Feb 28, 2017
by Fr. Timothy Armbruster, C.PP.S., Vocation Director
Our Alleluia’s could be heard throughout the Anaheim Convention Center in Anaheim, CA. This year’s Los Angeles Religious Education Conference, held Feb 24-26, was for a change ahead of Lent. It was truly a celebration to be able to sing our praises to God. This was my first time attending and what a joy it was! I took the opportunity to attend some great workshops and reconnect with a couple profs from CTU, namely Fr. Ed Foley and Sr. Barbara Reid. Fr. Ed in two different workshops covered Prophetic Preaching and in the other Adoration. Sr. Barbara presented a workshop focused on reading scripture through the mind, eyes and heart of a women. Both were classes of the past, but was great to hear again.
The main liturgies in the arena were truly a celebration. Each one focused on different issues facing the church today, namely Immigration and Refuges and care of the earth, among other things. The final liturgy on Sunday brought everything together as the celebration began with the Entrance welcoming everyone. As the procession began, the liturgical dancers moved with grace and beauty with white flowing dress and bright spring colors. The deacons joined the procession hand in hand with their wives. The book of the Gospel was proudly displayed as the living word of God. The whole event was alive with spirit and energy. At the preparation of the gifts, the altar was dressed with long flowing cloths of native colors. A white square cloth was placed atop the colors and the large baskets of bread and jugs of wine were carried in by men and women dressed in native colors and dress. It was bringing forth the gifts of the community.
The Congress began with Youth Day on Thursday, Feb 23. The theme of Youth Day was What Are You Waiting For? The theme of the Congress was Embrace Trust. Archbishop José Gomez welcomed us at the Opening Ceremony and tied the two themes together with the challenge of “What are you waiting for? Embrace Trust!” Now Go! He also left us with the question, “What is holding you back?” As we now begin this season of Lent and put away the Alleluias for a time, what is holding us back? The energy and spirit of the weekend is what I needed to kick start this Lent and refocus again on mission and ministry.
Nov 26, 2014
This Sunday, November 30 we begin the season of Advent and also the year designated by Pope Francis as the Year of Consecrated Life. This yearlong celebration will close on the World Day of Consecrated Life, February 2, 2016. This time also celebrates the 50th anniversary of Perfectae Caritatis, the Second Vatican Council’s Decree on the Adaptation and Renewal of Religious Life, and Lumen Gentium, the Dogmatic Constitution on the Church. We as religious are called upon to “make a grateful remembrance of the recent past” while embracing “the future with hope,” as called forth by Cardinal João Braz De Aviz.
In vocation work, this in many ways is what we are called to do. We are called to share our story of who we are as Missionaries of the Precious Blood and the ministries we are involved with. We are challenged to make our charism and spirituality of reconciliation and renewal of the church through the preaching of the word known to others. Each of us as missionaries are called to share that message with others through our ministries and the work we do. As we approach our 200th anniversary, what better time to make our story known.
From the vocation office we will continue to highlight and share suggestions throughout this year.
Nov 4, 2014
What better way to enjoy a chilly All Hallows Eve than to gather around a bon fire and share a few stories. We gathered around the fire and throughout the weekend to share stories of who we are as Missionaries of the Precious Blood and what the community means to us as we welcomed five inquirers for our Discernment Weekend. The five included Matt Perez, Ryan Cornelissen, Christopher Hoffman, Michael Petterson, and Rob Hartnett. Also a special thank you to the Vocation Team for joining us: Fr. Vince Wirtner and Fr. Matt Link. Other members who joined us during the weekend included Fr. Joe Nassal, Fr. Mark Miller, Fr. Keith Branson, and Br. Daryl Charron. Fr. Timothy Guthridge, Director of Initial Formation as well as candidate Corey Knappe also joined us. The weekend was filled with a wonderful spirit of celebrating those who were present and also a great remembrance of those who have encouraged and supported each of us in our ministry. Full story to follow in December issue of The New Wine Press.
Oct 30, 2014
On Thursday, October 23, six William Jewell students responded to our invitation to join us for dinner and evening prayer. As an outreach to our Catholic students at William Jewell College through St. James Church, Liberty, we celebrate during the school year an 8pm evening Mass on campus in the White River Chapel. In celebration of our bicentennial, we invited community members and students to come together, for prayer, hospitality, and a home cooked meal. It was a chance to share our story and make our presence known to the greater community. I personally enjoyed hearing the student’s stories of their college adventures. Our plan is to continue this once a month and continue to invite the students as well as community members to join us for dinner, prayer, and hospitality. Thank you to the students who joined us as well as the community members and guest
Jan 23, 2014
by Fr. Timothy Armbruster, C.PP.S., Regional Vocation Director
In 1997, Pope John Paul II instituted a day of prayer for women and men in consecrated life. This celebration is attached to the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord on February 2nd. This Feast is also known as Candlemas Day; the day on which candles are blessed symbolizing Christ who is the light of the world. So too, those in consecrated life are called to reflect light of Jesus Christ to all peoples. The celebration of World Day for Consecrated Life is transferred to the following Sunday in order to highlight the gift of consecrated persons for the whole Church. –from www.usccb.org
Additional resources for World Day for Consecrated Life, including a printable prayer card, can also be found online.
As February 2, Candlemas Day falls on a Sunday this year, parishes are encouraged to celebrate the Blessing of Candles. We at St. James Catholic Community in Liberty, Missouri, are inviting parishioners to be a part of a candle drive. The candles we collect are melted and transformed into candles that can be given to the homeless for light and heat. Just one more way we are sharing the Light of Christ in our world.
