|
It seemed to me that the problem had something to do with conversion. Essentially it's at the core of Gospel teaching: what is it that opens people's hearts to recognize their kindredness and to respond to each other's needs with heartfelt compassion, generosity and care? A fundamental part of Jesus' ministry is devoted to coaxing the hearts of his listeners to take an interest in their marginalized, landless, and impoverished sister and brother Jews. Metanoia, or conversion, includes the recognition of our shared responsibility for one another. Compassion is the one of the names we give to such lived responsibility.
I had spent six years working as the facilitator of the RCIA at various parishes and one of the things I used to love about that work is that the participants really did change! Many had rather remarkable conversions. As I thought of the RCIA and my current work with social ministry, I decided to create a process that would duplicate some of the following features of RCIA:
• long term process (at least 30 weekly meetings),
• access to substantive education,
• opportunities to discuss the material thoughtfully,
• invitations to good speakers,
• strong emphasis on community building, and opportunities to explore traditional and new prayer forms, retreat experiences
Go back… Read more…
|
