Jun 30, 2023
The Missionaries of the Precious Blood announce the 25th anniversary of the ordination of Fr. Alfons Minja, C.PP.S.
Fr. Minja, who was born in Marangu, Tanzania, first met the Missionaries of the Precious Blood when he was a student in a minor seminary, St. Francis in Maua, Tanzania. He met other students who were preparing to be Missionaries, and was eventually invited to be a seminarian for the Congregation. After completing his studies in a major seminary, then completing a year of compulsory national service, he began advanced formation with the Missionaries, including five years of study in Rome at St. Thomas University and Angelicum.
On his return to Tanzania, Fr. Minja was ordained a priest on July 4, 1998, in his hometown, Moshi Kilimanjaro.
He then began many years of parish ministry, serving first as an associate pastor in Chibumagwa, then as pastor at a Precious Blood parish in Itigi. Later, he was sent to St. Nicholas Parish in Dar es Salaam, the largest city in Tanzania and a major port. There, he was the pastor of a large parish and five smaller parishes.
After five years in Dar es Salaam, Fr. Minja was asked by his provincial director if he would consider serving in the United States. “As a Missionary, you have to be ready to go where there is a need,” he said. “So I said okay.”
He arrived in the U.S. in 2007 and served for five years at Sts. Peter and Paul Parish, Ottawa, Ohio. He was then named pastor of Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish in Montezuma, Ohio, and served there for five years. Fr. Minja wanted to learn more about how best to serve homebound parishioners, so he took a year of training as a hospital chaplain in Cleveland.
In 2020, he was assigned to be the administrator of the St. Henry cluster of parishes in and around St. Henry, Ohio. While serving there, he suffered a serious stroke.
After a period of recovery, Fr. Minja now resides at St. Charles Center, Carthagena, Ohio.
While it was not always easy to serve so far from his home, he always found people to serve. “I like to be close to the people,” he said. His willingness to live the Missionaries’ life and his absolutely commitment to the Gospel and to the people of God are clear to all who know him.
Jun 29, 2023
The Missionaries of the Precious Blood announce the 40th anniversary of Fr. Garry Richmeier, C.PP.S.
Fr. Richmeier, a native of Hill City, Kan., entered the Congregation in 1970 at Precious Blood Seminary in Liberty, Mo. He was ordained on June 18, 1983, at St. Patrick Church, Great Bend, Kan.
Fr. Richmeier has served as a counselor, in parish ministry, and in leadership roles with his congregation during his life as a priest.
After his ordination, he was assigned to parish ministry at St. Anthony Church in Linton, N.D.; St. Mary Church in Garden City, Kan.; and Sacred Heart Church in Sedalia, Mo.
In 1991, he was appointed director of initial formation for the Missionaries’ Kansas City Province, and also undertook graduate studies.
In 1994, Fr. Richmeier was named director of counseling at St. Charles Borromeo Church in Gladstone, Mo., where he also served as associate pastor. In 1996, he also became a part-time sacramental minister at St. James Church in Kansas City.
In 2002, he became a full-time sacramental minister at St. James, while continuing his counseling and pastoral roles part-time at St. Charles Parish.
Fr. Richmeier continued his ministries at St. James, even after he was elected provincial director of the Kansas City Province in 2019, a role he held until 2022.
Fr. Richmeier continues to counsel people, offering insights in person and through videos widely shared on YouTube. A recent series, entitled “Assembling God’s Puzzle,” helps people understand where to find God and how to listen to God in all phases of their lives. He continues to offer sacramental ministry at St. James.
Fr. Richmeier’s passion for renewing the Church to make it more inclusive through listening and dialogue with those who feel left out or left behind has been a central focus of his priestly and community ministry. Through his writings and his ministry as counselor and spiritual director, he has called the Community and those he accompanies to a deeper communion with God and with one another.
Jun 28, 2023
The Missionaries of the Precious Blood announce the 40th anniversary of the ordination of Fr. William Nordenbrock, C.PP.S.
