Meet Brother John Dornbos, CFC
Vocation is one of the greatest gifts God gives us. We are
called not just to share passively in the life of God but to actively share
in generating life with God. For some this is rearing children, for some
this is a career, and yet for others this is working to establish the reign
of God's kingdom beginning on earth and reaching into eternity. This share
in the Divine work is a specific mission and with that comes ministry;
helping others to experience God's reign even as we journey toward this same
goal.
 My mission
in life is as a religious brother, specifically a Christian Brother of the
family of Edmund Rice. As such it is a call to be brother to God's people,
to walk with them, to share the love of a brother with them. Someone asked
me why I joined the brothers. My answer was, "because Jesus asked me to
do it, not once, but repeatedly, over many years and even to this day."
In fact it includes tomorrow. My call is to share in the brotherhood of
Christ. I hope to do that even in heaven.
I was aware of that call because my family loved me and because people
supported that call. It came also because of a direct gift of God, a prayer
life that was active in me even from my first Communion. The brothers I met
had a special impact on me. I knew that the brothers were human, striving
for perfection, and yet growing beyond their human weaknesses. I wanted to
be like them.
In the Joliet Diocese I travel around meeting with college students and
young adults, on our campuses and in our parishes. Many of them, once given
the freedom of a little education or income, find time in which they hear
the voice of God. It is a real privilege to share with them. They also
encourage me on my journey. The road of life through and into God's Kingdom
is a great privilege. The Emmaus story in the gospel (Luke 24:13-35) speaks
of this journey. It might be helpful for you to pray this passage on your
journey.
For more information contact:
- Congregation of Christian Brothers
- Brother Paul Ickes, CFC
- 10001 S. Pulaski Road
- Chicago, Illinois 60655-3356
- Phone: (773) 779-3410 ext 146
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