Jacques Philippe: keys to hope in times of crisis

At an event on November 24 at the Omnes Forum of the Universidad de Villanueva de Madrid, Jacques Philippea prominent French Catholic author, shared profound reflections on spirituality in the contemporary world. More than two hundred people were immersed in the fundamental question: Do we need God? The meeting was sponsored by the CARF Foundation and Banco Sabadell.

Jacques Philippe's books

In addition to his inspirational talks, Jacques Philippe is acclaimed for his literary work on the spiritual life. With influential titles such as Inner freedom, Time for God y The spiritual paternity of the priestPhilippe offers practical and profound insights into faith and the interior life, guiding countless people toward a more intimate relationship with God.

The importance of maintaining the connection with God

Jacques Philippe's reflections on the absence of God are poignant. "To turn away from God is also to turn away from the source of truth" he explains, offering a clear perspective on how this absence affects us greatly. This is why he invites us to reflect on the importance of maintaining a living connection with God, even in moments of apparent darkness. 

Emphasizing the need to constantly seek God's presence and trust in His love and mercy to find hope in our lives.

Addressing Spiritual Challenges in the Contemporary World

In a society marked by secularization and the emergence of new spiritualities, Jacques Philippe recognizes the phenomenon of individualism and loneliness that characterizes the contemporary world. He observes how each individual tends to construct his or her own beliefs and to move away from the idea of a shared faith that unites the community as a single family. 

This is why Philippe advocates an openness to religious community and the shared search for God as a source of spiritual fulfillment and human connection.

jacques-philippe
Meditation delivered by Jacques Philippe in Madrid.

The vital importance of God's presence at Jacques Philippe

Jacques Philippe defends the need for God and his mercy in a world increasingly marked by individualism and atheism. He points out the lie of atheism, and uses the parable of the prodigal son to illustrate how, once God is rejected, the possibility of finding mercy and forgiveness is eliminated. Philippe describes how the absence of God leaves man alone with the weight of his mistakes, without the possibility of receiving the forgiveness that only God can grant. 

In this context, he highlights the importance of returning to God and finding the grace and mercy that only He can offer, stressing the importance of returning to the Gospel and rediscovering divine fatherhood as an antidote to human pride and loss of meaning.

Spiritual parenthood in modern society

Philippe addresses the complex exercise of human freedom in the absence of the presence and love of God as Father. Pointing out that, without this divine guidance, we can fall into two extremes: total irresponsibility, where everything is permitted and responsibility for actions is not assumed; or excess of responsibility, carrying the weight of life and decisions in a solitary and distressing way. Highlighting the tendency in today's society towards these extremes, where immense freedom coexists with the lack of spiritual guidance and objective truth. 

It underscores the importance of God's role as Father, not to restrict freedom, but to help us discern and exercise our freedom in a way that benefits us and our neighbor. God offers us a light in the midst of the uncertainty and loneliness that characterize the contemporary world.

A transformative perspective for everyday life

Next, Jacques Philippe encourages us to reflect on the importance of Kingdom hope as a transformative perspective on daily life. It highlights how living without the certainty of eternal life can make existence feel cramped and heavy, with the feeling that every missed opportunity is irretrievable. 

Philippe emphasizes that the hope of the Kingdom offers an infinite horizon of possibilities and freedom, even in the midst of life's responsibilities and challenges. He uses the example of the good thief at Jesus' crucifixion to illustrate how even the most unsuccessful life can be transformed into achievement with the hope of the Kingdom and God's mercy. For at any moment God can bring salvation and renewal to those who trust in his mercy.

The Importance of Forgiveness in a Godless World

Jacques Philippe presents us with how living in a world without God and without mercy can lead to generalized anguish and harshness in human relationships. It highlights how a lack of faith hinders forgiveness, since the wrong received is perceived as irremediable.

He discusses how faith in God's mercy is fundamental to making forgiveness possible, as it provides the hope of healing and salvation for both the wrong that has been done and the wrong that has been suffered. And he warns us about the risk of hardening ourselves against others when we remove God from the equation, which can lead to anger and lack of inner peace. 

A successful life is not defined by material possessions, but by glorifying God's mercy and love, which is always possible with faith in His transforming power.

Self-acceptance in the light of Faith

One of the most significant challenges in today's world is the difficulty in accepting ourselves. Philippe stresses that God's loving gaze upon us is fundamental to our self-acceptance. By embracing our fragility and accepting His love, we find a freedom to love ourselves and others.

