This blog is being written as a notice and warning to
priests, clergy and church leaders of all kinds.
You have an incalculable impact on the souls of all people -
Catholic and non-Catholic alike. Unfortunately, few of you will read this
blog but I put it our there anyway in the hope that it will reach some of you.
The reason for this blog does not arise out of the actions
of anyone in this diocese but from an event in a church in another part of this
country. However, it does move me to write this blog as I hear so many
stories about the good and bad impact of this category of leaders. In
this particular instance, a new pastor was assigned to be the pastor at a
really solid parish. No sooner does he unpack than he immediately starts
making changes of long-standing practices in the parish and even goes to the
home of the volunteer, non-paid, head usher and threatens to fire him if he
cannot control some of the parishioners. At another parish across
country, another pastor comes in and makes dictatorial changes that are
offensive to the parishioners. Fortunately, the latter was moved to an
administrative, non-pastoral position.
Over the years, we have all heard many stories of offensive
actions and statements by people in this category who alienate and offend
Catholics and non-Catholics. These cause the non-Catholics not to come
forth and the Catholics to leave the faith. So, please, priests, clergy
and lay Catholic leaders from all ministries pay attention - you have a great
impact on people on a daily basis. And, this impact affects their
souls. Here we are evangelizing to retain Catholics, to encourage
non-practicing Catholics to regularly practice their faith, and to
non-Catholics to participate in our wonderful faith. Don’t undo these
good works by acting like a bull in a china shop. Watch what you say as
well as do and, certainly, do not gossip or say frivolous things subject to
easy misunderstanding. Be the living example of Jesus in all respects
with care and understanding in your works and actions. And, be aware of the
impact that your words and actions have on anyone who observes and/or listens.
Let me know what you think.
Let the light of our Lord shine upon you!
Brother Ray:
ReplyDeleteThe other side of the coin:
What if a newly appointed pastor arrives at a parish to find things going on that aren't in the best interest of the parishioners? You know the "we've always done it that way" kind of stuff? Such as the constant chitter-chatter and musicians tuning up while people are trying to pray before Mass starts? Having four or five Eucharistic ministers at a Mass attended by fewer than 75 people? Etc, etc.
God has given us priests as pastors. They are not here to do our bidding. We should always be "wise as serpents and innocent as doves". Taking the time to discern whether or not a new pastor is being a bully or being a builder isn't always easy. If it's just stepping on toes that bothers, maybe some of us need to be re-shod. If it's being trampled on, that is another matter.
Peace,
David Graham
Ah, Brother David, your observations are very well appreciated and, in that regard, I do exclude those actions of the builders from the bullies. It is difficult in a short blog to make all these distinctions. We certainly are grateful for all priests, clergy, and church leaders and pray for them bring into our fold all people while not driving others away or alienating them by words, actions, or omissions.
DeleteRay