When someone asks what church you go to or if you go to church, listen to the response. If the response is, “I go to so and so church,” it might be an indicator that they attend now and again. If the response is, “I belong to so and so church” they are probably members who help make the church function and know people in the congregation. It is the same with people in recovery “I go to this or that meeting” is different from “I am a member of this or that meeting.” A member has a service commitment now and again and they know and interact with other persons and welcome the newcomer. I have found that belonging is more fruitful for me than attending. It beats back loneliness, a scourge in our culture.
The homilies and musings of a Paulist Priest.
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From Stephanie Logan of Centennial, CO
I sincerely hope your mission thrives. The Church these days seems overly intent on preaching politics and battering its members with ultimatums and threats instead of focusing on the messages of love, forgiveness and daily sacrifice that convert followers from the inside out and are therefore more effective in the long run!
I sincerely hope your mission thrives. The Church these days seems overly intent on preaching politics and battering its members with ultimatums and threats instead of focusing on the messages of love, forgiveness and daily sacrifice that convert followers from the inside out and are therefore more effective in the long run!
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