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A rule of thumb for pastors who write bulletin columns is: "When you don't have anything to write, plagiarize." I'm stealing this week from Andy Lykens, the Pastoral Associate at St. Mary's parish in Anderson. It's a couple years old but still very current in my opinion.
"From time to time, resources cross my desk which I feel speak to the heart of our parish community...The following is a synopsis of an article written by James Greenfield and Kevin Nadolski which appears in this month's edition of Ministry & Liturgy. In their article, the authors quote cultural anthropologist, Angeles Arriens, who has identified five essential elements in the building of community (and the life of the Church).
"The first two seem obvious, but they are essential. First, we must show up. Participation in community requires people to attend and participate in the liturgy and our parish activities...Second, we need to be present and not simply go through the motions. This means that we should strive to be full, active, and conscious members of our parish.
"Third, we are called to speak the truth without blame or judgment. In referring to Saint Francis de Sales, community is an understanding of gentleness as a quest to always speak charitably and with clarity in spite of our many challenges and opportunities.
"Fourth, we need to attend to our emotional and personal lives. Inventories of our emotions, especially during times of stress and challenge, help to deepen our investment in community. As Saint Paul reminds us, we can give only what we have, and we give from the heart. Therefore, when we know what is in our heart and then share it appropriately, we can enrich the center of our parish life.
"... Arriens' fifth element is a call to let go of whatever is not life-giving. Sometimes we may want to hold onto hurts, regrets, disappointments and failures. However, all of these ...drain our individual and collective energy. By letting go, we experience grace and emerge as a community closer to one another and the love of God.
"The recognition and attention to these five elements will help us to develop a spirituality and genuine commitment to community. In our relationships with one another and within our parish, these encounters place us in the presence of the heart of Jesus and the core of His message and gospel values."
Thank you, Andy! |