Jacques Philippe reminds us that, in the midst of the internal struggles of the modern world, the presence of God and His merciful love are our greatest comfort and hope. As we welcome God into our hearts, we find the confidence and joy that come from His eternal love.

With these words, Jacques Philippe gives us a light of hope in times of uncertainty, reminding us that, even in the darkest moments, God is present and His love and infinite mercy never abandons us.

Women in the Church, experiences and perspectives by Franca Ovadje and Janeth Chávez

At the intersection of faith, social engagement and women's empowerment, a vital dialogue emerges about the role of women in the Church. In this context, we invited to the Omnes-CARF Foundation Forum on Women in the Church two outstanding women, Nigerian economist Franca Ovadje and Janeth Chavez, women who shine as inspiring examples of leadership and action.

Franca, originally from Nigeria and recipient of the Harambee Award in 2022, stands out as founder of the Danne Institute Research. On the other hand, Janeth, director of Magnífica Groupsdedicates her energy to educating and strengthening women's identity through faith and study.

Franca Ovadje and her innovative projects to empower women in society

Franca Ovadje, has done remarkable work in the area of women in the Church, highlighting the importance of women's engagement and influence in contemporary society. At the Women in the Church: Work, Engagement and Influence seminar, Franca shared her inspiring story and commitment to women's empowerment in Nigeria. Her work continues to positively impact communities both locally and globally.

From her own personal experience, Franca highlights the influence that the faith and education she received in a Catholic home had on her life. Raised in an environment where the social doctrine of the Church was palpable through the example of her parents, Franca learned from a young age the value of service and solidarity with others. This solid formation laid the foundation for her future work in the promotion of social justice and the empowerment of women.

Ovadje projects transform and empower women in Nigeria

One of Franca's flagship projects is the Project Tech Poweran initiative aimed at encouraging girls' interest and participation in the field of technology and engineering. By recognizing the gender gap in the technology field in Nigeria, Franca aims to challenge gender stereotypes and provide opportunities for young girls to acquire relevant skills for the future. Through this project, Ovadje not only seeks to bridge the digital gender gap, but also to cultivate leadership and ethical values in the participants.

Another significant program is Always a Brideswhich addresses the challenges facing married women in contemporary Nigerian society. Franca recognizes the importance of strengthening family bonds and promoting healthy marital relationships. This program offers practical guidance and emotional support to create happy and stable marriages and homes.

In addition, Franca is committed to the education and empowerment of women through the Literacy for Young Women. Aware of the importance of education in personal and social development, this initiative seeks to provide basic reading and writing skills, as well as to promote social awareness and leadership among the participants.

In each of her projects, Franca Ovadje demonstrates an unwavering commitment to Christian values and the social doctrine of the Church. Her holistic approach to women's empowerment encompasses educational, professional and personal aspects, with the ultimate goal of promoting the dignity and well-being of all women. Through her work, she not only challenges social and economic injustices, but also inspires other women to find their voice and power for change in Nigerian communities and beyond.

Janeth Chavez and Magnifica's commitment to the integral formation of women

Janeth Chávez, director of Magnífica Groupsan inspirational voice in promoting the role of women in the Church, provides a educational platform which seeks to strengthen women's identity and dignity through study and prayer.

In her speech, Janeth emphasized the importance of faith formation as a fundamental tool for spiritual growth and understanding of Christian identity. Through Magnífica, she offers the opportunity to study the documents of the magisterium and the writings of the saints to women from all over the world and provides a solid foundation for the development of their interior life and their relationship with God.

Janeth calls on women to join together in study and prayer groups; she emphasizes the importance of accompaniment and communion in the journey of faith. She stresses the need to create spaces where women can share, learn and grow together, and recalls the transformative power of encounter and authentic listening.

Through teaching the truth about the dignity and nature of women, Chavez seeks to empower women to embrace their identity as beloved daughters of God. Inspired by the teachings of the popes and saints, she promotes a deeper understanding of the unique qualities of womanhood, and invites women to live authentically their vocation in the world.

Janeth encourages women to cultivate an active prayer life because it is only through a personal relationship with God that they can fully discover their vocation and dignity as women. She stresses the importance of going out of oneself and serving others with authenticity and generosity, following the example of Jesus as a model of love and service.

