Speaking Truth in Love: The Church’s Role in Guiding Hearts

The Church has a prophetic mission to tell the truth to the world. This mission is not an easy one because it means pointing out the faults and errors of both individuals and social systems. In the ancient world of Israel, prophets were often scorned by the community because they said things people didn’t want to hear. Today when the Church points out violations of human rights, or violations of individual conscience, she can receive scornful rejection. Yet, the point of the prophetic role is not to condemn others, but to call for a change of heart – a conversion or renewal of the heart and soul! Ultimately it is a call to love! Thus, as St. Paul tells us in today’s Second Reading, “the one who loves another has fulfilled the law.” St. Peter also tells us that “love covers a multitude of sins.” The Church’s goal in her prophetic mission is not to condemn, but to move individuals and the world to the love of God and neighbor.

Call to action: Many people have stayed away from Church because they fear condemnation or rejection. They may be in an irregular marriage, or have been through a painful divorce, or are dealing with some other personal issue. Take this Sunday as an opportunity to invite people to meet with you pastorally. Very often there are both formal and informal pastoral solutions they don’t know about. There is a place for everyone in the Church whose heart is open to the love of God – even if conversion comes about slowly. Think about offering a parish workshop on annulments and marriage reconciliation. Use your GC Smart Tools to announce it by text, email, or direct mail. 

This weekend is also Grandparents’ Day weekend for those who deferred it from the feast of Sts. Ann and Joachim. Recognize and bless the grandparents who are present. Use your GC Smart Tools to send a quick email or text to remind your parishioners of this celebration. GC has templates for Grandparents’ Day you can find them under the communications portal.

Pastoral Action Points

1. Be sure to refresh your pew cards and have your QR codes available for your parishioners and visitors. Parishioners can update their information very quickly (in seconds, literally) using our GC Smart Tools. If you need assistance getting your pew cards ready please email teresa@givecentral.org
   
2. Fall is the best time to invite parishioners to greater engagement with the parish community. Invite your seniors to be “telephone evangelists” by asking them to make a quick call to other parishioners. You can use your GC Smart Tools to make smaller phone lists that can be delegated to your senior volunteers. Provide a short phone script for them saying they are calling on behalf of the parish to thank them for being part of the community, and to see if they have a need with which the parish can help. Later, have a thank you party for your volunteers.
   
3. Many of us in pastoral ministry are not “techies.” We don’t use many of the tools available to us because we don’t know how to use them. Join GiveCentral’s Bridget Daly for a great webinar on this topic on September 14 at 1PM Central Time. Claim your seat here! 

Last modified: August 11, 2024