An Introduction to Redemptorist Partners in Mission (PIM)
-
February 7, 2022Circles of Redemptorist Associates (Partners in Mission) reflect a tradition that was started by St. Clement when the professed and laity gathered for Gospel friendship.
This relationship was for the sake of the mission of Jesus the Redeemer and created a unified effort in reaching out to the poor and abandoned. This relationship is still supported as an integral part of Redemptorist life. The last Denver Province Chapter mandated that every community and ministry site form at least one Circle.
Confreres are reminded to view the introductory ZOOM session discussing PIM and the various types of Circles that have been formed distributed by Fr. Greg May, or contact him directly at [email protected].
New Redemptorist Associates Join Chicago Circle:
The Chicago Circle of Associates initially met at St. Michael’s and began with the question, “Are you spiritual or are you religious?” in May of 2019. This group of seven parishioners were all familiar with the Redemptorist confreres serving at St. Michael’s and were interested in the spirituality of the Redemptorists.
It was an intentional group, and thanks to technology, it grew to include a trail of people left behind when the Redemptorists returned ministry sites to the arch/dioceses. Members began to join from other cities – Detroit, Wichita, Glenview – seeking the spirituality and charism of the Redemptorists, and rekindling personal relationships with the Redemptorists.
Others from Missouri, Arizona, Indiana, Minneapolis and New York now participate in the Chicago Circle’s online ZOOM gatherings, which are coordinated by Toni Dunning, a lay person who no longer lives in Chicago. This Circle is also connected to members of Life Directions who work with Fr. John Phelps, C.Ss.R.
Throughout the global pandemic, the Chicago Circle has continued to meet faithfully each month. What began as a small group meeting at St. Michael’s has grown to number around 20 and is truly a national group. Following the teachings of St. Alphonsus, sharing in the Gospel and praying together has united a group of people who otherwise would have never met.
Together in our different parts of the United States, we live the Redemptorist charism and share the news of the Holy Redeemer with those who will listen and are interested. We speak of the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer and emphasize that we are all loved and forgiven, living in a wounded world.
Bobby Borges (below) made his commitment to join the Chicago Circle as a Redemptorist Associate at St. Michael’s on Sunday, January 23. His family joined parishioners of St. Michael’s to witness this moment during Mass.
Others who committed to the Redemptorist Associate role as members of the Chicago Circle are Minneapolis residents Karen Blanchard, Wanda Rawson and Kevin McLane, as well as Joyce Jones and Richard Buckley from St. Louis.
The group is diverse in background and location but united in their common belief in the Redemptorist charism and spirituality, as well as sharing their spiritual journeys.
by Toni DunningRedemptorist AssociateChicago Circle Coordinator
