During the Midwest Brothers District Days gathering, a Vow Liturgy was celebrated and included, Brother Michael Phipps, FSC, professing his first vows, Brother Johnathon Emanuelson, FSC, professing his final vows, and Brothers in initial formation renewing vows.
Brother Michael Phipps, FSC professed his first vows as a Brother of the Christian Schools during the Christian Brothers of the Midwest District gathering Wednesday, July 26.
The vow ceremony, apart of the liturgy, took place at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Westmont, IL with Brothers and Partners gathered for the occasion.
“The experience of making first vows borders on the indescribable, a single event that embodies years of small steps and subtle choices,” said Brother Michael, “yesterday, sitting between two fellow Brothers in initial formation with a host of perpetually vowed Brothers at my back, I felt at peace, like I was home.”
“In our world, peace can be difficult to find, an elusive goal often just out of reach. And yet, standing before my Brothers, family, and friends proclaiming consecration to the Trinity and commitment to the Brothers of the Christian Schools, a calm humility washed over me, an acquiescence to God’s will for my life,” said Brother Michael.
Brother Michael grew up on the West Coast, first being introduced to the Brothers and Lasallian mission at La Salle High School in Yakima, WA. After his undergraduate at Colorado State, he was a Lasallian Volunteer, living and serving at the San Miguel School of Providence, RI. He furthered his studies at Lewis University in school counseling. During that time he discerned joining the Brothers and entered formation.
“I have worked with young people and families for 10+ years and find that I often learn more from my students than they learn from me,” said Brother Michael, who currently ministers at Cretin-Durham Hall in St. Paul, MN. He says this about his current ministry, “I was struck by the clear, intentional dedication to building community. Having worked at a variety of Lasallian institutions, I am excited to work with the students, families, and staff of CDH as we grow in faith, service, and community.”
The experience of making first vows borders on the indescribable, a single event that embodies years of small steps and subtle choices… sitting between two fellow Brothers in initial formation with a host of perpetually vowed Brothers at my back, I felt at peace, like I was home.
– Brother Michael Phipps, FSC
Prior to his first vows, Brother Michael, along with two other Brother Novices from the Lasallian Region of North America (RELAN) made a first profession retreat at La Salle Manor, in Plano, IL, facilitated by Brother Dennis Galvin, FSC.
In addition to the Brothers professing vows, Aspirant, Christian Camacho renewed his promises to continue to live in community and minister while discerning the Brothers vocation.
Later this summer we’ll feature more about Brother Johnathon, as well as two other Brothers professing final vows this year.
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