Often overlooked
We talk about a lot of things. Yet some people don't get mentioned.
It seems that on social media everyone has an opinion on just about every issue one can think of. When it comes to the Catholic faith, this becomes even more apparent. Lot of people have opinions on what should go on and what shouldn’t. Lot of people who become well known for what they have to say.
Most of the topics I see are related to what people want to see changed in the Mass. Some hymns removed from use. Making the Latin Mass more popular. Increasing Daily Mass attendance. The list can go on. These are noble topics. Great things to debate about. Yet I have to wonder if these same people will being up topics that, for me, are far more critical.
The topics I don’t see being discussed is how do we reach out to those who are overlooked in our parishes. How to encourage them to remain faithful when they have no connections or resources in the parishes to help them. The ones who are overlooked because most times they are not seen. The elderly. The poor. Those with disabilities. People who are often left on their own. Many times no longer having friends or family who are still in the church let alone the parish they desire to attend.
Often times these are the people who have no one to rely on. Either due to limited transportation options. Or various forms of social isolation. People who tend to be left behind and overlooked. Though no fault of their own they could easily drift away from the church over time. People who are forgotten.
We often say our doors are open to everyone. Yet we do very little on any kind of parish level to show this. We do not go out into our neighborhoods to share the faith. Either because of limited parish resources or no one who is willing to help volunteer.
Let’s face it. In some ways I don’t blame those on social media who talk about wanting to change elements of the Mass. It is a pretty easy thing to talk about. It is much harder to being up issues that hit closer to home. Such as going out into the world to share our faith publicly with others. Talking about finding real solutions to helping The Elderly, The Poor, Those with disabilities feel more welcome in our parishes. Helping them to be more active in parish life. This task does not fall to the priests. It falls on us. We should be doing more. So this is no longer a question or even a concern. -
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