Greg Evers is now in advanced formation with the Missionaries of the Precious Blood after his temporary incorporation into the congregation, celebrated on Aug. 18.

“God is constantly calling us – today marks a step forward in Greg’s journey,” said Father Jeffrey Kirch, 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; and studied with Father Keith Branson. “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 hails from Maria Stein, and grew up in St. Rose Parish, where Missionaries are in ministry. Father Gene Schnipke, the pastor of St. Rose, preached the homily during the Mass.

“A temporary incorporation, in a way, is the same commitment that all of us make, to follow more closely the Lamb of God,” he said. “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.”