we were off to the local shoe store to get some shoes and a few other necessities.
While shopping is certainly not my thing, I was both grateful and proud of Shawn. I was grateful that Shawn took Larry on as a“ brother” and became the“ village” that he so needed. I was proud, too, that with all his own stress, Shawn took great care to ensure that Larry had the support and care he needed.
We might not be able to move mountains or change systems, but this was a day to rejoice. It was an honor and privilege to be a part of the“ village it takes.” W
Community Life, continued from page 9 may not necessarily be parish work, but rather work that enables us to actualize our Precious Blood charisms. Our community life is enhanced by living the bond of charity. This means listening to one another, respecting each person’ s gifts, and the healing of wounds and brokenness. The bond of charity energizes the community for mission and supports the work of hospitality and reconciliation. Where there is charity, there is a deep hunger for connection, belonging and communion. Being faithful to our bond of charity is a challenge, but it gives us the best opportunity for living in community.
C. The elements of community life include shared prayer, meals, socializing, and to some extent shared apostolate, along with mutual support, the bond of charity, and a commitment to live the values of community. For us to be like“ the open heart of Christ” means creating sacred space for inclusivity, deeper dialogue, open communion, and hospitality. We welcome cultural diversity and being counter cultural as the challenges of reconciliation. This heart of Christ implies humility, simplicity, trust, and selflessness.
D. We hear the cry of Christ’ s blood as a healing balm for our world today. The values of community life include simplicity, humility, growth and promotion of our Precious Blood spirituality of reconciliation and ministry of the Word, first and foremost among ourselves so that we can implement these qualities in our various apostolates. We strive to value an offering of the individual for the good of the community. The mission houses of the Kansas City Province practice reconciliation in circles of understanding,
in healing rituals such as our Renewal Center’ s labyrinth, creating safe space, allying with other groups engaged in reconciliation work, sponsoring refugees and immigrants, and working with the LGBT community. The province understands a need to invest more in quality training and education for our reconciliation ministry. Building a reconciling community begins with prayer, listening, respecting, and welcoming. We are committed to attending to human suffering by our reconciliation ministry. This requires an unconditional love and non-judgment.
E. We need to renew our community life to attract and welcome new members, Companions, and Volunteers by re-imagining Precious Blood community life in the United States. We desire to explore the possibility of intentional, temporary membership. We look forward to exploring different ways to reach out to people of different generations and different cultures that might be interested in our Precious Blood spirituality and charism in our world today. Campus ministries and enhancing our diversity are important areas for us to develop. W
Willie Clark and Timothy Armbruster, c. pp. s., 2017 Provincial Assembly
July 2017 • The New Wine Press • 13