Catholic Pastoral Theology Bill Huebsch Institute for Pastoral

Catholic Pastoral Theology Bill Huebsch Institute for Pastoral Studies Loyola University of Chicago

Pastoral Accompaniment n n The attitudes, words, and actions of the parish priest and pastoral workers. How the parish programs are organized to assist parishioners. n n Accompaniment in Faith Formation The voice or presence of the parish in the wider community, how it is seen and heard. © Bill Huebsch, 2018

For all pastoral leaders Attitude really matters n n We tend to resent people Or give up on them n n n We tend to label people n n n For being absent Or breaking the rules “They’re unchurched” “They don’t support the parish” We are often personally offended © Bill Huebsch, 2018

For all pastoral leaders Attitude really matters n A journey of their own n n God is acting in their lives A loving touch from you may be all that is needed to open that up n A sense of reverence for the mystery n New attitude: I am Jesus to them © Bill Huebsch, 2018

For all pastoral leaders Attitude really matters n The Church will have to initiate everyone – priests, religious and laity – into this “art of accompaniment” Jo. G 169 n n which teaches us to remove our sandals before the sacred ground of the other Our attitude: Love but do not condemn n n Pray that you will be filled with love © Bill Huebsch, 2018 Be like the father of the prodigal son

For all pastoral leaders Your language n n Don’t become the “elder brother” How you speak to those n n n Living outside our rules Or beneath our norms Instead of judging or condemning n n Compassion, mercy, and hope Your words: loving and kind © Bill Huebsch, 2018

For many (most? ) of you n n A welcome relief You no longer have to “throw the book” at people who have suffered Freely offer them love and your open heart Welcome them in Jesus’ name © Bill Huebsch, 2018

For parish priests Reconciliation n n Into the confessional People trust they will be heard and loved An environment of welcome Become known as a compassionate confessor Rather than a strict judge of others’ sins © Bill Huebsch, 2018

For parish priests This may change n The form of Reconciliation n n communal celebrations challenge people to embrace God’s love and forgiveness “safety” from judgement How we invite people to private confession n © Bill Huebsch, 2018 As accompaniment toward holiness

For parish priests The crowds n n How you address the parish in your homilies How you address crowds of “flower people” n n n Christmas, Easter, Funerals, Weddings Offer God’s unconditional love to them © Bill Huebsch, 2018

For all pastoral leaders People in irregular situations n See them anew n n n God is acting in their lives They may not hear their own conscience Or know they are forgiven n Gradually moving toward God n Honor the mystery in that n But do not judge © Bill Huebsch, 2018

Don’t jump to conclusions n Don’t assume the 2 nd marriage is adultery n n n It very well may not be Even without an annulment Instead, n n n listen to the whole story hope & comfort discern the voice of God in their conscience n guide them to the tribunal if possible © Bill Huebsch, 2018

For all pastoral leaders Black or white thinking n You may begin to see that it’s not n n We are all God’s children n inside or outside the church with or not with God Catholic or non-Catholic The poor aren’t the “Catholic poor” The environment isn’t “where Catholics live” When is someone “part of the church”? © Bill Huebsch, 2018

Parish Plan for Accompaniment

A program of accompaniment n n n Would offer each parishioner access to a personal accompanist Not everyone wants this, of course But for those who do, it’s a great gift © Bill Huebsch, 2018

An accompanying parish n A program for accompaniment n n Train your team Announce it with enthusiasm Include the youth This cannot be piecemeal n n The team and parish priest must all sign on Be an accompanying parish © Bill Huebsch, 2018

Training n Renew personal faith n n Both friendship with Jesus As well as Catholic faith Understand the Call to Holiness Know what the Church teaches n n Learn to speak about it in plain English Have at hand the ability to help others understand it © Bill Huebsch, 2018

Our Catholic Life n n The whole Catechism in plain English With a good index And an Imprimatur Learn how to explain what we teach in terms people can understand © Bill Huebsch, 2018

Training n What to do in complex situations n n n Suicide Abuse Violence Some things must be reported Community resources to draw on The connection to the sacrament of reconciliation © Bill Huebsch, 2018

This is all a variation on what you’re doing now The benefit is the added dimensions of theological reflection and discernment © Bill Huebsch, 2018

Forming conscience Avoid either of two extremes © Bill Huebsch, 2018

Overly church-law-centered n We form our conscience only to be in accord with church teaching n n We may never reach any other conclusion No matter what our conscience tells us Humans in relationship to law Rigidity – turning people away We become “remote controlled” by the church (Pope Francis’ term) n n n © Bill Huebsch, 2018

Overly self-centered n n n Where we try to justify any decision “Anything goes…” Without adequate prayer and discernment Without regard for church law, custom, and practice Lax – people lose their bearing Not within our tradition as Catholics © Bill Huebsch, 2018

Balanced Christ-centered n n n Discernment In a prayerful and serious way We stand before the Lord’s Cross Responding to the call to die to ourselves Often with the help of an Accompanist n We listen for the voice of Christ n The restless heart seeking God © Bill Huebsch, 2018

For all pastoral leaders In sum n n The attitudes, words, and actions Of the parish priest and pastoral team Make all the difference in the world. You have all the permission you need to be merciful and compassionate © Bill Huebsch, 2018

Henri Nouwen n To pray means to stop expecting from God the same small-mindedness which you discover in yourself. You see yourself as forgiven You are a healed healer © Bill Huebsch, 2018

Nouwen n n At that moment, conversion occurs, the restoration of the true relationship. You act in God’s name In whose name do you fail to forgive? In whose name do you exclude? In whose name do you condemn them? © Bill Huebsch, 2018

