To what is the Church calling us What does Pope Francis want Our Plan Today In continuity with our history Pope Francis pastoral initiatives Accompaniment In the life of Jesus In the teaching of Pope Francis ID: 767237
Download Presentation The PPT/PDF document "To what is the Church calling us?" is the property of its rightful owner. Permission is granted to download and print the materials on this web site for personal, non-commercial use only, and to display it on your personal computer provided you do not modify the materials and that you retain all copyright notices contained in the materials. By downloading content from our website, you accept the terms of this agreement.
To what is the Church calling us?What does Pope Francis want?
Our Plan Today In continuity with our historyPope Francis – pastoral initiativesAccompanimentIn the life of Jesus In the teaching of Pope Francis 2 types of accompaniment How this changes your daily life The method for accompanying others
Church history JC Today The Founding Period 325 1517 The Creed Under Constantine The Reformation Carolingian reforms Lateran Councils Conscience Jesus: Encounter People of mercy Forming their consciences Christians accompanying each other Baptism with no formationLess personal faithMore “membership”Rapid growth in ever-larger parishesObedience to lawMinimum “obligations” – threat of Hell Trent 1917 Code of Law Mid-century biblical & liturgical renewalVatican II By 1546, no reconciliation was possible. Trent sought to set “boundary stones” and to reform abuses among the clergy. Trent’s style was to expose & condemn. It had to be. This continued into Vatican I & up to Vatican II.
Pope Francis’ pastoral ideas… …are a continuation of Vatican IIwhich was in continuity with Scripture, the Apostolic Church, & previous councils & popes while being open to the development of doctrine Aggiornamento – brought up to date! Ressourcement – from the original sources!
Core documentsEvangelii GaudiumThe Joy of the GospelMisericordiae Vultus The Face of Mercy Laudato Si On the Care of our Common HomeAmoris LaetitiaThe Joy of Love
Pastoral Initiatives Encounter Christ anewA people & a church of mercyDiscern the voice of God within the consciencePastoral strategy : accompaniment Pope Francis is inviting us to undertake certain
Other initiatives Enthused missionary discipleshipA poor church for the poorCare for our common homeThe call to the clergy and lay leaders to get enthused, write good homilies and get out with their sheep
Pastoral Initiatives Encounter Christ anewA people & a church of mercyLearn to discern the voice of God within the conscience Pastoral strategy : accompaniment
I invite all Christians……to “a renewed personal encounter with Jesus Christ” (JoG #3).No one should think that this invitation is not meant for him or her, “no one is excluded from the joy brought by the Lord.”
Turn your heartThe Lord does not disappoint those who take this risk; whenever we take a step towards Jesus, we come to realize that he is there already, waiting for us with open arms.
Let me say this once more: God never tires of forgiving us; we are the ones who tire of seeking his mercy. (JoG#3)
Kerygma (our core message) God loves you and seeks you outGod summons you to loveJesus teaches us that nothing can separate us from his loveAnd this is the really Good News The Cross Now in the Spirit, Jesus walks with you every day Luke 4: the Spirit of the Lord is upon me…to announce a year of favor Romans 10: How are they to believe if the word is not preached to them?Matthew 3: John came preaching…
Turn your heartNow is the time to say to Jesus: “Lord, I have let myself be deceived; in a thousand ways I have shunned your love, yet here I am once more, to renew my covenant with you. I need you. Save me once again, Lord. Take me once more into your redeeming embrace”.
