Vocations update
The season of Advent is a journey of remembrance and anticipation, a celebration of God’s faithfulness in the past mixed with the hope of what will be when Christ comes in glory! This season speaks to us of the journey of discernment that all of us take in this life. The Word becomes flesh in each of us as we say “yes” to God’s call by responding fully to our baptismal call to holiness and the dream God has placed in our hearts.
In November, the Vocation office was busy promoting National Vocation Awareness week with visits to several parishes, preaching at Masses, and talking with children and young adults about the gift of God’s call and our response. On Nov. 9, we helped to sponsor the annual 5K Run for Vocations at St. Charles Center, hosted by the local Knights of Columbus organization.
On Nov. 16 and 17, the province hosted a discernment retreat, “Harvesting God’s Goodness,” for six young men who are discerning a call to priesthood or brotherhood as a Missionary of the Precious Blood. The retreat participants gathered for several talks on discernment, quiet reflection, and small group sharing along with the opportunity to meet local C.PP.S. missionaries and to hear their stories.
The month ended with a journey to Calumet College of St. Joseph’s for their Busy Student retreat. In this month of harvest, we thank God for the many opportunities we have had to help others grow in their call to holiness.
Anticipation fills the air as we look to the month of December. An important step toward the implementation of the province strategic plan involves the hiring of two new associate directors of Vocation Ministry to assist Fr. Angelo in the province vocation office. Please join me in welcoming Anthony Franchina and Patricia Malinowski as part of a collaborative team whose mission is developing, promoting, fostering, and inviting men to join us in our missionary work. They will travel extensively to participate in various vocation events and to promote our congregation to a wider population. Both Anthony and Patricia bring a love for the spirituality of the Precious Blood and a desire to help us grow as a congregation.
On Dec. 24, Pope Francis will open the Holy Doors for the Jubilee Year 2025, entitled “Pilgrims of Hope.” The congregations dedicated to the Blood of Christ are preparing a spiritual pilgrimage for the Jubilee Year, offering monthly reflections on the seven sheddings of the Blood of Christ. Pope Francis said, “Through the witness of our lives, may hope spread to all those who anxiously seek it, as we await with confidence the coming of the Lord Jesus Christ.”
Fr. Angelo Anthony, C.PP.S., director of vocations