The Redemptorists of the Denver Province congratulate Ms. Toni Dunning, who made her commitment as a Lay Missionary of the Most Holy Redeemer (LMMHR) on April 28 during the Denver Province Chapter. We asked her to introduce herself by sharing a bit about her journey with the Redemptorists, what prompted her decision to make a commitment as a LMMHR, and her thoughts on the future.
My husband Dave and I moved to Cleveland Ave. in Old Town Chicago in 2004. On our first Sunday we flipped a coin on which church to attend Immaculate Conception, St. Joseph’s (not a joint parish at that time) or St. Michael’s. I had no idea that St. Michael’s was staffed by the Redemptorists. When we walked outside after Mass, Dave asked Br. Patrick Concidine, “Is this a Catholic church?” It was like nothing we had ever experienced the friendliness, the celebrants Fr. John Schmidt and Fr. Ed Wilhelm outside to talk and greet everyone! What a new concept this was for us.
I immediately began volunteering at the parish, and within a year I was working part time for the Director of Religious Education. Three years later, Fr. Richard Thibodeau hired me to work full-time in the parish office. I enjoyed the work so much that I remained in the parish office until November of 2020, and continued to schedule weddings until December of 2025, when I joined the Provincial Office staff.
While on retreat in Tucson in 2013 I met Fr. Greg May, who was instrumental in getting me involved in Partners in Mission. I began by listening to his Spirituality presentations on YouTube, and after eight sessions we had worked toward the spirituality and charism of the Redemptorists, St. Alphonsus’ journey to forming the Congregation, the four pillars, and more. I was hooked and began a six-month period of monthly Circle gatherings leading to my commitment as a Redemptorist Associate (RA) in January of 2019.
That year I began leading the Spirituality Workshop focusing on Fr. Greg’s eight presentations. Even through the COVID pandemic, the workshop went on by Zoom so more people throughout the country could participate. Our Chicago Circle group grew to include members from Canada and the U.S., and Circle groups formed in Tucson, St. Louis, and Baton Rouge. The Redemptorist family keeps growing!
As an RA I enjoyed my Circle gatherings, and the ministry I felt called to participate in our community. But my thoughts kept going back to the words Fr. Thibodeau spoke to me, “Get to know your best friend.” I began a more intentional prayer life, a more focused look at my faith journey and spirituality. I knew my spiritual roots were with the Redemptorists, as was my desire to support their mission. The message of Plentiful Redemption, God’s immense love for all of us, resonated with my soul and gave me direction.
I was asked to join the Working Group for the Partners in Missions in the Denver Province, and when there was an opening, I applied to become a member of the North American Conference for Partnership in Mission (NASPIM). At the start of the quadrennium, I was appointed to the Commission for the Denver Province, and a representative to the Conference.
As my spiritual reading continued and my knowledge of the structure and business of the Congregation grew, so did my desire to learn more and to be involved in the Province. I submitted my name and applied to begin formation to become a Lay Missionary of the Most Holy Redeemer (LMMHR) and was accepted by Provincial Superior Kevin Zubel in 2024.
My Spiritual Director, Fr. Jim White, has walked alongside me, answering my questions, addressing my bumps in the path, and meeting me exactly where I am. SO many Redemptorists have been with me on this journey; the example of their lives inspired me. Being in prayer alongside the Redemptorists is such a blessing to me.
As a LMMHR, my work with the Redemptorists in the Provincial Office fulfills my desire to support the mission. The unification of the provinces of Baltimore, Denver and Mexico means change; it means new opportunities, new ideas. There will be a merging of Partners in Mission, the processes, involvement of the laity and the procedures. Growing pains are likely, but if we can keep in mind the reason for our involvement is the mission of St. Alphonsus and the message to spread the Good News, I truly believe we will succeed. We only stumble when we forget why we do this. When we walk with the Redeemer as our guide, He will lead us on the correct path.
Toni Dunning
