PASTORAL CARE - HELP OTHERS TO BEGIN THE ROAD TO INNER HEALING

 

Conversation or dialogue can be very healing. Have you ever been anxious and in a quandery; worrying what to do? Along comes a person who says exactly the right words with an expression and attitude of warmth and concern, and all of a sudden we feel better; able to face life's challenges. This is pastoral work taking place by means of conversation or dialogue.

As we become more experienced in helping others as priests, we become more competent - professional even. Pastoral work does have a professional dimension, which includes formal instruction. A qualification in Clinical Pastoral Counselling can be a great help to a priest; or an accredited training in chaplaincy.

However, it is important to remember that we must keep a humble and true heart with a listening ear. A good qualification is of great assistance in giving pastoral care to those in need.

The kind heart and the gentle manner accompanying the assistance is what really touches people, and helps them to begin the road to inner healing.

Pastoral Care

WHEN WE ARE IN DIFFICULTY, SPEAK TO SOMEONE WITH LIFE EXPERIENCE AND WISDOM

 

When we are in difficulty, it is a great comfort to speak to someone with life experience and wisdom. They've been through stormy winds in life, and have learned to navigate the gale.

People often take their troubles to ministers as they look for healing from their heartaches and difficulties. Often people are not looking for professional help; they need someone who is willing to listen with care.

Pastoral care

YOUR BEAUTY SHOULD CONSIST OF YOUR TRUE INNER SELF

 

"Instead, your beauty should consist of your true inner self, the ageless beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of the greatest value in God's sight."

1 Peter 3:4

BE HOLY

 

"Be holy, because I am holy."

1 Peter 1:16

FOR THOSE WHO PERSECUTE OUR BROTHERS AND SISTERS

 

For those who persecute our brothers and sisters in God and strive to extinguish their faith: may the Almighty open their hearts to love. We pray to the Lord: Lord, hear us.

FOR THOSE WHO WOULD RATHER GO TO WAR

 

For those who would rather go to war than compromsie their personal interests: may God open their hearts to peace. We pray to the Lord: Lord, hear us.

Twenty-Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time A. Page 52

FOR THOSE WHO POLLUTE OUR AIR AND WATER

 

For those who pollute our air and water with no thought but their own profit or enjoyment: may God open their hearts to concern for others. We pray to the Lord.

Twenty-Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time A. Page 52

FOR THOSE WHO HAVE GROWN BITTER

 

For those who have grown bitter over the weaknesses of others: may God open their hearts to hope and pray for goodness to manifest in all humanity. We pray to the Lord: Lord, hear us.

FATHER, WE GATHER TO OUR HEARTS

 

Father, we gather to our hearts all who have wronged us and all who make our lives difficult, whether consciously or not. You have told us that only by forgiving are we forgiven. Help us grow in the ability to forgive others and in the humility to see our own faults. As Your Love embraces all humankind, so may ours in Christ our Lord.

From Twenty-Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time A, page 52

THANKSGIVING FOR MOTHERHOOD

 

IN PREPARATION FOR MOTHERHOOD AND FOR YOUNG MOTHERHOOD

THANKSGIVING FOR MOTHERHOOD

Accept my humble gratitude, most holy Trinity!

Thanks be to the Father, Who manifested unlimited power within me by drawing forth from nothingness another human soul and giving this little one in my care.

Thanks be to the Son, Who has revealed His eternal wisdom within me by fashioning another flame of human life so delicate that it can neither be seen nor heard, so strong that it will live forever.

Thanks be to the Holy Spirit, Who has shown His everlasting love within me by forming another human heart to spend its days on earth in praising God and returning love for love.

Omnipotent Triune God – Father, Son and Holy Spirit – receive my humble thanks and my undying devotion.

 

With thanks to “In Preparation for Motherhood and for Young Motherhood”, publishing details unknown. Pages 16 - 17

PRAYER IN THANKSGIVING FOR CONCEPTION

 

IN PREPARATION FOR MOTHERHOOD AND FOR YOUNG MOTHERHOOD

PRAYER IN THANKSGIVING FOR CONCEPTION

I rejoice in my conception, Lord, and I give thanks that the father of my little one and I have been chosen to share in the work of Your love. In Your great and tender wisdom, You do not wish to multiply the human family by Your power alone. You allow us, Your humble creatures, to share in Your creative might. The soul of our tiny baby will be Your work alone; our baby’s body will be Your work and ours, too, for we are the father and mother.

But, soul and body, this little one will be our companion forever as well as Yours. May this child ever remind us that You and we have worked lovingly side by side.

How can I ever return sufficient thanks for this great honour? I offer humbly my homage and heartfelt devotion.  

 

With thanks to “In Preparation for Motherhood and for Young Motherhood”, publishing details unknown. Pages 15 - 16

PRAY FOR THE SOULS IN PURGATORY

 

HYMN:

Remember those, O Lord,

Who in your peace have died,

Yet may not gain love's high reward

Till love is purified.

With you they faced death's night,

Sealed with your victory sign;

Soon may the splendor of your light 

On them for ever shine.

Sweet is their pain, yet deep,

Till perfect love is born;

Their lone night-watch they gladly keep

Before your radiant morn.

Your love is their great joy

Your will their one desire;

As finest gold without alloy

Refine them in love's fire.

For them we humbly pray:

Perfect them in your love

O may we share eternal day

With them in heaven above.

PRAY FOR THE SOULS IN PURGATORY

It is believed that some individuals - after their death and personal judgement by God - find themselves not yet in a state of holiness sufficient to access the fullness of Heaven. 

God, the Loving Father of second chances, gives those who require further personal spiritual growth both time and opportunity they need to complete this task. 

There is a state between the reality of earth and that of Heaven, which is called Purgatory. This is a place where individuals have the chance to be purified of previous sinful patterns, in order to become fully holy. Thereafter they can enter the Presence of God, to rejoice with their Loving Father forever.

It is possible to pray in intercession for the souls in Purgatory, that their process of holiness be expedited in a swifter manner through the Grace and Benevolence of Almighty God. Let us remember to pray for the souls in Purgatory. 

"Remember Those, O Lord" & Requiem Kyrie - YouTube

With thanks to Youtube