Invitation to Envision
by Rita McNally, Kansas City, Missouri Companion
We all receive invitations, and our free will allows
us the option of choice in our response to each invita-
tion. Acceptance of an invitation is a commitment to
attend and participate in the event. As a Companion
Council member of the Missionaries of the Precious
Blood, I was invited to attend and participate in the
inter-provincial gathering this past September. The
inclusion of the Companion Council members was
both encouraging and exciting.
This was unlike my first invitation to attend a
Kansas City Province Assembly over 20 years ago,
where Companions could observe, but not truly
participate in the gathering. I remember feeling
accepted by some of the members, but a sense of
exclusion from others. This was the beginning of the
Companions movement journey to a more in-depth
involvement with the community.
As I reflect on the recent meetings at Techny
Towers, my thoughts today are a big "WOW!" How
far Companions have come in a their short 20 plus
8 • The New Wine Press • December 2017
years of existence. Acceptance and welcoming by all
the members in attendance was extraordinary and
Companion participation was strongly encouraged
and accepted throughout the entire gathering.
All members from both provinces were invited
to attend. Over 60 incorporated members accepted,
and for much of the conference round table discus-
sions were directed. Each table mixture consisted
of a variety of Kansas City and Cincinnati Province
members, both young and old, along with five female
Companion Council representatives incorporated
into various tables. The atmosphere was a safe place
to say what was on your mind. There was encour-
agement for honesty in stating concerns and fears,
opportunity for expressing visions and dreams,
and reflections on accomplishments and ministries
currently being served. The meticulously planned
conference created an atmosphere for both negative
and positive thoughts to be heard, and the partici-
pants truly listened respectfully and thoughtfully to
each other.