By Bro. Tom Mass, SDB, Province Economer
(San Francisco, CA) – This past week, Monday, January 19 – 21, the Salesian Society of Don Bosco in the Western United States gathered at St. Anthony Retreat in Three Rivers for a few days of “gathering the troops” for prayer, reflection, and family time. Based on a long history of various Provincial Assembly Days, this gathering had an added intention of listening to the Provincial members after a long series of community reflections, as we continue our reshaping process. For three days, we experienced great weather, amazing hospitality, delicious food, laughs, and conversations in between our full schedule of Mass, prayer, listening, and practicing the synodal method of reflection.
The overall reshaping process has been going on for months within community discussions, reporting to the Provincial, and preparing a comprehensive snapshot of each ministry. Once each community gave its report, there was time for questions and clarifications. There was an understanding that all of the information presented was to help Fr. Mel and his Council listen to the Province and then begin the conversations about developing the reshaping plan. We have known for a long time that we simply cannot continue our ministries as we have in the past: we do not have enough Salesian Priests and Brothers to accomplish all the amazing ministries that we are called to do.
- Please pray for Fr. Mel and his Council for this incredibly difficult task before them.
- Please pray for and encourage more dedicated vocations to our Salesian Province, especially Priests and Brothers. It all starts with a simple invitation.