In summary, Janeth Chavez and Magnifica offer a valuable resource for women seeking to grow in their faith, discover their true identity and live fully their vocation as daughters of God in the Church and in the world. Their focus on education, accompaniment and faith formation reflects a sincere commitment to the empowerment and spiritual well-being of women in contemporary society.

Franca Ovadje and Janeth Chávez offer a profound and reflective view on the role of women in the Church. and in contemporary society. Through their experiences, innovative projects and unwavering commitment, they remind us of the importance of promoting the dignity, empowerment and integral formation of women in all areas of life. Their inspiring example invites us to continue working to build a Church where every woman can flourish fully in her identity and vocation.

Rome: 5 convents and religious residences to sleep in

Staying in monasteries, convents and religious residences to sleep in Rome is the least known option when choosing accommodation for our pilgrimage. It may even seem a bit strange, but it is the best choice if we are looking for a simple, quiet, inexpensive and cozy place, characteristics not so far from the new trends in travel as fashionable as the detox. This trend aims at digital detoxification; or the slowwho claims tranquility wherever he goes.

Staying in these religious places arises from the tradition of welcoming pilgrims and those who need a retreat in solitude. Although it is not necessary to have religious beliefs to enjoy these lodgings in which a quiet atmosphere, simplicity and seclusion prevail.

In addition to pilgrims, it is common to find in the monasteries, convents and religious residences groups of young people whose pockets only allow them to stay in inexpensive lodgings, tourists eager for new experiences or great lovers of culture and history who seek to stay in historical places.

Discover convents and residences to sleep in Rome and enjoy its history.

Many of the Case per Ferie as well as convents and monasteries, have launched themselves directly into tourism, leaving the marketing of their sites in the hands of experts or outside companies. However, there are still some sites that are refined only by the religious communities that live there.

At RomeIn Rome, as the center of Christianity, this type of lodging is so common that it has become a category like hotels, apartments or hostels, receiving the name of "hotel". Case per Ferie (literally translated as holiday home).

In these Case per Ferie We will find hardly any decoration, only religious elements, little or no technology and almost all of them are closed at night. On the other hand, we will enjoy silence and tranquility, facilities in good use and very clean, a close and cordial treatment and, in general, breakfast is included.

If you are planning to stay in a monastery, convent or religious residence in Rome, we would like to give you some tips to keep in mind:

residencias y conventos en roma alojamientos
Capuchin Convent in Rome.

Map of locations in Rome

In the following map you can also search for your own selection:

List of convents and religious residences to sleep in Rome

Of these, we highlight the following five, since all of them will be able to assist you in Spanish.

This Case per Ferie This Case per Ferie is located a 25-minute walk from St. Peter's Square and offers breakfast included in the price, which ranges from €35 for a single room in low season to €125 for a quadruple room in high season. All rooms have bathroom, telephone and air conditioning. There is an accessible room and children are allowed.

Although it is far from the center, it is very well connected by bus, line 105 arrives at Termini station. Payment by credit card is not accepted, but must be made in cash or by transfer.

This Casa per Ferie This Casa per Ferie is conveniently located between the Gianicolo and Trastevere and offers magnificent views of the city from its terrace. Prices include breakfast and range from €40 for a single room to €114 for a triple room in high season. Free parking is available.

It is centrally located, next to Termini Station and its prices include breakfast. They ask for a 20% of the total stay at the time of booking and the rest is paid in cash on arrival.

It is located in front of Villa Angeli, a 25-minute walk from St. Peter's Square. Prices include breakfast and range from €50 for a single room to €120 for a quadruple room. They offer an airport pick-up service upon availability and the price varies according to the number of people.

Staying to sleep in Rome in monasteries, convents and religious residences is the best choice if you are looking for a simple, quiet, economical and cozy place to stay. And if you are traveling with the CARF Foundation to Rome you can learn about the work of integral formation that he carries out with seminarians and diocesan and religious priests from all over the world.

Assistance in the formation of priests

A very special gift: custom-made albs for seminarians returning to their home countries

One of the CARF Foundation's star volunteer activities consists of sewing and embroidering albs and liturgical linens, Sewing and singing, as they call it. "We have managed to create a very good group that, in addition to making the albs, we support each other and pray for the seminarians and priests," explains Maria Luisa, one of the coordinators who has been helping the CARF Foundation for 25 years. 

