Bear one another’s burdens, and so you will fulfill the law of Christ. For if anyone thinks he is something when he is nothing, he is deluding himself.
—Galatians 6:2–3
There’s no question that all of us have burdens. Sometimes, they seem overwhelming. In this reflection, Michael White and Tom Corcoran were asked the question, “What is pastoral care?” Often times, we assume everyone knows the church language. In the past, church people assumed the providers of pastoral care were the clergy and nuns. The mindset of clergy and nuns always there is long gone. As unsettling as that may be, the Church is resilient and evolving. The authors are right on the mark when they say all of us are called to offer pastoral care. One of the most effective ways is through small groups.
Michael White says, “I like to say that in church you sit in rows and I talk to you, while in small group you sit in a circle, and it’s your turn to talk.” As we move in to the Easter season, we plan to address the need for small groups in the parish. I hope those reading Rebuilt Faith: A Handbook for Skeptical Catholics consider the possibility of joining or creating a small group. I’ve been approached by a few parishioners who want to initiate a small group. There is a new mom who has created a mom’s group. There is a physician who wants to form a men’s group. Small groups can be neighborhood based, gender based, generation based, health based and much more. The underlying values is Christ centered, inclusive and non-judgmental.
Think about these reflection questions:
What’s the difference between sharing our pain and problems and complaining?
What burdens are you carrying right now? How would sharing them with others lessen their weight?
After reflecting on Christian community this week, what action step do you need to take?
Moving forward on this 40-day journey, I hope most of us will be open to getting connected with a small group after Easter. Easter … the season of fresh starts and new life. Our Core Leadership Team (CLT) will be developing the opportunities to become part of a small group. Remember, this is new for most of us. We’re all growing and learning.
“I like to say that in church you sit in rows and I talk to you, while in small group you sit in a circle, and it’s your turn to talk.” – Michael White