This encounter creates A fundamental orientation toward GodToward GoodEssential for AccompanimentGraceThe “force of love” within you Free gift, cannot be earned Shapes you into a loving person Offered to everyone
Pastoral Initiatives Encounter Christ anewA people & a church of mercyLearn to discern the voice of God within the conscience Pastoral strategy : accompaniment
What is mercy? It is a posture toward those who struggle or are in needA posture of compassion & aide We are merciful because God has so much mercy on us
The liturgy For this reason, in the Mass, we pray for mercy frequentlyPenitential rite The Gloria Often in the Collect The Preface & Eucharistic prayers Lamb of God
MercyNot a theologyNot found in canon law or the moral code of the ChurchNot in the 10 Commandments Mercy is implanted within us by GodEssential for Accompaniment
Pope FrancisNow let us gaze on Jesus He embodies God’s love for usHis stories and actions reveal God’s mercy The sick, suffering, stranger, rejected, sinner and saint alike God’s mercy endures forever. -- Face of Mercy #8
MatthewJesus called Matthew Jesus looked on that man with mercy #8 in The Face of Mercy Pope Francis’ motto: Miserando atque EligendoI hold nothing against you and I choose you
Pope FrancisThe mercy of God is not an abstract idea, but a concrete reality God reveals his love as of that of a father or a mother… …moved to the very depths out of love for their child.
Pope FrancisThe Church’s first duty is not to hand down condemnations or anathemas.It’s not all about law and rubrics….& Canon Law. It is to proclaim God’s mercy in Jesus’ name
Pastoral Initiatives Encounter Christ anewA people & a church of mercyDiscern the voice of God within the conscience Pastoral strategy : accompaniment
The Church in Modern World #16 Our Catechism #1776Deep within our conscience we discover a law which we have not laid upon ourselves but which we must obey. Its voice, ever calling us to love and to do what is good and to avoid evil, sounds in our hearts at the right moment.... For we have in our heart a law inscribed by God.... Our conscience is our most secret core and our sanctuary. There we are alone with God whose voice echoes in our depths
ConscienceAmoris Laetitia (The Joy of Love)37: We have found it hard to allow the consciences of the faithful to guide them. The key:We in the Church are called to help form consciences, not replace them with our rules.
Forming conscienceAvoid either of two extremes
Overly church-law-centeredWe form our conscience only to be in accord with church teachingWe may never reach any other conclusionNo matter what the circumstances of our lives Humans in relationship to lawRigidity – turning people awayWe become “remote controlled” by the church (Pope Francis’ term)
Overly self-centeredWhere we try to justify any decision“Anything goes…”Without adequate prayer and discernmentWithout regard for church law, custom, and practice Lax – people lose their bearingNot within our tradition as Catholics
Balanced Christ-centeredDiscernmentWe reach a thoughtful decisionIn a prayerful and serious way Confession may be part of the processThe help of an AccompanistWe listen for the voice of ChristThe restless heart seeking God
Our Catechism #1785In the formation of conscience the Word of God is the light for our path,we must assimilate it in faith and prayer and put it into practice. We must also examine our conscience before the Lord's Cross. We are assisted by the gifts of the Holy Spirit, aided by the witness or advice of others and guided by the authoritative teaching of the Church.
Essential for Accompaniment A fundamental orientation toward JesusA heart full of mercyAbility to discern the voice of God in the conscience
Pastoral Initiatives Encounter Christ anewA people & a church of mercyLearn to discern the voice of God within the conscience Pastoral strategy : accompaniment
Pastoral Strategy The Holy Father sees accompanimentAs the key strategyIn order to achieve all the other pastoral goalsThis includes the care of the environment and the poor
What is accompaniment? Accompanist
God is still speakingWe begin with this tremendous and amazing realityGod speaks through Scripture & Liturgy And also:Nature & beauty, music & artThe ministry of the ChurchThe embrace of a loved oneThe quiet of our hearts 35
The Church in Modern World #16 Our Catechism #1776 Deep within our conscience we discover a law which we have not laid upon ourselves but which we must obey. Its voice, ever calling us to love and to do what is good and to avoid evil, sounds in our hearts at the right moment.... For we have in our heart a law inscribed by God.... Our conscience is our most secret core and our sanctuary. There we are alone with God whose voice echoes in our depths.