Tailor-made albs for each seminarian 

The albs are made to measure for each seminarian: when they arrive at their last course in Rome and Pamplona they are measured in detail. Neck, front height, waist, shoulders, back height, arms and shoulder to shoulder. In this way each of the future priests will be able to celebrate with dignity. And with all the love and prayers that accompany each stitch in the fabrics. Once they are finished, they are given to each seminarian inside his Sacred Vessel BackpackOn their return to their country of origin, when they are ordained priests, they will be able to celebrate Holy Mass and impart the sacraments with great dignity, regardless of their lack of adequate means.

The PAS has a team of seven volunteers who meet every Tuesday at the PAS headquarters. board of trustees. But, in addition, there are many other people who collaborate by embroidering from their homes. They also make the different cloths for the Mass vestments.

The fabrics used to make the albs are made of polyester, a fabric that does not wrinkle. Each alba takes about three and a half meters of material. Once embroidered, the skirt, sleeves and, finally, the collar are incorporated. For each of the albas to be made, about ten hours of work and prayers are spent in different batches, depending on the different parts of the piece. 

Living Holy Mass in prison 

This year they are already finishing the preparation of the 30 albs for the diocesan seminarians who will return to their countries at the end of the year to be ordained priests. It is a small class that coincided with the covid so the number of future priests decreased significantly because many could not travel to Rome and Pamplona to join the university and begin their academic, human and spiritual formation.

mochila vasos sagrados

The future ordinands receive their Sacred Vessel Backpack, a bag containing the necessary elements to be able to celebrate Holy Mass with dignity and dispense the sacraments with dignity in any corner of the world. The bag contains everything from a portable altar in white silk, with its own crucifix holder and another central space for the crucifix, to the cruets for water and wine, or the hyssop for sprinkling holy water. It also contains vestments and stoles for each liturgical season.

As could not be otherwise, the seminarians, who are going to be ordained priests in their dioceses of origin, receive the backpack with great enthusiasm and gratitude. Hernando José Bello Rodríguez, of the Archdiocese of Cartagena de Indias, Colombia, who recently wrote to us to convey to the Foundation's donors and benefactors the importance of this aid and the lasting memory it leaves in the priests, which is transformed into daily prayers of gratitude. 

Don Hernando José, in addition to ministering in the parish where he is vicar, also collaborates as chaplain of the prison in his city. "As the prison does not have anything for the celebration of the Eucharist, every Tuesday I am accompanied by the backpack of the CARF Foundation in this mission. As an anecdote, I can tell you that one of the lay missionaries, the first time he saw the backpack and how everything was distributed, and the simplicity and dignity of the sacred vessels, was very surprised and immediately asked me where I had gotten it, because he would like to give one to a priest he knows". 

And this story of spiritual care for the women in the Cartagena de Indias prison cannot be documented graphically, since "when we enter we have to leave the phones and any electronic device to safeguard the privacy of the inmates". Oh, if only the backpack could talk, the human experiences it must have lived through.

Marta SantínJournalist specializing in religious information.

10 messages of St. Teresa of Jesus to priests

Who was Saint Teresa of Jesus of Avila?

Also known as Saint Teresa of Avila, Saint Teresa of Jesus was an influential Spanish saint, writer and theologian of the 16th century. She was born on March 28, 1515 and died on October 4, 1582. She is one of the most outstanding women in the history of Catholicism.

Teresa of Jesus was the founder of the Discalced Carmelite order, a reformed branch of the Carmelite order. She is known for her spiritual and mystical experiences, which she documented in her writings, and for her efforts to reform religious life in her time. 

St. Teresa of Jesus was canonized in 1614 and in 1970 she was proclaimed Doctor of the Church by Pope Paul VI. Her teachings are considered of great importance to the Catholic faith and her legacy endures to this day, being the object of study and admiration. St. John Paul II and St. Josemaría were devotees and readers of her and were very fond of her.

Priests for St. Teresa of Jesus

Priests played a fundamental role in the life and work of St. Teresa of Jesus. The saint sought spiritual direction, the counsel of priests and the grace of the sacraments throughout her life. These relationships were crucial to her spiritual growth and her understanding of the spiritual experiences she recounts in her writings.

Many priests, especially St. John of the Cross and St. John of Avila, played a crucial role in her spiritual development and in the founding of Carmelite convents. They supported her in the task of establishing religious communities that followed a more austere and contemplative lifestyle, and helped her to establish the new Discalced Carmelite convents.

