Companion Spotlight: Joyce Johnson
Joyce Johnson has been a Precious Blood Companion for 12 years, as a part of the Celina, Ohio, Companions. She served as convener of her group for seven years and on the Companions Council of the Missionaries of the Precious Blood U.S. Province for four years, where she now serves as chairperson. She taught for 29 years at St. Joseph Catholic School in Wapakoneta, Ohio, and is currently a catechist and the coordinator of religious education at Immaculate Conception Parish in Celina, Ohio.
How does your Precious Blood spirituality come through in your relationships with other people?
I feel that I make a strong effort to encourage reconciliation among those around me. I’ve always been the one “in the middle” who can see both sides of an argument, and I work toward using compassion to bring both sides together.
Talk about a time in your life when you leaned on Precious Blood spirituality.
I grew up in a Precious Blood parish. I lost my parents in an automobile accident when I was a teenager. Needless to say, I was devastated! I didn’t know how I would be able to go on with my life without them to guide me. I soon found that I could rely on my friends, classmates, and family to help me through their prayers, kind words, and support! That hospitality gave me hope again. I leaned on those around me!
How does the Precious Blood community support your continuing spiritual growth?
The Precious Blood community provides opportunities for retreats and informational sessions, along with social gatherings where I get to know the incorporated members more. I appreciate that we are invited to attend the yearly assembly along with the priests and brothers. They treat me like family, which I really appreciate! I definitely feel “recharged” after gathering with my fellow Companions! It is so comforting to know that I can share whatever is going on in my life with my Precious Blood family!
The Companion vision statement is “Gather, Send.” What does this mean in your life?
As Companions, we gather together to build each other up. We are then sent out to bring the love of Christ throughout the world! Our Companion group gives me new energy to carry on the work that I do for my parish.
How does St. Gaspar inspire you?
St. Gaspar’s words inspired those who knew him. As a teacher and the coordinator of religious education, I hope to inspire my students and their families to follow Christ and to live their lives for God. St. Gaspar believed in reconciliation and showed hospitality throughout his ministry. My goal is to show forgiveness toward others, so they can show others that same kindness!
Give an example of a time in your life when you observed or facilitated unity among all people through the Blood of Christ.
I knew a student who had some severe anger management issues. One day, I saw him in the cafeteria. I stopped him and asked how things were going. I could see that he was extremely upset over something! I took the time to listen to him. When he was finished, I told him that he should say quietly, “Dear Jesus, please help me” over and over. He did it, and I could see that he was doing better. Later that day, his teacher asked me if I had talked to him. When I said yes, she said that she could tell, because he seemed so much calmer. He was so much nicer to his classmates that afternoon!
How has being a Companion challenged you and how did you respond to that challenge?
As a Companion, I have been challenged by taking on leadership roles in the Precious Blood community. I served seven years as a convener for our Celina Companions Group, and I have been on the Companions Council for the U.S. Province for the past four years. I have just taken on a new role as the chairperson for the Companions Council. I have come to realize that being a part of the leadership of the Missionaries is a great honor, and I take the responsibility seriously. I thoroughly enjoy working with the others on the Companions Council, the incorporated members, and my fellow Companions!