Pastoral Accompaniment n n The attitudes, words, and actions of the parish priest and pastoral workers. How the parish programs are organized to assist parishioners. n n Accompaniment in Faith Formation The voice or presence of the parish in the wider community, how it is seen and heard. © Bill Huebsch, 2018

Parish tools for accompaniment www. Artof. Accompaniment. com n How do folks encounter Christ? n n n Baptism prep n n Parish based retreats Faith sharing at every meeting Also, post-baptism up to the first sacraments Confirmation prep n Accompanying parents to play their role © Bill Huebsch, 2018

www. Artof. Accompaniment. com Accompaniment n Faith formation n Coaching young parents Helping them become the primary teachers n Don’t replace them with a program n n n But accompany them Offer them assurance and affirmation © Bill Huebsch, 2018

www. Artof. Accompaniment. com Accompaniment n Pastoral care n n n Reaching out well beyond our borders The needs of ecumenical households Marriage prep n n n A relationship that doesn’t end at the wedding Requires that we listen to them carefully Help them discern God’s voice © Bill Huebsch, 2018

For all pastoral leaders Free or inexpensive resources Artof. Accompanimen t. com © Bill Huebsch, 2018

Pastoral Accompaniment n n The attitudes, words, and actions of the parish priest and pastoral workers. How the parish programs are organized to assist parishioners. n n Accompaniment in Faith Formation The voice or presence of the parish in the wider community, how it is seen and heard. © Bill Huebsch, 2018

For all pastoral leaders The “voice” of the parish n n Sit down with a team Talk through the elements of parish life n n n What is your front door like? Who meets a guest or visitor? It takes a team for Who answers the phone or email? this. How accessible are you and your team? The parish priest Is your parish warm and do inviting? cannot usually it alone. Or cold and scary? © Bill Huebsch, 2018

For all pastoral leaders The “voice” of the parish n What is “the voice” of the parish? n n n In the signs that welcome & direct folks? In the homily? In the announcements and written material? On the web? Language creates reality n What are you saying? © Bill Huebsch, 2018

Personal Accompaniment n The help that family members or friends intend to give each other. n n The mutual help that spouses or good friends give each other. Accidental, short-term accompaniment. © Bill Huebsch, 2018

Household life n n n n Married to someone without faith (or religion) Parents who are old or dying A job change or loss Life changes as we age Tough financial times The in-laws! Or the kids! Or the neighbors! The ups and downs of life © Bill Huebsch, 2018

Short- term n Accidental meetings In which God works through you n Keep your attitude strong: n n God is acting through you to touch others God is also acting in their lives Be ready! © Bill Huebsch, 2018

For all pastoral leaders Remedial work n n In the past: a bit closed and rigid Doors were not always perceived to be “open” n n People did not feel they would be heard Their own journey of faith was not trusted We tended to judge “insiders” vs “outsiders” The Holy Father is calling us to fix this n How? © Bill Huebsch, 2019

For all pastoral leaders Remedial work n Step 1: Decide as a parish to do this n n Step 2: Ask for a little training n n The parish priest is crucial Shape a method and a plan Step 3: Make this a public matter in the parish © Bill Huebsch, 2019

For all pastoral leaders Remedial work n n Step 4: Send current active parishioners home n n n to tell their kids and siblings that the church still loves them. Tell them our hearts are open to them. We are ready to accompany them Without first condemning them. © Bill Huebsch, 2019

www. Artof. Accompaniment. com How to Invite & Welcome n n n An e-Resource kit Fully reproducible Tools to give your active people to help them reach out to others n n n “How to Speak about your Faith without Annoying Others” “We are the People of God, and you’re part of the family!” FREE! © Bill Huebsch, 2019

How to Invite & Welcome n Your ambassadors are your active parishioners n n n Their mission is to their own family & friends You give them permission And you make sure your door is open! n n If not, people will step forward but quickly run away! © Bill Huebsch, 2019

What does it mean to “Open your Doors” n n New attitude of mercy & accompaniment Translated into n n n The actions of the pastoral leaders The voice of the parish Your people will have to trust that if their family member or friend comes to your door, that you will welcome them n Bill Huebsch, 2019 That you will trust God’s action in ©their lives

For all pastoral leaders How to Invite & Welcome Artof. Accompanimen t. com ©

For sins in the past n n n Forgiveness Moving onward… God does not lead us into darkness n n Selfishness or Sin These are times when tender love is vital © Bill Huebsch, 2018

In conclusion Jesus: The Chief Accompanist

The road to Emmaus n n n (Luke 24) He allowed them to speak from their hearts He heard their whole story His questions were open ended He doesn’t try to “solve their problems” Jesus does not merely affirm the disciples n n He challenges them. © Bill Huebsch, 2018 He calls them “foolish” and “slow of heart. ”

The road to Emmaus n Jesus sounds fairly harsh here, but apparently it wasn’t too much n n n (Luke 24) Spoiler alert: They will still ask him to stay for dinner Accompaniment should also help people see that Jesus stays with them and death/darkness don’t have the final say. © Bill Huebsch, 2018

The road to Emmaus n n n (Luke 24) In the end, whatever he said to them led to their being able to recognize Jesus “Were not our hearts burning within us as he spoke? ” As accompanists… n May our words have the same effect! © Bill Huebsch, 2018

Thank you n n For what you do in your parishes For being here today For taking on this new mission Come Holy Spirit, n n fill the hearts of your faithful enkindle in us the FIRE of your love! © Bill Huebsch, 2018