Posted by Jo Shears on July 25, 2006, 8:24 pm, in reply to "That Other Big Church Event..." It's an interesting topic that you have brought up and strangely enough, I have had a mixed reaction to your post.... It's the end of a busy Sunday here in a large family (six kids) and I am wondering what the "Church" could have done for me today, that we didn't achieve for ourselves already. My first thought was "What do you want?" *grin So many are critical that the "Church" has too much say on how we live our lives and what we should and shouldn't do etc. and yet, I hear you saying that you want the Church to be more involved and check on how we are doing with our families! Cathy, you said : “the Church is making it harder, not easier, for people to come to God and/or live out their Christian faith through their family life.” I have seriously reflected on this, since first reading your post and I have come to the conclusion that you are looking too high!! *grin “The Church” provides guidelines and gives “instructions”, but ultimately Cathy, the grass roots is where it is at. You and I are the Church! To ask all these questions of “authority” you must be willing to ask them of yourself. My own hope would be that I brought my family (and those around me) closer to God by their encounter with me. I would also hope that I improve everyday, in striving to live my Christian faith. If you are not feeling supported in your family life Cathy, then maybe you need to seek to belong to a different community…one where you feel welcomed and understood. There are so many opportunities to be involved in Parishes… By the way, I am not for one minute saying that we have it all “right” and there is no need for improvement…and I do hear what you are saying! However, there does come a time when we have to stop waiting for “someone” to tell us what to do and give us an instruction we agree with, so we can “start”. It’s up to us to create the kind of Church we need/desire. Roll your sleeves up and start a parent’s group, if there isn’t one…create a small Christian community….volunteer to do visitations……wherever there is a need - be involved! Take care Cathy and be assured that you and your family will be remembered in prayer… Regards, Jo
Hi Cathy,
I look forward to reading more from you…
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