Ten messages of St. Teresa of Jesus for priests

These 10 brief messages reflect the deep spirituality and pastoral commitment of St. Teresa of Jesus to priests and the Church. They are non-textual messages drawn from her teachings and principles. They represent ideas and values that are present in the teachings and writings of St. Teresa of Jesus throughout her life. 

God's treasures

1- Priests are the dispensers of God's treasures: let them love, honor and venerate this immense treasure of grace that God has placed in their hands.

St. Teresa of Jesus always emphasized the role and power that priests receive by being able to act in the person of Christ. In doing so, they are mediators of divine grace through the sacraments. She always urged them to recognize and appreciate the immense spiritual wealth they have in their hands and to treat it with the greatest reverence and love. This implies living their ministry with seriousness, devotion and a deep awareness of the grace they dispose of in God's name.

2- Priests, always seek the glory of God and the good of souls; always live in the presence of God and bring others into his presence..

According to the teachings of St. Teresa, priests should orient their actions and decisions towards two main objectives: the glory of God and the good of souls. By committing themselves to put the glory of God first in all their actions, and to ensure that their works are aligned with the values and teachings of the Catholic faith.

She emphasizes the importance of a life of deep spirituality and connection with God. St. Teresa suggests that priests should cultivate an intimate and constant relationship with God through prayer, spiritual reflection and worship. They should lead, teach, preach and serve as a model of Christian life for the community. Facilitate people's encounter with God by helping them grow in their faith.

The greatest glory we can give to God is the salvation of souls. Priests are privileged instruments for this purpose.

St. Teresa of Jesus focuses on the supreme importance of the salvation of souls and on the central role of priests in this process. She stresses that the greatest way to honor God will be to work for the salvation of souls. Priests are considered privileged instruments in this process, as they are entrusted with carrying out the sacraments and guiding people in their spiritual life. 

This perspective reflects the profound pastoral and spiritual vocation that St. Teresa attributes to priests in the Church.

The pillars of the inner life

4- Humility is the most necessary virtue for a priest. 

The importance of humility in the life and service of a priest. St. Teresa of Jesus urges them to recognize their dependence on God and to consider themselves as the least worthy to serve in ministry. Humility allows them to serve with authenticity, love and compassion, and prevents them from falling into arrogance or self-sufficiency.

5- Love and compassion are the most powerful weapons in the hands of a priest. Be compassionate to those who suffer and love everyone equally. 

How important love and compassion are in the life and ministry of a priest. Thus St. Teresa of Jesus emphasizes that priests must be compassionate to those who suffer and show love to all people equally. These qualities are essential to reflect God's love in the world, and to be authentic agents of consolation and spiritual support.

6- Prayer is the breath of the soul. Priests should be men of deep prayer life, in order to be effective channels of God's grace.

St. Teresa of Jesus continually stresses the importance of prayer in the life of a priest and its role as a channel of divine grace. Prayer is essential to the spiritual well-being and effectiveness of priestly ministry. By cultivating a deep prayer life, priests become more effective channels of God's grace, enabling them to be more effective spiritual guides for the community they serve.

Obedience and purity

7- Obedience and fidelity to the Church, cornerstones in the life of a priest. Let them always be docile to the Magisterium and faithful to the Gospel.

Why is it important to St. Teresa of Jesus that priests be obedient to the authority of the Church and faithful to the teachings of the Gospel? Because this ensures that their service and ministry are in line with the doctrine and tradition of the Church, and that they are consistent and reliable spiritual guides for the community of faithful Catholics.

8- Priests should be models of purity and chastity, to reflect God's holiness in the world.

St. Teresa of Jesus treats the virtues of purity and chastity as fundamental to priestly life. They are meant to reflect the holiness and purity of God in the world. They enable the priestly ministry to be carried out with greater integrity and effectiveness, while witnessing to the total commitment that the priesthood entails.

An intimate encounter with Jesus Christ

9- May the Eucharist be the center and source of your lives; celebrate Mass with fervor and make Communion an intimate encounter with Jesus Christ.

In her writings, the saint exhorts priests to make the Eucharist the focal point and main source of their spiritual life and ministry. The Eucharist is the heart of sacramental life and the source of spiritual grace.

In presiding at the Eucharist, priests act in the person of Christ and make present the redemptive sacrifice of Jesus. Therefore, they should celebrate Holy Mass with fervor and live Communion as an intimate encounter with Jesus Christ. 

