by Fr. Timothy Armbruster, C.PP.S., Vocation Director
“One day at Mass, I was listening to the words of the Eucharistic Prayer. As Father spoke the words, “Take this all of you and drink from it, this is my blood…” I heard in those words an invite to more. After Mass, I looked online for “Precious Blood,” “Fathers,” and “Ministry” and one of the hits was C.PP.S.,” said Carlo Espejo. Carlo was an inquirer attending the Discernment Weekend at Precious Blood Center, Oct 7-9. Carlo is originally from the Philippines and now resides in Salt Lake City, Utah. Carlo first came to know about our community through our online presence and now he has a few faces and names to relate to.
Fr. Lac Pham led the discussion for the weekend along with Fr. Dennis Chriszt. Also attending the weekend was Deacon James Smith and candidates Greg Evers and Michael Kirkland.
Our weekend focused on where do we find God in our lives. Through our sharing and interactions of the weekend, we not only heard the stories of where we find God, but also how each of us relates it to living out our Precious Blood spirituality.
After the weekend ended, Carlo and I traveled to Sedalia and St. Joseph to visit with Companions to hear their story. In Sedalia we toured Sacred Heart School and Church, as well as a visit to St. Patrick’s. We spent time with Debbie Bolin as she shared her story of what it means to be a Precious Blood Companion. In St. Joseph, we toured St. Francis Xavier Church and had lunch with Connie Swymeler as she also said part of her story. It was a great way not only to hear what it means to members but also Companions.
When I asked Carlo what would he take away from the weekend, his answer was simply, “What a warm welcome.” He also shared that he felt very comfortable interacting with the other guys and enjoyed learning more about our ministries, spirituality and just who we are as a community.
Each time we host a weekend, we may never know what stories will inspire us or challenge us in our ministry. I continue to be encouraged as we gather with those who are inquiring, discerning and questioning where is God calling me in my life?
