Update from the Vocation Office

One of the goals of the province’s strategic plan is “To launch an initiative in the spring of 2025 to equip the Precious Blood family to understand their role in growing vocations.”  The action plan instructs the Vocation Office to “create educational programs and materials that train members of the Precious Blood family on ways to encourage vocations, make connections, and refer potential candidates.”    

In the month of May, the Vocation Office triad of Fr. Angelo, Patricia Malinowski, and Anthony Franchina led the first in a series of four workshops bringing the action plan to life. The first track of this program involves developing Parish Vocation Teams within our Precious Blood parishes. The pilot parishes chosen are St. John the Baptist parishes in Whiting, Indiana, and Glandorf, Ohio. The second track of this pilot program is focused upon C.PP.S. members and Companions. On May 12, the vocation team met via Zoom with nine members and five Companions for the first workshop. 

This first workshop offers participants an opportunity to reflect upon their vocation story — the many ways God has been actively guiding their life. Through presentations, contemplative prayer, and reflective exercises, the participants learn the importance of developing a culture of discernment through awareness, accompaniment, and action. Becoming aware of God’s call in our life, we are drawn to think about the people God has given us to accompany us on our faith journey and the ways we have responded to God’s call. By identifying our unique call from God, we can help others hear and understand the ways God is calling them to a life of holiness and happiness.  

The second set of workshops for these three pilot groups are scheduled for late May and early June. The focus of the second workshop is upon the life of St. Gaspar, Bl. Merlini, and the spirituality of the Precious Blood. Each religious congregation has an identity that makes them unique — you might say their “special sauce.” By identifying and celebrating our unique charism, it is easier for us to recognize and accompany a future member or Companion.  

During the Provincial Assembly in June, the vocation office triad will offer a presentation providing an overview of the four workshops. Our goal is to offer these workshops in all our Precious Blood parishes and for all the members and Companions, emphasizing our responsibility to be vocation animators, working together for the growth of the U.S. Province.