10- Priests, be loving and compassionate shepherds, guide and support your flock. Be light in the midst of darkness and living witnesses of God's love.

Saint Teresa of Jesus recommends that priests live as spiritual guides who exemplify the love and compassion of Christ. They should care for and protect with tenderness and affection, showing empathy for people's needs and difficulties. To be loving and compassionate shepherds, a source of spiritual light in moments of darkness and living witnesses of God's love. 

The enduring legacy of St. Teresa of Jesus for priests

In summary, the messages of St. Teresa of Jesus for priests offer valuable guidance for strengthening pastoral service. The humility, love, prayer and faithfulness are the fundamental pillars that this venerated saint highlights for men dedicated to priestly ministry. Her life and teachings continue to be a source of inspiration and guidance for priests today.

St. Teresa of Jesus left a lasting legacy as one of the most prominent women in the history of the Church. Foundress of the Discalced Carmelite order, her spiritual experiences documented in her writings and her efforts at reforming religious life have left an indelible mark on the Church.

St. Teresa's relationship with priests was fundamental in her life. She sought spiritual direction, counsel and the sacraments along her spiritual journey with priests such as St. John of the Cross and St. John of Avila, playing crucial roles in her development and in the founding of the new Carmelite convents.

Summary

The ten messages for priests, drawn from the teachings of St. Teresa, emphasize the importance of to recognize the immense spiritual wealth that priests hold in their hands as dispensers of God's treasures. The glory of God and the good of souls must be the central objectives; to live always in the presence of God and to guide others towards it.

The salvation of souls is seen as the greatest glory that can be given to God, and priests are considered privileged instruments for this purpose. Humility, love and compassion stand out as the most powerful weapons in the hands of a priest, while prayer gives the soul encouragement essential to effectively channel divine grace.

The obedience and fidelity to the Church, purity and chastityThe Eucharist, as well as making the Eucharist the center of their lives, must become the fundamental principles that St. Teresa underlines for priests. Her call to be loving and compassionate shepherds, light in the midst of darkness and living witnesses of God's love, will reflect the profound pastoral and spiritual vocation she attributes to these consecrated men.

In conclusion, the life and teachings of St. Teresa of Jesus are a source of wisdom and inspiration for priests today. Her legacy lives on, not only in the pages of her writings, but also in the hearts of those who seek a more intimate encounter with God. Her influence continues to illuminate the spiritual journey of countless faithful around the world, reminding them of the importance of humility, love, prayer and fidelity in religious service.

Eight ways to help your pastor

The pastor and the priests who collaborate with him have a great pastoral responsibility, not to mention that today they are asked to care for more souls and assume more responsibilities and more functions than ever before. Therefore, any support given to them can ease their workload, and enable them to focus on the spiritual needs of their community. If each of the faithful would do just one thing to help in the life of the Church, then the work of the parish priest would be much easier.

What are the pastoral responsibilities of a pastor and how can the community help?

If you have never asked yourself how you can help, here are eight ways to do it. But keep in mind that the first recommendation is to encourage you to offer your help. Don't wait to be asked if you can do something, offer to help! Volunteering your time to the parish is a sign of support and service. 

1 - Commitment awakens your sense of responsibility!

Before the Vatican Council IIIn the past, all the responsibility and management of the parish depended solely on the parish priest. Thanks to Vatican II, we no longer have excuses to engage in the task of spreading the Word of God. 

From Baptism we are incorporated into Christ and participate in our own way in the three ministries, priestly, prophetic and royal. Thus our presence and vocation are constitutive of the People of God, together with that of priests. Our communal participation in the life of the Church is indispensable for its existence, as well as, at the same time, for our own identity and Christian mission.

It is necessary, therefore, to participate actively in the celebration of the sacraments, to welcome with an obedient heart the apostolic proclamation of the faith and to bear witness to it. Live one's gifts and tasks in the full communion of the Church. This not only prepares us to discover a deeper relationship with Christ, but also confers on us a greater responsibility as laity toward our Church and the community in which we live. 

2 - Why is active participation in the liturgy important to support priests?

The Second Vatican Council also teaches us that the Holy Mass must be the center and root of Christian life. In every Eucharist the presence of the Risen Christ becomes a sacrament of communion, and shared faith is transformed into a fraternal banquet and nourishment of life. To this end, we must undertake paths and actions that will help us to go through all the parts of our celebrations. In this way we will fulfill Jesus' command to "do as he did" and we will ensure that the whole assembly "takes part" in the Eucharist.