God is still speakingBut sometimes we need help to discern God’s voice.That’s where an accompanist steps in. 37
An accompanistHelps others hear the voice of God as it echoes in the depths of his or her conscienceWith reverence for how God may be leading this personFully aware of the mysterious ways of God Such accompaniment happens at “God’s speed” (not at our own demanding pace) 38
To clarifyWe walk with each other day in and day outFamilies, friends, co-workers, neighborsBut merely “hanging out together”Or meeting for happy hour Or even going out for lunch Isn’t necessarily Christian accompaniment 39
To clarifyWhat makes it into Christian accompaniment (JoG 170) Is when we transform our daily chatter Into an intentional desire to lead others to know Jesus & to love the churchKey word: intentionalWe intend to lead others to know Jesus & love the church 40
How do we lead others to Jesus? When you lead them… to acts of love rather than selfishnessto forgiveness rather than acting on a grudgeto show mercyto find a home in the parish to healing when they are wounded to seeing when they are blind
Just to be clearSpiritual direction is a form of accompanimentOne in which two parties form an agreement to walk together within a structured set of conversations We aren’t talking here about spiritual direction as such 42
Accompaniment A closer lookBut first, a word from one of our sponsors
Institute for Pastoral Studies Loyola ChicagoMaking it possible for me to do thisExcellent on-line programsMA in Pastoral Studies MA in Christian Spirituality Certificate in Pastoral Ministry North England specific Rome program – two excellent weeks in June
Our Plan Today Continuity with our history as the ChurchPope Francis – pastoral initiativesAccompanimentIn the life of Jesus In the teaching of Pope Francis 2 types of accompaniment How this changes your daily life The method for accompanying others
The Joy of the Gospel #s 161-172Everyone must learn about accompanimentWe must learn to listenEach person’s situation before God and their life in grace are mysteries It all started in
The Joy of Love 9 chapters325 articles longDealing withFamilySpirituality in marriageLove in marriage, including sexual loving Pastoral perspectives from many angles Chapter 8 And was greatly elaborated in
Apostolic Exhortation Used by the Popes to express their thoughts on contemporary issuesNo doctrinal and binding characternot an “Apostolic Constitution” or a “Motu proprio”Like an extended sermon, exhorting the faithful to consider particular points
Apostolic Exhortation “I do not recommend a rushed reading of the text” (#7)The contents are part of the ordinary magisterium of the Church, As such, they call for our assent Any study should be marked by an open mind
Joy of Love #291 [The Church] turns with love to those who participate in an incomplete manner.The Church must accompany with attention and care the weakest of her childrenwho show signs of a wounded and troubled love
Joy of Love #291 by restoring in them hope and confidence, like the beacon of a lighthouse in a port or a torch carried among the people “…the Church’s task is often like that of a field hospital.” This is the language of the heart Not of the lawmaker
Pope Francis’ language Not juridicalNot canonicalBut the language of interiorityThe call to holiness His desire to win inner consent A change of heart A firm Christian commitment This is what the church is all about
The most “interior” of words: ConscienceShift from commands to idealsFrom ruling to servingFrom vertical to horizontalFrom hostility to friendship From threats to invitation
The most “interior” of words: A major shift fromExterior conformity to the lawEven while the interior life was in conflictTo a joyful pursuit of holinessTo loving in the best way possible Within our limits
Joy of Love Remarriage (JoL 292)Constructive elements of loveEven though not up to the ideal Civil marriage or cohabitation ( JoL 293)Stability and care are presentDeep affection and shared childrenLet us enter into dialogue with theseIn the hope that they will gradually…(JoL 295)
Joy of Love (JoL 296-299)The way of the Church is not to condemn anyone But to walk with them Avoid judgements that do not take into account mitigating circumstances Should not feel excommunicated
When people fail Do we cast them off?Or work to reinstate them? (JoL 296) No one can be condemned forever Not only the divorced & remarried “But everyone in whatever situation they find themselves” ( JoL 297)
The logic of integrationThey belong to the Church Because they belong to Christ…not excommunicated ( JoL 299)What is needed is discernment of how God is speaking in their consciences. ( JoL 300)
Joy of Love (JoL 300) …direct the pastors of the Church to undertake discernment of each case, the degree of responsibility is not the same in all cases and, therefore, the rules may be applied differently We must accompany each person…
Situations 2nd union consolidated over timeTried to save 1st marriage but were abandonedEnter the 2 nd marriage for the kids Subjectively certain in conscience that the 1 st marriage was not validViolence, abuse, drugs, addiction
Many situations… If we consider the immense variety of concrete situations such as those I have mentioned…No new set of rules that would adequately apply to all casesis possible…#300
What is possible (JoL 300) …is a process of accompaniment and discernmentwhich guides the faithful to an awareness of their situation before God .”
