who should he meet there but Bart. After a nice discussion they parted ways. The following day Tom went to another store and who should he meet there, but Bart once again. After talking a few minutes, Bart asked Tom what was on his mind. Tom said he had some personal things bothering him. Bart could sense it and suggested Tom come to his condo for lunch the next week. Upon viewing the condo, Tom noticed in the second bedroom, an altar plus a shrine like area complete with kneeler and a table with some statues. This led to a discussion of Bart’s past. Bart had been a Benedictine priest at St. Meinard Seminary. He left the priesthood some years later to get married. Unfortunately the marriage didn’t work out and they divorced. After the divorce Bart was reinstated to the priesthood but asked the Archbishop not to reinstate his faculties. He spend half of his day working his part time job and the other half in a combination of prayer, meditation and performing local missionary work.

Bart said Tom could talk to him about his concerns as a matter of discussion. They confided in one another and Bart suggested Tom see a priest for confession to bring him peace.

Prior to attending this trade show, Tom had been drawn to watch the EWTN (Eternal Word Television Network). A lot of what was bothering Tom came to light while listening to a charismatic Franciscan priest on the program.

On two different occasions the Franciscan mentioned the Cursillo weekend. Tom remembered him saying that attendees discover who Christ is and come to know Him by making a weekend. Tom never even heard of Cursillo even though he was a cradle Catholic, but he now felt an inner desire to make a weekend.

A few weeks later a call came into the office from a man named Spencer, who wanted to talk to him. Tom had no idea who Spencer was but took the call. There was hesitation on the other end of the line. Tom thought someone was going to initiate a sales pitch and had his guard up. Then Spenser asked if Tom had heard of Cursillo? Tom said, he had. He then asked if he would be interested in attending the next weekend? Tom thought his prayers had been answered and said YES! Tom then asked where Spencer got his name and was told Bart had given Spencer my name. Tom found out that Bart and Spencer where both on the condo board where Bart lives. This was 28 years ago.

On the weekend Tom met a number of men from Holy Spirit at Geist who mentioned to Tom that there was daily mass at the temporary offices on 96th street which Tom attended that week. After mass Tom meet Mike who invited Tom to Saturday morning group in the “little house.” Tom saw Dale at group along with other men from his weekend, the same group I joined last year when we moved to Indianapolis.

Tom has been with this group over 28 years now and has found great spiritual growth in this group. With so many changes and mergers in the retail industry, Tom, at age 70, was given a retirement package. He asked the Lord what he should do, and the Lord asked him to take the Eucharist to patients at a local hospital. He primarily visits registered Catholics but is often asked by the staff to meet with other patients who they feel could benefit from his presence. While some patients are so happy to see him, others let him know they are no longer Catholic and don’t come back, still others say they do not want the Eucharist, but please come back. Today most hospital stays are not long, but for many, Tom is an angel when they need to see one. Angels are always happy and contented, so if you see Tom, you will see an incredibly happy and contented man indeed.

As Tom looks back on his life, he sees the hand of God in everything that transpires. His presence is there with us in divine encounters, conversations, and situations. One thing we have learned is that our spiritual growth never ends. God is helping us grow through our encounters with others, and together we share the joy and peace of mind that comes through the Spirit who guides us.

Clarence