Fr. Nordenbrock, a native of Fort Recovery, Ohio, entered the Congregation in 1969 at Brunnerdale, the Missionaries’ former high school seminary near Canton, Ohio. He was ordained on April 9, 1983.
Fr. Nordenbrock has been a preacher, strategic planner and a leader in his Community.
After his ordination, Fr. Nordenbrock served as an assistant chaplain at St. Joseph Hospital in Fort Wayne, Ind. He was promoted to pastoral care director in 1985 and then vice president for mission effectiveness in 1988.
In 1990, he was named director of Companions, the newly formed lay associate group of the C.PP.S. Companions now number nearly 500 nationwide.
He served as director of mission effectiveness for Ancilla Systems, a nonprofit organization sponsored by the Poor Handmaids of Jesus Christ, from 1995–97. From 1997–98, he lived and worked at Shantivanam House of Prayer in Easton, Kan.
In addition to his other ministries, Fr. Nordenbrock had an active role in the Congregation’s leadership. He was elected to its senate in 1990 and served as director of development and mission coordinator for the Cincinnati Province from 1998–2003.
In 2002, he helped found and served at a new mission for the Missionaries, the Precious Blood Ministry of Reconciliation (PBMR), in a violence-torn neighborhood in Chicago. He was named director of advanced formation in 2004, while continuing to serve at PBMR.
In 2007, Fr. Nordenbrock was elected to the general council of the worldwide Congregation, also serving as general treasurer. He completed his doctor of ministry degree at the Catholic Theological Union in Chicago in 2008. Fr. Nordenbrock served as the director of formation from 2008–13.
In 2009, he was appointed vice moderator general of the worldwide Congregation, then in 2013, his brother Missionaries elected him moderator general. Residing in Rome, he completed his term in 2019.
After his return to the United States, Fr. Nordenbrock chaired a task force that developed the Precious Blood Spirituality Institute and the Robert J. Schreiter, C.PP.S., Precious Blood Institute at Catholic Theological Union.
In 2022, Fr. Nordenbrock was appointed both the treasurer and secretary of the United States Province. He now resides at the Congregation’s San Felice House of Formation in Chicago.
Fr. Nordenbrock is never content to stay in one place, his personal geography being the least of it. Throughout his life as a priest, he has both honed his skills and asked how they might best be put to use by his Congregation. The Congregation has recognized his natural leadership and questing intellect and has put it to good use.
He is a constant and faithful friend to many, knows what questions to ask and how to step back and really listen to the answers. A master of discernment, he employs his preaching and actions to show God’s people the Way, and in that way to discover it himself.
Jun 27, 2023
The Missionaries of the Precious Blood announce the 40th anniversary of the ordination of Fr. Timothy McFarland, C.PP.S.
Fr. McFarland, a native of Ottawa, Ohio, entered the Congregation in 1970 and was ordained on June 18, 1983. He has been involved in education ministry for many years.
After his ordination Fr. McFarland served as associate pastor at St. John the Baptist Church in Whiting, Ind., before he returned to Saint Joseph’s College in Rensselaer, Ind., of which he is an alumnus, as the director of formation for C.PP.S. students there and began his teaching career. He earned a Ph.D. in Theology from St. Louis University in 1995.
For 32 years, he was an important part of the life of the college, serving as a professor of religion and associate vice president for academic affairs. He was chaplain and assisted with campus ministry and the college’s athletic program; he served as the chair of the faculty athletic committee for several years.
He also served in leadership with the Congregation as a member of the provincial council.
He ministered as a hospital chaplain from 2017–19 in northwest Indiana. In 2019, he was appointed to parish ministry at Immaculate Conception Church in Celina, Ohio, as parochial vicar.
Fr. McFarland returned to education ministry in 2021, at Calumet College of St. Joseph in Whiting, Ind., where he continues to teach and is the director mission and ministry, and the college’s theology program, and is the faculty athletics representative.
He serves the Congregation as its director of formation, and has also been active in ministry with Companions.