Church teaching… JoL #292The Church has a very strong reason for teaching what it does about divorce It is clearly in the teaching of JesusIt is in continuity with our history It calls for self-giving, Paschal Mystery love And yet, a couple could discern that they are meeting these demands, even when a divorce results
Mitigating circumstances #301The Church has a solid body of reflection that helps us understand mitigating circumstances …we can no longer say, simply, that any person in an irregular situation is in a state of mortal sin or is deprived of sanctifying grace.
Mitigating circumstances #302 [1] ignorance, [2] inadvertence, [3] duress, [4] fear, [5] habit, [6] inordinate attachments and other [7] psychological or [8] social factors. CCC 1735[9] affective immaturity, [10] force of acquired habit, [11] conditions of anxiety or other psychological or social factors that lessen or even extenuate moral culpability. CCC 2352
Conscience #303A person can come to see that a particular decision is in line with “what God himself is asking amid the concrete complexity of one’s limits, while yet not fully the objective ideal.”
Discernment JoL #305 "Discernment must help to find possible ways of responding to God and growing in the midst of limits," Not black and white Don’t close off the way of grace
Don’t throw stones #305For this reason, no pastor should ever believe that it is enough to simply apply a moral law to people in irregular situations without regard to conscience , as though throwing stones at people’s lives. “This shows the closed heart of one hiding behind Church teachings.”
Joy of Love #305 Because of mitigating factors, it is possible that in an objective situation of sin a person may not be subjectively guilty; this person can be living in God’s grace, can love and can also grow in the life of grace and charity, while receiving the Church’s help to this end. 351
Footnote 351 In certain cases, this can include the help of the sacraments. Hence, “I want to remind priests that the confessional must not be a torture chamber, but rather an encounter with the Lord’s mercy” JoG 44 I would also point out that the Eucharist “is not a prize for the perfect, but a powerful medicine and nourishment for the weak” JoG 47 .
Canon 915 Those upon whom the penalty of excommunication or interdict has been imposed or declared, and others who obstinately persist in manifest grave sin, are not to be admitted to holy communion.
Canon 912 If the situation is one in which mortal sin is not a factor…Any baptized person who is not forbidden by law may and must be admitted to holy communion.
Pope Francis JoL 308 “I understand those who prefer a more rigorous pastoral care which leaves no room for confusion. But I sincerely believe that Jesus wants a Church attentive to the goodness which the Holy Spirit sows in the midst of human weakness ,
Rhetorical style Missing in Pope Francis’ language:Word of alienationExclusionEnmityThreat or intimidationSurveillance and punishment No anathemas In use in the church from Nicaea to Vatican I
Rhetorical style At Trent, 100% of the “canons” began with the words:If anyone dares to believe…And ended withLet him be Cursed Banned Excommunicated Damned
Rhetorical style Pope Francis’ style isPoeticExhortatoryAffirming of small stepsCompassionate about weakness Resembling the language of the Fathers And of Paul… But not of Trent and the years onward
Rhetorical style Francis wants to reach hearts and soulsHe wants to influence themVery much like the Fathers of the ChurchThis began at Vatican II And Pope Francis is continuing it now He is raising up the ideal of Catholic life Knowing not everyone is able to live it
Rhetorical style So he isn’t laying out laws to followBut ideals to be lived up toGraduallyAs one is ableGiven one’s limits And the circumstances of one’s life Reality is more important than ideas
His words Horizontal wordsCompassion wordsFriendship wordsHumility words We don’t know everythingShift from control words to service words Pastors of souls are to…
Persuasion Like PaulI could command youBut that comes from “on high”And I prefer to appeal to you on the basis of love, forgiveness, and mercy“I invite you…” (JoG 3) Like Jesus
Like the Council… No new laws or doctrinesBut a more forward applicationOf mitigating circumstances in people’s livesRather like St John XXIII But very much unlike St. John Paul II And Benedict XVI
Joy of Love #308 [The Church is like] a Mother who, while clearly expressing her objective teaching, ‘always does what good she can, even if her shoes get soiled by the mud of the street’”
Rules alone – not enough Following rules is not enough (JoL 304)One can follow the rules exactly Attend Mass weekly Obey every letter of the law… …and still be in sin. It’s not enough to be “legal”We must also be “loving”
Natural Law JoL#305 International Theological Commission “natural law should not be presented as an already established set of rules that impose themselves a priori on the moral subject. Rather, it is a source of objective inspiration for the deeply personal process of making decisions”.
