Social media can be an amazing melting pot of ideas. People having opinions on just about every issue one can think of. When it comes to the Catholic faith this becomes even more present. Lot of people have deep opinions about what is going on in the church. Some of it related to things we do and things we shouldn't. Lot of people become internet famous and well known for what they have to say.
Most of the topics that are seen are related to what people want to see changed during the Mass. Some would like various hymns removed from common use. More would just love to see people make the daily Rosary and daily Mass top priority. This list can become quite long. These are noble topics to talk about. Great that people are taking these issues into consideration. Yet one has to wonder if some of these people will bring up other, and often overlooked topics, that are far more critical.
The topics not being discussed is how do we reach out to those who are often overlooked in our parishes. What can we do to encourage them to remain faithful when they have no connections or even the resources in the parishes that can help them. The reason why many are often overlooked in the parishes is because they are often the ones unseen. They are the elderly who are in facilities with few family left to help them. The poor who have limited resources as it is. Many often struggling to keep food on the table. Along with those with disabilities. These are the people who are often neglected by those who are suppose to help. Many no longer have close friends or family that can offer any kind of assistance. Let alone still remaining in the church itself.
Often times these are the people who have no one in their lives they can rely on. Some of it is related to transportation or the lack of it. Other times it is related to social isolation. People who tend to be left behind and ignored by our society. Though no fault of their own the could easily drift away from the church and no one would be the wiser.
We often say our doors are open to anyone who decides to walk in. Yet most times we do very little on any kind of parish level to show this. We lack a desire to evangelize and to go out into our neighborhoods to share the faith. Either due to limited parish resources or because no one wants to step up and volunteer.
It is easy for us to talk about things we want to see changed with The Mass. That is something that we feel we can have a direct effect. It also requires very little work on our part. However the road we should be traveling should be much harder. Such as going out into the world to share the faith of Christ to all we encounter. Work out paths to create resources to help all who are struggling. To give people a fair chance to attend Mass in person. Finding real solutions to help the elderly, the poor, and those with disabilities feel welcome in our parishes. Helping them to be more active in parish life.
Like many tasks within the church. It does not fall at the feet of our priests. It falls on us. We should be doing more so this is no longer a question or concern. So many are no longer overlooked. -
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