Fr. McFarland is a scholar who has been in academia for much of his life as a priest, yet has the ability to explore profound theological studies in a way that is accessible to everyone.
He is attentive to those around him, always ready to listen and respond. Even keeled, he is the rare strategic thinker who can go with the flow. His ready smile encourages the people of God to put their trust in him—and there it is well placed.
Jun 26, 2023
The Missionaries of the Precious Blood announce the 40th anniversary of the ordination of Fr. David Hoying, C.PP.S.
Fr. Hoying, a native of Minster, Ohio, entered the Congregation in 1975 at Saint Joseph’s College in Rensselaer, Ind. He was ordained on June 18, 1983.
Fr. Hoying was active in pastoral ministry for many years, is a local historian, and preserves the history of the Congregation as its archivist.
After his ordination, Fr. Hoying served as associate pastor at St. Joseph Church in Wapakoneta, Ohio and St. James the Less Church in Columbus. In 1990, he was appointed pastor of St. Paul Church in Sharpsburg, Ohio, and nearby St. Wendelin Church. He became pastor of St. Francis Church in Cranberry Prairie, Ohio, and St. Aloysius Church in Carthagena, Ohio, in 1995.
Fr. Hoying was pastor of Holy Trinity Church in Bryant, Ind., from 2004–17.
In 2021, he served as parochial vicar of the St. Henry Cluster in St. Henry, Ohio, for several months.
Fr. Hoying was appointed provincial archivist in September of 2009 and continues in that role. He makes his home at St. Charles Center in Carthagena, Ohio.
There, he faithfully fulfills the ministries that are set out for him, especially sacramental ministries. He offers to preside often at Mass in Assumption Chapel, where he weaves homilies that are rich in historical context and lovely turns of phrase.
He believes fervently in the Congregation and once wrote of the mission cross and its chain, “A chain speaks of strength and protection, connection and relationship, and of binding and subjugation. An understanding of St. Gaspar’s vision sees that the Precious Blood was his strength, drawing him heavenward; his protection, defending him as chainmail in battle; his lifeline, binding him in a vital union with the one Mediator; and his sacrifice, surrendering himself once-for-all to Jesus.
“As a Missionary said of the gold chain, it signifies ‘our part of bearing the Cross.’ The Missionary binds himself to Christ, taking up the cross, living not for himself, but for Christ alone.”
Jun 25, 2023
The Missionaries of the Precious Blood announce the 50th anniversary of the ordination of Fr. Andrew O’Reilly, C.PP.S.
Fr. O’Reilly, a native of Hartford, Conn., entered the Congregation in 1961 at Brunnerdale, the Missionaries’ former high school seminary near Canton, Ohio. He was ordained in Falls Church, Va., on December 8, 1973.
Fr. O’Reilly spent many years in parish ministry and helping to form the Congregation’s priest and brother candidates. He was active for many years in the retreat and renewal ministry.
After his ordination, he served in several parishes: St. James the Less, Columbus, 1973-75; Immaculate Conception, Celina, Ohio, 1975-79; and Precious Blood, Fort Wayne, 1979-81; and St. Augustine, Rensselaer, Ind., 1984–88.
In 1981, he was named formation director for C.PP.S. seminarians at Mount St. Mary Seminary, then became dean of men at the seminary. Later, he served as formation director for the Cincinnati Province of the Missionaries of the Precious Blood from 1986–90.
Other parishes where he served include St. John the Baptist, Whiting, Ind., 1988-91; Resurrection, Winter Garden, Fla., 1992-98; St. Ann, Haines City, Fla., 1999–2002; and St. Andrew, Orlando, 2002–08.
In Florida, the parishes where Fr. O’Reilly served were multi-cultural; part of the mission was to form parishes united in their diversity.
In 2009, Fr. O’Reilly entered full-time preaching ministry. He preached at parish missions and retreats across the U.S.
In 2019, Fr. O’Reilly retired to St. Charles Center, Carthagena, Ohio. He continues to serve the Congregation and in parishes wherever he is needed.