No misunderstanding We have our ideals & rulesAnd they stand as they are (JoL 307)…without detracting from [them] there is a need to accompany with mercy and patience embracing gradualness ( JoL 308)
For example, family planning222. We want to encourage the couple to be generous in accepting the gift of children. In this regard, “…family planning fittingly takes place as the result of a consensual dialogue between the spouses, respect for times, and consideration of the dignity of the partner.”
Family planning -- #222The couple must form their consciences The pastoral leader accompanies the couple on this journey, helping them to reach decisions in accord with their consciences. “The parents themselves and no one else should ultimately make this judgment in the sight of God.”
Church teaching…The Church has a very strong reason for teaching what it does about contraceptionOpenness to new lifeGenerosity of spirit Shared responsibility for getting pregnantBut a couple may discern in good conscience that they meet these norms “on the whole” even if not in each individual act of intercourse.
Our Plan Today Continuity with our history as the ChurchPope Francis – pastoral initiativesAccompanimentIn the life of Jesus In the teaching of Pope Francis 2 types of accompaniment How this changes your daily life The method for accompanying others
Jesus, the Chief Accompanist The calling of the disciples“come with me” Matthew, from his customs tableIt was mutual – they accompanied each otherTogether they clarified their day-by-day mission They intended to help each other grow closer to God
Jesus, the Chief Accompanist The road to Caesarea PhilippiThey walked and talked25 miles north of the Sea of GalileeThe most personal and pithy question in the New Testament: Who do people say that I am? And you, who do you say I am? Accompanying each other
Philemon OnesimusEphesusPaul in prisonSends a letterI could force you but I would rather appeal to you on the basis of loveBy the way, have a guest room ready… Colossae
Jesus, the Chief Accompanist The woman in adultery (John 8)Jesus could have passed byThis story summarized what was most likely a longer relationship between them He stood up for her in the face of a legal solution, which was to stone her He urged her to live a more worthy life “Neither do I condemn you.”
Jesus, the Chief Accompanist He is the good shepherdShepherds accompany their sheepPope Francis: “Smell like your sheep.”What do shepherds do? They tend their sheep Watchful, listening, posture A fundamental orientation toward their sheep Ready to “go the extra mile”
Jesus, the Chief Accompanist In the Garden of Olives (Luke 22)Peter, James, & John accompanied himStay with meWatch and pray with me All 4 Gospels tell this touching story It gives a peek at the intimacy and personal investment called for in accompaniment
Jesus, the Chief Accompanist He tended to his sheep with patience and careHe did not throw the law at people but led them to see love and goodnessHe taught in parables and aphorismsThe kingdom of heaven is like… Blessed are the poor… There was a man with two sons…
Our Plan Today Continuity with our history as the ChurchPope Francis – pastoral initiativesAccompanimentIn the life of Jesus In the teaching of Pope Francis Types of accompaniment How this changes your daily life The method for accompanying others
Pastoral Accompaniment The attitudes, words, and actions of the parish priest and pastoral workers. How the parish programs are organized to assist parishioners. Accompaniment in Faith Formation The voice or presence of the parish in the wider community, how it is seen and heard.
