Christ Our Light Catholic Church - Loudonville, NY

October 19 and October 20
Twenty-Ninth Sunday in Ordinary Time

From Deacon Dick~ 

When I was ordained to the Permanent Diaconate 22 years ago, I chose for my ordination card this saying attributed to St. Francis of Assisi: “Preach the Gospel always … when necessary use words.”  Whether or not we are ordained, each of us actually “preaches” in the ways in which we love one another each day, especially in the ways in which we converse with one another.  Given the level of shrill and divisive discourse that infects our world these days, I share with you some suggestions based on Catholic Social Teaching.

GUIDELINES FOR OUR CONVERSATIONS

1. Remember to treat others with the same respect and courtesy with which you wish to be treated.
2. Respect the human dignity of each person and be respectful at all times by giving your undivided attention.
3. Listen actively and carefully. Wait a moment after the other person speaks to acknowledge and absorb what he or she has said before moving on.
4. Be open to really consider another’s point of view; do not dismiss it quickly, but try to understand how it was formulated and why it is compelling to the speaker.
5. Use “I” statements rather than “you” statements.
6. Remain curious rather than judgmental; ask for clarification to learn more.
7. Challenge ideas, not persons. Avoid questioning the integrity and motives of others.
8. Be respectful at all times, in your tone of voice and your body language as well as your verbal language.