Fr. O’Reilly has spent his life as a priest helping people see and understand deep in their bones that they are God’s beloved people.
He does this through his enlightened preaching, the harmonious way he presides at liturgies, and just by his cordial presence.
Everywhere he went, he established connections with people, helped them see that they were all on the journey together. Then when their journey got hard, in times of sickness or loss or death, they knew they could turn to Fr. Andy and he would make time to listen, to lean in and offer spiritual support.
Jun 24, 2023
By Deacon Greg Evers, C.PP.S.
Our Gospel reading for the Twelfth Sunday in Ordinary Time calls on us to not be afraid.
Jesus says, “Fear no one.” Hearing this small phrase reminded me of this past February when a group of Precious Blood members and Companions visited El Paso, Tex., to see how we as a religious community might respond to the issue of immigration in our country and in our local communities.
Toward the end of our visit, we had a conversation with Ruben Garcia, who is the director of Annunciation House. Anyone who participated in this immersion experience will certainly remember our visit with Ruben. During our conversation, someone asked Ruben whether he was afraid that he might get in trouble with the government someday for the work he does with immigrants. Ruben responded, “I don’t care what they may do to me. I am convinced that what I am doing now is right.”
That kind of courage requires a deep rootedness and trust in the power of the Gospel. Since then I find myself thinking more often about what it is that I am afraid of. What is keeping me from proclaiming and living the Gospel more boldly? Is it the fear of being accepted by others around me? Is it the fear of being criticized?
A spirituality of the Precious Blood calls us to go to those places that are uncomfortable. Places where others are not willing to go. We go to those uncomfortable and unpopular places not because they might make us look good in the end, but because it is the right thing to do. It is what the Gospel asks us to do. There is no place in this world where the Cry of the Blood does not call out to us from the earth. May we not be afraid to go out and respond to that cry.
Deacon Greg Evers, C.PP.S., is in ministry at St. James the Less Church in Columbus. He will be ordained to the priesthood on July 15.
Jun 24, 2023
The Missionaries of the Precious Blood announce the 50th anniversary of the ordination of Fr. Barry Fischer, C.PP.S.
Fr. Fischer, a native of Columbia, Penn., entered the Congregation in 1960 at Brunnerdale, the Missionaries’ former high school seminary near Canton, Ohio. He was ordained in Santiago, Chile, on January 28, 1973.
Fr. Fischer began his life as a priest with ministry in Chile, where he served in parishes in Santiago and Rio Negro, and as rector of San Gaspar College, established by the Missionaries in Santiago. He was also coordinator of the mission’s lay associate program and was director of advanced and special formation for the mission’s candidates.
In 1989, he joined the Congregation’s mission in Guatemala, where he became rector of the C.PP.S. seminary in Guatemala City. He served as director of the C.PP.S. Central American mission from 1991-95.
During his time in Guatemala, Fr. Fischer was elected to the general council of the worldwide congregation. He was elected moderator general of the worldwide congregation in 1995, and was re-elected in 2001. He was a member of the executive committee of the Union of Superiors General.
After his second term as moderator general, he founded the International Spirituality Center in Salzburg, Austria, where he was the director.
Fr. Fischer has also given retreats and made presentations on Precious Blood spirituality throughout the world. He is the author of “The Cry of the Blood” and many articles on spirituality.
He returned to the States in 2017 and began his ministry in higher education, first at Saint Joseph’s College in Rensselaer, Ind., and, since 2019, at Marian University in Indianapolis, where he serves as a campus chaplain.
Through his preaching and writing, through countless presentations and retreats, in the way he carried out servant leadership,
Fr. Fischer has led the Congregation into a new time of reexamining Precious Blood spirituality. He gave the Precious Blood family, including Missionaries and lay associates throughout the world, new language for claiming their identity and their place in an ever-expanding circle.
Personable and warm, Fr. Fischer is happiest when he is living in community. If he can’t find one nearby, he’ll create one. And the people around him are always happy when he does.
