The Changing Role of Lay Associates in the Missionaries of the Precious Blood
Abstract
Catholic religious orders and communities are beginning to face the reality that they must change in order to survive. The Missionaries of the Precious Blood is a small men’s international religious community that is currently facing a significant change in its organizational structure in the United States due to dwindling numbers. As the Missionaries look to the future, they recognize that the Companions (lay associates) across the United States are one of this community’s gifts and that they form an untapped pool of committed people who could be helpful to the community. This study identifies the characteristics and values of those who are currently in the role of Companions in the Missionaries of the Precious Blood, as well as their sense of future possibilities for their roles. In addition to identifying values that are held broadly throughout the community, the study also identifies divergent values to help surface hidden or unspoken realities. This identification and clarification of the current roles, values, and hopes of Companions will assist the community as it envisions the future and will aid in the identification of new roles and responsibilities for Companions. The study begins with an overview of the study, a history of the Companion Movement as well as a literature review of current work completed in the field. It proceeds with defining the research methods utilized and continues with the identification of characteristics, values, and divergent markers identified. The study concludes with the practical implications for both the Missionaries of the Precious Blood and other religious communities.
Subject Area
Religion
Recommended Citation
Otto, Victoria G, "The Changing Role of Lay Associates in the Missionaries of the Precious Blood" (2022). ETD Collection for Fordham University. AAI28865126.
https://research.library.fordham.edu/dissertations/AAI28865126