Personal Accompaniment The help that family members or friends intend to give each other. The mutual help that spouses or good friends give each other. Accidental, short-term accompaniment.
2 other ways we accompany From On Care for our Common HomeWe accompany the nature environmentBefriend it and keep it in your heart From the Joy of the Gospel We accompany the poor and vulnerable We find ways to partner with them and befriend them
Life, period Married with kidsThe priesthood, deaconate, & modern religious lifeSingle & supporting friendsTaking care of older parentsTrying to grow spiritually Responding to the crazy political environment We love the church
Life hands us situations A major life decisionA difficult medical diagnosisSomeone is dyingWhen love dies and marriage breaks upExperiencing same-gender loveEntering a 2 nd marriage, no annulment Questions about family planning
Life hands us situations What to do with wealthDebilitating illnessTroubled childrenLoss of one’s jobFinancial tensionsNot participating in a parish …and many others
In the parishThe woman in Pasadena CA sitting on the edge of her pewWaiting for one encouraging word about her son and his second wife(Married for 32 years, 4 kids, “waiting…”) The parish council member in Syracuse NYWaiting for a positive remark about his married gay son (“Just give me one little word.”)
In the parishThe Churchi.e. the People of God …longs for accompanimentThe young man volunteering as an usherWho paid for an abortion for his high school girl friendAnd waits for healingWaiting for a positive sign that he is forgiven
In the parishThe man I met in Wisconsin who has left the churchBecause “I’m going to hell anyway.”After our 2nd child which was so difficult for SandyI had a vasectomy “to keep her from getting pregnant again”His conscience was clearBut he was unaccompanied by the church
In the parishThe parish priest I know in Rhode Island“Just don’t mention that I’m a priest.”Felt “abandoned” rather than accompanied The woman in St Paul, Minnesota“I wish I had faith”I used to have it but somehow, it went coldNo one in the parish cares
Our Plan Today Continuity with our history as the ChurchPope Francis – pastoral initiativesAccompanimentIn the life of Jesus In the teaching of Pope Francis 2 types of accompaniment How this changes your daily life The method for accompanying others
Pastoral Accompaniment The attitudes, words, and actions of the parish priest and pastoral workers. How the parish programs are organized to assist parishioners. Accompaniment in Faith Formation The voice or presence of the parish in the wider community, how it is seen and heard.
Attitude really matters We tend to resent people Or give up on themFor being absentOr breaking the rulesWe tend to label people“They’re unchurched” “They don’t support the parish” We are often personally offended For all pastoral leaders
Attitude really matters A journey of their ownGod is acting in their livesA loving touch from you may be all that is needed to open that upA sense of reverence for the mysteryNew attitude: I am Jesus to them For all pastoral leaders
Attitude really matters The Church will have to initiate everyone – priests, religious and laity – into this “art of accompaniment” JoG 169which teaches us to remove our sandals before the sacred ground of the other Our attitude: Love but do not condemn Pray that you will be filled with love Be like the father of the prodigal sonFor all pastoral leaders
Your language Don’t become the “elder brother”How you speak to thoseLiving outside our rulesOr beneath our normsInstead of judging or condemning Compassion, mercy, and hope Your words: loving and kind For all pastoral leaders
For many (most?) of you A welcome reliefYou no longer have to “throw the book” at people who have sufferedFreely offer them love and your open heartWelcome them in Jesus’ name
Reconciliation Into the confessionalPeople trust they will be heard and lovedAn environment of welcome Become known as a compassionate confessor Rather than a strict judge of others’ sins For parish priests
This may change The form of Reconciliationcommunal celebrationschallenge people to embrace God’s love and forgiveness“safety” from judgementHow we invite people to private confession As accompaniment toward holiness For parish priests
The crowds How you address the parish in your homiliesHow you address crowds of “flower people”Christmas, Easter,Funerals, WeddingsOffer God’s unconditional love to them For parish priests
People in irregular situations See them anewGod is acting in their livesThey may not hear their own conscienceOr know they are forgiven Gradually moving toward God Honor the mystery in that But do not judge For all pastoral leaders
Don’t jump to conclusions Don’t assume the 2nd marriage is adulteryIt very well may not beEven without an annulmentInstead, listen to the whole story hope & comfort discern the voice of God in their conscience guide them to the tribunal if possible
Black or white thinking You may begin to see that it’s notinside or outside the churchwith or not with God Catholic or non-Catholic We are all God’s children The poor aren’t the “Catholic poor” The environment isn’t “where Catholics live” When is someone “part of the church”? For all pastoral leaders
In sum The attitudes, words, and actionsOf the parish priest and pastoral teamMake all the difference in the world. You have all the permission you need to be merciful and compassionate For all pastoral leaders
Pastoral Accompaniment The attitudes, words, and actions of the parish priest and pastoral workers. How the parish programs are organized to assist parishioners. Accompaniment in Faith Formation The voice or presence of the parish in the wider community, how it is seen and heard.
