Pew to Pilgrim - May Peace Be With You

“Counsel the Doubtful” may seem like an Act of Mercy solely for the clergy. But there are many opportunities and needs for us as lay Catholics to actively participate in this spiritual act. 

Different from “Instruct the Ignorant”, this Act of Mercy involves assisting with decisions, or counseling. The word counsel come from the Latin word consilium meaning consultation or advice. 

“Counsel the Doubtful” may seem like an Act of Mercy solely for the clergy. But there are many opportunities and needs for us as lay Catholics to be actively counsel others in our life, our parish and community. 

How does one go about practicing this act? It starts with doing it ourselves “Listen to counsel and receive instruction, that you may eventually become wise.” Proverbs 19:20. Be an active listener.

What is going on around you? What questions are you hearing from others, reading in the media or hearing in a homily? Are you prepared to discuss these with others or do you need more information or practice? Volunteer to help others prepare for Sacraments, e.g. FOCCUS for marriage or parents for Baptism. 

Stay updated on what is happening in our parish and the Archdiocese of Chicago. Watch videos of Pope Francis, listen to podcasts, read the recent papal encyclical on the environment, Laudato Si, and Pope Francis’ recently published apostolic exhortation Joy of Love (Amoris Laetitia) about the family.

• Reflect on your own ability to accept counsel – Proverbs 19:20
• Read Pope Francis' Apostolic Exhortation on Love in the Family
• Reflect on a personal frustration – how can you share it with God?
• Test yourself – get a book of questions based on real-world situations & reflect on how your answers align with what God wants
• Become a member of Women’s Spirituality Group Lectio Divina
• Join the HNC Bible Study Group on Wednesday evenings
• Speak with an atheist in a non-judgmental way about their disbelief in God
• Consider a vocation as a lay spiritual or ministerial leader
• Watch videos to learn more about our faith Fr. Barron’s Word on Fire or Dynamic Catholic
• Become an RCIA Sponsor
• Say special prayers for those who are lost; become a Minister of Praise
• Practice the Sacrament of Penance – go to Confession & discuss your recent decisions with your priest
• Bring someone to the next Nightfever: Chicago to meet with a priest
• Participate in Young Adults upcoming Book Club When God is Silent on June 30
• Research a saint who counseled others – learn their ways, (e.g. St. Ignatius of Loyola, St.Thérèse of Lisieux, St. Augustine of Hippo)
• Start a small Faith Sharing group – explore key questions facing Catholics
• Become a lay leader at Holy Name Cathedral – join a commission, Young Adults Board or Parish Council
• Learn about counseling others grappling with depression Eriks’s Lighthouse

Lori Doyle and Gabi Schultz are members of the Parish Pastoral Council, active with a variety of Liturgical Ministries as Lectors, Extraordinary Ministers, Cathedral Altar Servers and Ministers of Care at Prentice Hospital/NW Hospital. Both parishioners for about 6 years, Lori loves to travel and cook and is a proud mother of her son John, a UM Wolverine. Gabi enjoys trying new restaurants, running, cooking lessons and spending time with friends and family.

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