Greg Evers, C.PP.S., will enter advanced formation this fall after his temporary incorporation into the Congregation, celebrated on August 18.
“God is constantly calling us—today marks a step forward in Greg’s journey,” said Fr. Jeffrey Kirch, C.PP.S., provincial director, as he welcomed Community members, Companions, family and friends to the Mass in Assumption Chapel at St. Charles Center.
Evers has completed special formation, during which he spent several months in the C.PP.S. mission in Guatemala; served at Immaculate Conception Church in Celina, Ohio; and studied with Fr. Keith Branson, C.PP.S.
“For me, it felt very natural to be taking the next step in the formation process,” Evers said. “I’ve been thinking about this for a while, and I feel at peace with what I’m doing. It feels like a confirmation of how I already have been thinking of myself. It feels like this is where I’m supposed to be.”
Evers moved back into the C.PP.S. house of formation in Chicago later in August. He now enters a four-year program of advanced studies at Catholic Theological Union in Chicago.
“It’s like high school all over again,” he said. “Here I am, a freshman again.”
Evers is the son of Roger and Mary Evers of Maria Stein, Ohio, and grew up in St. Rose Parish, whereMissionaries are in ministry. Fr. Gene Schnipke, C.PP.S., the pastor of St. Rose, preached the homily during the Mass on August 18.
“For 10 years, I’ve had the honor of serving in Greg’s home parish,” Fr. Schnipke said. “I got to help Greg with his discernment process. Thanks to Roger and Mary and Greg’s brother and sisters, who offered him support along the way, and to the people of Immaculate Conception—all of us did our part and, so far, none of us has scared him away. That’s good news.
“A temporary incorporation, in a way, is the same commitment that all of us make, to follow more closely the Lamb of God. It’s temporary only because Greg is promising to do this for the next three years, in preparation for what will be a lifelong commitment to the Missionaries of the Precious Blood.”