"Holy Mother Church ardently desires that all the faithful be led to that full, conscious and active participation in liturgical celebrations which the nature of the liturgy itself demands, and to which the Christian people have the right and obligation, by virtue of baptism."
Documents of Vatican II, Constitution Sacrosanctum Concilium (SC), 14.

To promote active participation you can respond strongly, be a lector, altar server or also a cantor at the celebrations. This lightens the priest's load in Spain and helps the liturgy flow smoothly.

3 - How can I contribute to the welfare of my pastor in Spain?

We must take care of our parish priest and his priest collaborators, since they are few in number and the need for their ministry is great. The overwork and misunderstanding of many can lead them to exhaustion or frustration. prayer and friendly accompaniment is a service that we must provide by opening the doors of our families and activities, in such a way as to give them rest and closeness, which will result in a better service for the entire community.

4 - Pray for the parish priest and priests.

Priests need your prayers to continue their pastoral work. Let them know they are not alone. Take time to pray for the pastor and the priests. priests of your parish, praying for their well-being, wisdom and strength in their ministry. 

Although they don't ask for it, they need your prayers to comfort them and to continue their mission. Let them know, through prayer, that they are counting on you and that they are not alone. May our prayers give them the strength to overcome obstacles, fidelity to the magisterium and courage to push for change throughout the world. Do you know when your pastor's birthday is? His anniversary of ordination to the priesthood?

5 - What is the impact of the participation of parish groups in the life of the community?

Parish groups are associations formed by members of a parish who share common interests, objectives or activities. These groups are oriented toward the practice and living out of the faith, and usually have the purpose of fostering community, spiritual growth and active participation of the faithful in the life of the parish.

The Parish Pastoral Council, chaired by the pastor, studies all matters pertaining to the pastoral work of the parish and in communion with the diocesan Church. Each group and the different pastoral roles are represented in this Council, and its main mission is to cooperate with the pastor in the programming of activities. Its activity begins a little before the beginning of the school year, in September, and ends after the last official act of the school year, in June. 

People who are interested in developing their specific vocation in the Church can join the parish group that is closest to their human or Christian concerns. Ask your pastor.

párroco

6 - How can I collaborate effectively in the catechesis of my parish?

As Pope Francis writes, the Lord calls us so that "each of us, with our spiritual and intellectual resources, with our professional skills or life experience, and also with our limits and defects, may strive to see ways to collaborate more and better in the immense task of placing Christ at the summit of all human activities" (Christus Vivit, 162).

The lay ministry of the catechist is a vocation, a mission. To be a catechist means that one is a catechistnot that works as a catechist. It is a whole way of being, and we need good catechists who are both companions and pedagogues.

We need creative people who proclaim the Gospel, but who proclaim it with their lives, with gentleness, with a new language and opening new paths. And in so many dioceses, in so many continents, evangelization is fundamentally in the hands of a catechist. 

7 - Be part of the Caritas group of your parish.

The exercise of charity is part of our mission as Catholics. Parish Caritas is run by a group of volunteers who are responsible for identifying cases of need in the parish community. 

Once needs have been identified and resources have been collected, this assistance is distributed directly to the people in need. This can be in the form of food, hygiene items, clothing, financial aid, among others.

The importance of diocesan and parish Caritas and its efforts to guarantee access to basic rights such as food, housing, health and education for the most vulnerable people must be taken into account.

Parish Caritas can also provide assistance in emergency situations, such as natural disasters or sudden economic crises. It collaborates with other local organizations and agencies that offer complementary services, such as emergency shelters, employment centers, health services, among others.

8 - Fundraising

You can also help financially. With a lot or a little. Sporadically or monthly, quarterly, half-yearly or annually. In addition, donations made to foundations or entities under the Patronage Law entail tax deductions for the donors. The cost of the amount actually contributed is much less than the amount received by the institution. The same applies, of course, to donations you make to the parish and diocese.

It also happens with organizations such as the CARF Foundation that support the work of priests and promote their formation. Because the need to be formed and to take care of the permanent updating in the teachings of the Church and in the ways of taking care of people is also necessary for priests.

Remember that your help to the parish and your support of your pastor and priests can make a big difference in the life of the parish and in the life of the pastor. It is always good to talk to the pastor or parish staff to find out their specific needs and how you can best contribute.