These conversations (or mini-workshops) could be held in the Parish Hall on a Saturday afternoon, (or over the course of a couple of evenings) and would finish up in prayer (and the celebration of the Eucharist time permitting). They would be guided by a couple of Oblate Associates and by the pastor or another vowed Oblate (priest or brother). They could include some very basic information about the Founder of the Oblates, St. Eugene de Mazenod, the history of the Oblates of Mary Immaculate and the founding of St. Joseph’s Parish. There would be information about our St. Joe’s Parish Mission – what does that mean, what does it entail. And there would be information on the history of Lay Association with the Oblates in Canada as well as information about the intentional communities and local association groups – with invitation to come and “check us out.” The sessions would look at how each of us is called by God to live – and how we do that in our everyday lives, at work, with our families, as part of our parish faith communities and how this all ties in with our parish mission.
It is hoped that these conversations will allow us to see how we are living our baptismal call, our vocation in our every-day lives and how we do this when we come together as a community, be it in our ministries, with our families, etc. It may also show to those who are seeking the opportunity to serve in ministry what is available and how it is life giving. It is hoped that the conversations will give shape to the journey that we are on as the community of St. Joseph’s and how each of us is an integral part of that journey – how we need each other to make the journey. These sessions may grow into some ongoing discussion groups, new small faith communities (intentional communities), or something entirely new. They may also spin off to other local Oblate groups such as Galilee (Centre) and Canadian Martyrs.

To make this happen we will need the “space” to hold our conversations, the commitment of some Oblate Associates and vowed Oblates, some basic supplies for hospitality, bulletin announcements, etc.