Parish tools for accompaniment How do folks encounter Christ?Parish based retreats Faith sharing at every meeting Free faith sharing guides for each week Baptism prep Also, post-baptism up to the first sacramentsConfirmation prepAccompanying parents to play their rolewww.ArtofAccompaniment.com
Accompaniment Faith formationCoaching young parentsHelping them become the primary teachersDon’t replace them with a program But accompany them Offer them assurance and affirmation www. ArtofAccompaniment.com
Accompaniment Growing Up CatholicFirst ReconciliationFirst EucharistCoach parents to play THE major role Accompaniment for parents Commonwealth Edition Coach young parents www.ArtofAccompaniment.com
Accompaniment Pastoral careReaching out well beyond our bordersThe needs of ecumenical householdsMarriage prepA relationship that doesn’t end at the wedding Requires that we listen to them carefully Help them discern God’s voice www. ArtofAccompaniment.com
Free or inexpensive resources ArtofAccompaniment.com For all pastoral leaders
Pastoral Accompaniment The attitudes, words, and actions of the parish priest and pastoral workers. How the parish programs are organized to assist parishioners. Accompaniment in Faith Formation The voice or presence of the parish in the wider community, how it is seen and heard.
The “voice” of the parish Sit down with a teamTalk through the elements of parish lifeWhat is your front door like?Who meets a guest or visitor?Who answers the phone or email? How accessible are you and your team? Is your parish warm and inviting? Or cold and scary? It takes a team for this. The parish priest cannot usually do it alone. For all pastoral leaders
The “voice” of the parish What is “the voice” of the parish?In the signs that welcome & direct folks?In the homily?In the announcements and written material?On the web? Language creates reality What are you saying? For all pastoral leaders
The wider parish community Pastoral care for the sick and dyingThe funeral ministryThe care of non-Catholic spousesParish neighbors – the people living down the block Other Christian churches Mosques Synagogues The poor, homeless, and vulnerableThe natural environment
Remedial work In the past: a bit closed and rigidDoors were not always perceived to be “open”People did not feel they would be heardTheir own journey of faith was not trustedWe tended to judge “insiders” vs “outsiders” The Holy Father is calling us to fix this How? For all pastoral leaders
Remedial work One way to do this:Send current active parishioners hometo tell their kids and siblingsthat the church still loves them. Tell them our hearts are open to them. We are ready to accompany them Without first condemning them. For all pastoral leaders
How to Invite & Welcome An e-Resource kitFully reproducibleTools to give your active people to help them reach out to others “How to Speak about your Faith without Annoying Others” “We are the People of God, and you’re part of the family!” FREE! www.ArtofAccompaniment .com
How to Invite & Welcomein God’s Name Your ambassadors are your active parishionersTheir mission is to their own family & friends You give them permission And you make sure your door is open! If not, people will step forward but quickly run away!
