How did you meet the Redemptorists?

With that simple question a wonderful sharing began at the first meeting of the Redemptorist Partners in Mission in Vieux Fort, St. Lucia. Nine persons representing the main parish church and three chapels gathered on Monday, May 31, at the Redemptorist residence to initiate this new endeavor.

Fr. John Olenick began the meeting by speaking about the purpose of the Lay Associates and the history of lay collaboration in the worldwide Redemptorist congregation and in the Baltimore Province. He stressed that the Redemptorists wanted to include men and women in their charism, learning about Redemptorist Spirituality and being actively involved in the apostolate.

After everyone introduced themselves, the Redemptorist encounter question stimulated a wonderful time of sharing. Fr. Olenick and Fr. Vu shared a little bit about their vocation stories, how they had encountered the Redemptorists and eventually discerned a call to join them. Many persons recalled by name specific Redemptorists who had been missioned in St. Lucia in the past. Faces lit up when persons recounted the Redemptorists that had celebrated their First Communion, helped with their youth group, and presided at their parent’s funeral liturgy.

Some of the stories were humorous; others were heartfelt and had people nodding their heads in agreement. Among the invited parishioners, a few were somewhat acquainted with the Redemptorist charism, Saints and Blesseds, and devotion to our Lady of Perpetual Help. For others, this was mostly new information. The gathering moved from the common room to the chapel where a simple evening prayer was prayed together.

Finally, all gathered once again in the common room for simple refreshments and social time together. The lay associate group has decided on having a meeting once a month. The Redemptorist community will take turns presenting different themes each month. The group was encouraged to think about possible charitable works the group can do in the parish and in the wider community for the less fortunate. After a wonderful start, there is a lot of positive energy to move forward as Redemptorist Lay Associates in St. Lucia!