Mission Matters: Aug. 30, 2016
This week’s “Parish Table Talk”: The nones; How to be more like Mother Teresa; Men’s conference by CEA; Director’s breakfast; plus this Thursday’s blog post. Read more
Archive for month: August, 2016
Holy Leisure & Delighting in People
St. Elizabeth Ann Seton reflected on a moment of leisure:
“I set off into the woods and soon found an outlet in a meadow; and a chestnut tree with rich moss underneath and a warm sun overhead. Here, then, was a sweet bed. The air still, a clear blue vault above – the numberless sounds of spring melody and joy filled the air – and my heart was made to be as innocent as a human heart could be, filled with an enthusiastic love to God and admiration of His works . . . God was my father, my all. I prayed, sang hymns, cried, laughed, and talked to myself about how far He could place me above my sorrow. Then I laid still to enjoy the heavenly peace that came over my soul; and I am sure, in the two hours so enjoyed, grew ten years in the spiritual life. . .”
Mission Matters: Aug. 24, 2016
This week’s “Parish Table Talk”: Ideas for a successful retreat; Ben-Hur and forgiveness; Respect Life workshop; plus this Thursday’s blog post. Read more
A Culture of Hospitality
Two weeks ago my colleague Stacy Golden wrote in this blog about the importance of welcoming the stranger through the ministry of hospitality. While most parishes would say they are “welcoming,” the challenge is to make hospitality truly a part of our parish culture. So what are a few things we can do to begin making that cultural change? Read more
Mission Matters: Aug. 16, 2016
This week’s “Parish Table Talk”: Pastoral Staff Day; Welcome to our New Lay Ecclesial Ministers; God and the Olympics; plus this Thursday’s blog post. Read more
Are You a People Pleaser?
I always enjoy reading something from Michael White’s perspective. Here is his take on people pleasing -a trap we all fall into- versus leadership. Enjoy! Be challenged!
People Pleasing vs. Leadership
By Michael White
I knew an enthusiastic pastor who came to a church that was brimming with potential. He had terrific ideas and couldn’t wait to get going. Fast-forward five years, he’s no longer there and all that potential remains untapped.
Ever wonder how your leadership potential gets crushed? It happens easily and more often than you might suppose. It happens in churchworld all the time.
Why? Because we pastors and church leaders are desperately afraid of rejection. In fact, we actually want to please everyone (as if such a goal were ever even possible).
Mission Matters: Aug. 9, 2016
This week’s “Parish Table Talk”: Marriage Prep training; National Prayer Day for Justice and Mercy; Welcoming Baby Therese; plus this Thursday’s blog post. Read more
I Was a Stranger and You Welcomed Me
How do we become an inviting church? It begins with hospitality. That is what the six hundred guests who visited St. Benedict parish in Halifax for the Divine Renovation conference witnessed.
Mission Matters: Aug. 2, 2016
This week’s “Parish Table Talk”: Hispanic Ministry resource; Church security; Respect Life workshop; plus this Thursday’s blog post. Read more