1. BEING PASTORAL or How a Secular Franciscan Should Talk and Act

2. DEFINITIONS As we use it: Pastoral – (dictionary)
(1) related to the farming or grazing of sheep or cattle
(2) a literary, artistic or musical work portraying country life
(3) relating to giving spiritual guidance by a member of the clergy
As we use it:
Means in a gentle, loving, compassionate manner

3. OUR RULE Perfect charity Follow Christ and the Gospel
See and encounter Christ in every person
Be witnesses and instruments
Conform our thoughts, words and deeds to Christ
Complete self-giving of Mary
Stewards of all we are given

4. SUMMARY: KEEP RELATIONSHIPS ALIVE!
OUR RULE
Have a gentle and courteous spirit
Promote justice by how we live
Be full of peace, fidelity and respect for life
Seek unity and harmony
Be messengers of perfect joy
SUMMARY: KEEP RELATIONSHIPS ALIVE!
BE A COMMUNITY OF LOVE!

5. VATICAN II Have respect and love Dialogue Seek understanding
Don’t judge
Establish and maintain relationships

6. OUR WORLD Our life is counter-cultural World lives by the rule of “me”
No concern for the “other”
Easy to destroy reputations with
Half-truths
Anger
Lying or violence
Rigid opinions
Poorly research information

7. TENSIONS IN OUR WORLD Practical & efficient vs. laid back and general
Stickler for rules vs. guidelines only
Devoted to a practice vs. view it as a waste of time

8. SOME CAUSES Anger Fear Ego – pride Jealousy Suspicion Insecurity
Feeling of worthlessness

9. LIVING AS FRANCISCANS Called to live in community To be holy
To live the Gospel
Be people of love
Be aware of our thinking process
Actions caused by character flaw
Actions caused by circumstances

10. LANGUAGE Use “I” language, not “you” language Not “you” language
Leaves door open for dialogue
Isn’t accusatory
Not “you” language
Causes feelings of insecurity
Makes listener feel belittled
Causes loss of face

11. ASSISTANCE IN SCRIPTURE
Love
Joy
Peace
Patience
Kindness
Faithfulness
Gentleness
Self-control

12. EARLIER RULE Respect one another Be attentive to one another
Honor one another without complaining

13. UNITY A condition of harmony -- Obstacles to unity:
Quality or state of being made “one”
Obstacles to unity:
Angry words
Refusal to forgive
Aggressive attitudes
Poor listening
Rash opinions
Unwillingness to understand
Stubborn and rigid dogmatism
Accusations
Need to be right

14. DIALOGUE Understand Be compassionate Exercise forgiveness liberally
Listen carefully
Respond only after thought
Love, compassion
Soft voice