In community discernment as defined by the Social Discernment Cycle, action flows from a foundation of prayer and reflection. This principle, often called “contemplative action,” ensures that steps taken are both intentional and spiritually grounded….
What happens when stability crumbles? Almost immediately after Jesus points his disciples to the widow’s humble offering, they turn their attention to the temple’s grandeur. “Look at the size of those stones!” they marvel. But…
When undertaking community discernment and social analysis, the next step after observation is to select and examine the social structure we wish to understand. This process can occur during several prayerful gatherings with your outreach…
Rural vs. Urban Experiences Homelessness, both rural and urban, affects communities across the state of Georgia. A recent Point-in-Time count found that more than 12,000 Georgians experienced homelessness. While this reflects a 37% decrease since…
Understanding Poverty Understanding poverty means acknowledging that it transcends borders, cultures, and communities. It does not discriminate. It touches every race and ethnicity and weaves a narrative whose nuances are often lost on the general…
Jürgen Moltmann The great German theologian of hope, Jürgen Moltmann, died on June 3, 2024. As one of the greatest theologians of our time, Moltmann is known for many things. His biography is like something…
Far-Reaching Impact of Human Trafficking According to the DEA, “human trafficking involves the use of force, fraud, or coercion to obtain some type of labor or commercial sex act.” This sinister form of exploitation continues…
Understanding Christian Paradox The Christian life contains a multitude of paradoxes, inviting us to embrace truths that may contradict conventional wisdom. One such paradox lies in Jesus’ profound statement in John 12:24-26: “Unless a grain…
The Grant Process Our grants catalyze change, address pressing social issues, and strengthen marginalized communities. They provide a profound opportunity for parishes and their nonprofit. However, the grant evaluation process can feel daunting, especially to…
Being Alive I once read that the brain uses roughly 20% of the body’s energy. It’s staggering that this three-pound organ consumes such caloric intake, revealing the cost of those billions of neurons and synapses…
The Human Experience of Hunger We all hunger. It’s part of our human condition. There is something good about it; being human is possessing this bodily message that reminds us we lack something. It tells…
Being Shushed Few things are as irritating as being “shushed.” I still recall childhood memories of fingers pressed against lips as the sibilant hissing struck a chord of irritation within me. Shushing is abrupt; it…