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Community Discipline

What do we do when the behaviour of an individual in an OCDS group or community is disruptive, even to the point of driving others away?  An argumentative person, a person with particular agendas, someone with an undiagnosed personality disorder, can damage the life of the community - and then leadership has to be shown.  The principle must be that the welfare of the community always takes priority.  A difficult person can be indulged up to a point but only up to a point.  On the other hand, there is a difference between a person being difficult and a person pointing out uncomfortable truths that the rest of the community doesn’t want to face.  If for example the discipline and structure of the meetings slides and they degenerate into talk shops, those who are comfortable with that may not want to be reminded that there is a better way.  Likewise, if ideas contrary to the faith are being bandied around in discussion, that might be defended by some in the name of freedom, whereas it is likely to be destructive.  Continuing reliance on prayer must be the watchword in all this – including prayer for good leadership.

 

Intercessions

RIP Mervyn Leach, father of two Secular Carmelites; Daranee Teapthong

 

Cancer: Brian Davis, Bernard (and wife Angela caring for him), Jacqui, Fr Jon Bielowski (Plymouth Diocese), Catherine, Alex (43 with five children), Theresa K

 

Sophie – newborn having heart surgery; Sianna, young child in the post-operative phase; James, recovering from heart surgery

 

Ivy – sick child

 

Brian (recovering from Pneumonia)

 

Kevin (heart attack)

 

William Gove (recovering from stroke)

 

Illness:  Katy Keeling

 

Siena, Elara – sick children

 

David OCDS – housebound

 

Grace – troubling ailments, job difficulties, family (deceased mother and health of father)

 

Mark – brain infection

 

Michael, Kira – vulnerable youngsters

 

Defence of the unborn and the elderly

 

We are asked to pray for the Diocese of Chiang Mai and Northern Thailand, as the Northern Mission celebrates its centenary. The process of selecting a new bishop continues.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
 
 

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1 Comment

Guest
Jul 18
Where there is no love, put love -- and you will find love.

St. John of the Cross


There are many great courses in the Catholic Church  for those seeking to “lead” with love. Thinking of St. Beunos and also a good spiritual direction course may be a good start for you.


However leadership issues, should be discussed privately, esp about people’s vulnerabilities and community matters, with maturity of faith and great charity.  


One also, has to be cautious making public assertions in a position of responsibility, especially diagnostic, when one may not be medically qualified to do so and with sensitivity and great charity.


As this is a public website,  I hope that anyone reading this in the Order…


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