Father Joe Nassal, C.PP.S.

Father Joe Nassal, C.PP.S. is a Missionary of the Precious Blood. He is provincial director of the Kansas City Province. For several years in the late 1980s and early 1990s he was vocation director for the community. He is also a contributor to HORIZON and has offered workshops and a retreat for the NRVC.

How long have you been involved in vocation ministry?

Vocation ministry is the call and challenge of all members of our congregation. By this measure, I have been involved in vocation ministry for more than 40 years, including before my profession and ordination.

I have been in leadership in my province for 22 years, the past six years as provincial director, so I have worked closely with our vocation team. When I was vocation director, we developed a team that included members and lay men and women who were associates with the community.

Has being a member of NRVC been helpful? 

NRVC has been a source of insight, encouragement, enlightenment, challenge, and support. I find the articles in HORIZON extremely valuable in sharing creative ideas for vocation ministry that meet the signs of these times. As a member of CMSM (Conference of Major Superiors of Men) it is always helpful to meet with other provincials and religious leaders—many of whom used to be or currently are involved in vocation ministry—for support and the sharing of ideas.

What idea(s) have you used in vocation ministry lately that you have been excited about? 

The article in a recent issue of HORIZON concerning the “vocation impact of full-time volunteering” resonated with me, as the director of our volunteer program and our vocation team work in close collaboration. 

Do you have any words of wisdom to those who are new to this ministry?

It is essential that vocation ministers have a good support system of friends and “truth tellers” who will keep us honest, support us in those difficult times, and challenge us in times when we might become complacent. A wise spiritual companion is also very important for the journey.