On April 30 and May 1, dozens of members of the Cincinnati Province of the Missionaries of the Precious Blood met to continue the pastoral planning process. Previous sessions were held in 2000, 2006, and 2012.

This year the Provincial Council invited all members of the Province who are in active ministry to attend the two day workshop which was held at the Spiritual Life Center at Maria Stein. Sr. Joyce Lehman, C.PP.S., the President of the Sisters of the Precious Blood (Dayton) facilitated the meeting. Over the course of the two days the Missionaries were able to share time for prayer, meals, community building, and discussions related to the mission of the Province.

During the gathering, the Missionaries had the opportunity to review the

demographic data of the Province, as well as engage in a discernment process concerning the Province’s apostolates. Members met in small groups to share their experiences of ministry and their hopes for the future. The Provincial Director, V. Rev. Larry Hemmelgarn, C.PP.S., and the Provincial Council, were also able to update the members are various elements of the Province’s pastoral plan. The discussions revolved around all of the Province’s apostolic commitments including parochial ministry, chaplaincy ministry, retreat and renewal ministry, and education ministry.

The discussions from the meeting will be utilized by the Provincial Council in their continued process of planning for the future.