What does it mean to “Open your Doors” New attitude of mercy & gradualnessTranslated into The actions of the pastoral leadersThe voice of the parish Your people will have to trust that if their family member or friend comes to your door, that you will welcome them That you will trust God’s action in their lives
How to Invite & Welcome ArtofAccompaniment.com For all pastoral leaders
Personal Accompaniment The help that family members or friends intend to give each other. The mutual help that spouses or good friends give each other. Accidental, short-term accompaniment.
Household life Married to someone without faith (or religion)Parents who are old or dyingA job change or loss Life changes as we age Tough financial times The in-laws! Or the kids! Or the neighbors!The ups and downs of life
Short- term Accidental meetingsIn which God works through youKeep your attitude strong:God is acting through you to touch othersGod is also acting in their lives Be ready!
Our Plan Today Continuity with our history as the ChurchPope Francis – pastoral initiativesAccompanimentIn the life of Jesus In the teaching of Pope Francis 2 types of accompaniment How this changes your daily life The method for accompanying others
The method Does this person have a fundamental orientation toward GodSometimes such an orientation is lurking beneath the surface Do they desire what is good? Loving? Self-giving? Merciful and compassionate?
The method Or do they follow only what is expedient?Ignoring the law of love? No consideration of others? Self-taking, selfish? If there is no fundamental orientation to God …there can be no real discernment
The goal of all Accompaniment Adult Catholics of mature faith who know Jesus and love the church.
Once oriented toward God… Listen to their whole storyLet them unfold itOften in the telling, insights ariseWork very hard for fair judgementsYou will make them But pray that they will be fair And don’t impose them You want to let God’s voice arise in their heart
Once oriented toward God… Like flying a kiteYou hold the stringBut you have to let the wind take the kiteSpeak with love and kindness in your voiceDon’t push for a decision if the person is not ready Patience is the secret God is acting…
Once oriented toward God… How is God moving them?What intuitions do they have about what God wants for them?What divine signs appear in their lives?Is what they are doing or planning to do “really right” for them?Is it what they’re created and saved for?
Once oriented toward God… Your language should beInvitationalPastoralAssuringAffirming of small stepsAt the right moment Share the values and insights of the law Lead them to self-giving love
Remember No matter what they have done in the pastGod has forgiven themWe should not hold more against them than God does
Mortally wounding actions Be aware of dark forces at workKeep your eye on ChristWarn the person that such an act or attitude, or failure to actWill cause a mortal wound to their soulCannot be reconciled with what God wants Is selfish rather than self-giving
Mortally wounding actions Someone who is Acting on a grudgeGetting revengeNot caring for their own bodyCheating on his or her spouse Bullying others Planning suicide People acting out of AggressionFearPrejudiceLustGreedDishonestyJealousy or envy
Mortally wounding actions RapeFamilial abuseFalse rumorsMurderAbortionFalse oaths & liesStealing Hoarding money while the poor suffer Exploiting people Promiscuity PornographyAnd others…
We distinguish between Capital offenses and objective evil:Do not lead to loveBut only to selfishness Matters for which no case can ever be made Always evil Matters of love and marriage: Situations of relationship & loveEven though not up to the norm of the church“Irregular situations”Sometimes evil but often not
For sins in the past ForgivenessMoving onward…God does not lead us into darknessSelfishness or SinThese are times when tender love is vital
In conclusion Jesus:The Chief Accompanist
The road to Emmaus (Luke 24) He allowed them to speak from their heartsHe heard their whole storyHis questions were open endedHe doesn’t try to “solve their problems” Jesus does not merely affirm the disciples He challenges them. He calls them “foolish” and “slow of heart.”
The road to Emmaus (Luke 24) Jesus sounds fairly harsh here, but apparently it wasn’t too much They will still ask him to stay for dinnerAccompaniment should also help people see that Jesus stays with them and death/darkness don’t have the final say.
The road to Emmaus (Luke 24) In the end, whatever he said to them led to their being able to recognize Jesus“Were not our hearts burning within us as he spoke?” As accompanists… May our words have the same effect!
Thank youFor what you do in your parishesFor being here today For taking on this new missionCome Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful enkindle in us the FIRE of your love!