Soul friend - A Report of the Spiritual Director (7/31/2023)

On July 31, 2023, I had the blessed opportunity to attend the Knights of Columbus, Austin Chapter Meeting at St. Ignatius Martyr Catholic Church in south Austin. My Spiritual Director Report focuses on Supreme Chaplain's column in the July/August 2023 issue of the "Columbia". I would invite you all to click on this link and read the column for yourself: https://www.kofc.org/en/news-room/columbia/2023/july-august/lori-070123.html.

Our pastor was recently in the Archdiocese of Baltimore for a conference and shared that Mass attendance across the entire Archdiocese averaged about 3,000 per weekend when the capacity is 25,000 or so. Let us pray for the parishes in the east coast as they are struggling against secularism and unfaithfulness to God. We are blessed in Central Texas where the Catholic Church is growing, particularly in the Diocese of Austin where there have been many dedications of churches, including St. Mary in College Station, and many more to come in the future.

In this column, the Supreme Chaplain Archbishop William E. Lori essentially said that he unchurched or barely churched Catholics need a “soul friend” to “accompany” (Pope Francis) them and encourage them until the practice of the faith (especially going to Mass) becomes a regular part of their lives. Moreover, he ended with this evocative statement that serves to inspire brother Knights to do our part in bringing people back into the sheepfold for God's glory and praise. The Supreme Chaplain writes: "One of the greatest acts of charity we can do is to accompany a person or family who is thinking of coming back to church. Some have hardened their hearts, but many others are searching and pondering. By example and gentle encouragement, we might just get them back into the habit of “exercise” that counts the most."

However, I told my brother Knights that we must proceed with love and shared with them this exchange between Luke and Paul from the movie, "Paul, Apostle of Christ":

Luke: This world doesn't know a thing about love.

Paul: And so you would give up on the world when Christ did not give up on us?

Luke: Why not?

Paul: No!

Luke: Why not?

Paul: Love is the only way. Love that suffers long. Love that is kind, that does not envy, that is not proud. Love that does not dishonor, that does not seek for itself. Love that is not easily angered. Love that rejoices in truth. Love that never delights in evil. Love that protects, trusts, hopes, endures all things. That kind of love.

This means that we must expel from our hearts any sarcastic comments or remarks, but be welcoming with authentic love for those brothers and sisters of ours who have been away from Mass for so long, whatever the case may be. I shared with them Fr. Charlie's comment on "catching the big fish" (those who have not been to Confession for 40+ years or so) and how love can help penitents heal and return to Mass because they feel the love and mercy of God through us.

Deacon Phúc’s challenges for all Knights for the month of August

PERSONAL & FAMILY: Invite and accompany someone to Mass that has not been to Mass in a while. Help and encourage them before, during, and after Mass but do not be “overbearing.”

COUNCIL: Encourage men to attend the “Triumph Men’s Conference” on August 19, 2023 from 9:00 A.M. to 6:00 P.M., at St. Patrick Church, Hutto, Texas (http://triumphconference.com/)