Jun 23, 2023
The Missionaries of the Precious Blood announce the 60th anniversary of Fr. William Miller, C.PP.S.
Fr. Miller, a native of Bellevue, Ohio, entered the Congregation in 1950 at Brunnerdale, the Congregation’s former high school seminary outside of Canton, Ohio. He was ordained on June 8, 1963, at St. Charles Seminary, Carthagena, Ohio.
Fr. Miller served God’s people in parish ministry during most of his years as a priest.
He was parochial vicar at Sacred Heart Church in Sedalia, Mo., from 1964–69; and St Mary Church in Centerville, Iowa, from 1969–73. In 1973, he was appointed director of seminarians at Precious Blood Seminary in Liberty, Mo.
Fr. Miller returned to parish live in 1977, when he became pastor of St. Michael, St. Aloysius, St. Anthony and St. Bernard Churches in Linton, N.D. He served there for 10 years.
In 1989, he became pastor of St. Anne Church in Warsaw, Mo., and Sts. Peter and Paul Church in Cole Camp, Mo. He returned to Sacred Heart Parish in Sedalia in 1992, and also served in the mission church of St. John the Evangelist, Bahner, Mo.
In later years, Fr. Miller also served at Sacred Heart Church in Charitan, Iowa, and mission churches at St. Francis, Corydon, Iowa, and St. Brendan, Leon, Iowa. In 2011, he returned to Sacred Heart in Warrensburg, where he had begun his priestly ministry so many years before.
Fr. Miller moved in 2015 to St. Charles Center in Carthagena, Ohio, where he was ordained. He makes his home there among his brother Missionaries.
While still a student at Brunnerdale, Fr. Miller received the nickname “Bigger” and has carried it with him throughout his life. Certainly, his generous heart is bigger than most.
He is a man of compassion and kindness, which made him a wonderful and beloved pastor.
His love for the priesthood and for the Community is revealed when he sees another Community member or Companion or a member of a parish where he once served, and a smile fills his face. It is the biggest smile you’ll ever see.
Jun 22, 2023
The Missionaries of the Precious Blood announce the 60th anniversary of Fr. William Delaney, C.PP.S.
Fr. Delaney, a native of Oakland, Calif., was definitively incorporated on August 15, 1957, and was ordained on June 8, 1963.
Fr. Delaney has been active in parish and education ministries and in leadership during his years as a priest.
After his ordination he served in Oklahoma; at St. Anthony Church in Detroit; and St. Barnabas in Alameda, Calif.
In 1964, he was appointed an instructor at Del Bufalo Seminary in Liberty, Mo., and in 1965 became a member of the Kansas City Province, then the Province of the Pacific. He was appointed head of the religious education department at Cardinal Newman High School in Santa Rosa, Calif., and later served as the faculty house superior and the principal.
Fr. Delaney served as provincial secretary from 1970–74.
For many summers, Fr. Delaney studied at the Institute of Pastoral Studies at Loyola University in Chicago. In 1970, he received a master of religious education degree.
From 1977–90, Fr. Delaney was the associate pastor then pastor of St. Anthony Church in Manteca, Calif. He also served two terms on the provincial council.
Fr. Delaney also ministered at St. Agnes Parish, Los Angeles, as pastor (1990-2001), and St. Aloysius Gonzaga, Los Angeles, beginning in 2001. He returned to St. Agnes as senior pastor in 2005, accepting the position of pastor pro tem in 2014.
In 2015, Fr. Delaney retired to Sonnino Mission House in Berkeley, Calif. Later, he moved to Mercy Retirement Center in Oakland.
Fr. Delaney’s commitment to social justice, to the poor, and to community organizing has influenced countless generations in the parishes where he served and in the community members who have followed him. Fr. Delaney understood that a good shepherd not only cares for those who are in his parish but also leads them out into the world to make a difference in the neighborhood where they live.
Fr. Delaney learned the language of the people he accompanied and became a bridge over the barricades that separated them. The spirit of the Gospel of justice and peace has guided his ministry and has left a legacy of hope in the people and the places where he has served.
