encounter with God. We provide the
opportunity for silence, formative
talks, and community time.”
Richmond says that the period
following the retreat was an intense
one of discernment, and he sees his
communications and media major
as an opportunity to share his gifts
with the church. “i came to the
conclusion after much constant
prayer and daily Mass altar-serving
that i’m called as a priest,” he says.
“Carmelite spirituality is all about
prayer, service, and community.
The thing i love about the Carmel-
ites is that they’re always laughing
together, but during liturgy i see a
reverence and real devotion to Mary
and God in serving the community.
They love what they do. Jesus just
tapped me on the shoulder and
said, ‘Follow me.’ ”
AT A DISCERNMENT retreat for both men
and women sponsored by the Missionaries and Sisters of the Precious Blood,
participants listen to Father James Seibert,
C.PP.S. speak about the religious orders’
history.
“What is God calling you to?”
After participating in three retreats
over the course of three years, James
smith applied to and was accepted
into the Missionaries of the Precious
Blood. “The retreats were an opportunity to explore further connections
with others in formation and be
around members of communities,”
smith says.
There is a distinct difference in
the retreats smith attended. The Missionaries of the Precious Blood offer
collaborative retreats with the sisters
of the Precious Blood in dayton,
ohio. The men stay at the st. Charles
spiritual Center in Carthagena, ohio
Enter #215 at VocationMatch.com
26
VISION 2013