Mar 18, 2018
By Timothy Armbruster, C.PP.S.
“Sometimes the most difficult person to forgive is ourselves,” was one of the many thoughts that were shared and reflected upon during this year’s Lenten Discernment Weekend, March 16-18 at Drexel Square Formation House in Chicago.
Sr. Donna Liette, C.PP.S., Br. Juan Acuña, C.PP.S., and Fr. Dennis Chriszt, C.PP.S., shared and led our discussions throughout the day Saturday focused upon The Mercy of God, Forgiving Others, and Forgiving Ourselves. Through the sharing of stories, videos, and discussion, we engaged our inquires in Precious Blood Spirituality and community life. Each inquirer was invited to reflect upon his own person life and understanding of forgiveness and mercy.
On retreat with us were inquirers: Travis Burns from Chickasaw, OH; Michael Orengo and Matt Carner from Dayton, OH; and Elliot Rich and Tony Sorgi from Chicago, IL. We were joined by members, Fr. Steve Dos Santos, Fr. Lac Pham, and candidate, Matt Perez. We ended our wonderful weekend with Mass at St. Ambrose and brunch at Mellow Yellow.
May we continue to pray for vocations to religious life as well as the next steps for these men as these discern God’s calling in each of their lives.
Mar 18, 2018
By Timothy Armbruster, C.PP.S.
The “Daring Disciples” of St. Francis Xavier Parish in St. Joseph did indeed Deliver! On March 12-15, students in grades 1-8 participate in this year’s Lenten Retreat led by Fr. Timothy Armbruster.
Our retreat theme captured both the school theme of “Daring Disciples Deliver” as well as the parish theme of “Welcome, thru the Waters of Baptism.” With the help of four saints, St. John the Baptist, St. Mother Teresa, St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, and St. Teresa of Little Flower, we captured the story of faith and how we live it beginning with the welcoming water of baptism. We shared the stories of each of the saints and how those saints connect with us today and we ended our week with an All School Mass on Thursday.
Each year, a different symbol is chosen to capture the week’s retreat. This year a giant raindrop tree was chosen. Each student was given a raindrop on which to write an act of kindness he or she could do. The raindrop was attached to the larger drops and now the raindrop tree stands in Gaspar Hall for all to witness what the school and School of Religion have promised to do for the remaining time of Lent.
—pictured above is Fr. Timothy Armbruster along with Robin Shalz who assisted with the week.
Mar 12, 2018
by Matt Perez, Gaspar Formation House, Chicago
This year the formation gathering was held at the Adorers of the Blood of Christ Convent in Wichita, Kansas from February 23rd through February 25th. The theme this year was how do we see ourselves living Precious Blood Spirituality today. Fr. Dennis Chriszt and Sr. Joyce Ann Zimmerman were the two presenters guiding those in formation from the Missionaries of the Precious Blood, the Sisters of the Precious Blood of Dayton, and the Adorers of the Blood of Christ. Fr. Dennis shared his experiences of living Precious Blood Spirituality to help the attendees understand how they are living the spirituality today, while Sr. Joyce Ann gave examples of the spirituality through the liturgical practices of the Church. The group of those in formation bonded more closely by partaking in an evening of games, dinner, and bowling. The weekend was simple, yet educational, leading the group in formation to make a commitment to stay connected by having monthly Skype conversations. The group agreed that relational experiences from this weekend will be the key in helping them live out the spirituality. Next year’s gathering is something that those in formation are looking forward to.
Those in attendance were:
Joan Stoverink A.S.C., Lakesha Church, Sarah Harbaugh, Krystal Funk, Jenny Sellaro, Mumbi Kigutha, Kristen Forgotch, Greg Evers, and Matt Perez
Mar 8, 2018
We join in celebrating International Women’s Day by sharing reflections from current Precious Blood Volunteers and alumnae. Enjoy!
Lota Ofodile (2017)
Leah Landry (2017)
Alia Sisson (2017)
Jade Bowman (2015)
Patricia Wood (2014)
Vanessa Steger (2014)
Nora O’Connell (2013)
Kara McNamara (2013)
Leah Yeo (2013)
Maggie Nickels (2012)
Bonnie Kane (2011)
To learn more about serving as a Precious Blood Volunteer go to our website www.preciousbloodvolunteers.org
Mar 5, 2018
Moderator General, Fr. Bill Nordenbrock, C.PP.S. visited the Vietnam Mission from February 17th through March 4th. During that time he was able to do official visitations with all the members and candidates in formation. He also had time to see for the first time our rural ministry, Tan Thanh Mission as well as explore possibilities for future mission work in the Central Highlands. In his spare time, Fr. Bill had time to enjoy the Tet Holiday and the beautiful flowers all around Saigon.
Some of the activities that Fr. Bill was engaged in while here included: attending the 10th Anniversary of Ai Tam with the ASC Sisters, giving advice to all members and candidates especially about living Community life strongly, and addressed our whole group with the challenge of staying true to the Vietnam Vision Statement while also following the global vision of our Congregation.
