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Our Chaplains do minister constantly to us, the people of God. But who are going to ministering to them? They too are only human beings and they have their own needs. They too need to be ministered to. But by whom? By the people they serve, by us lay communities.
Here are some of their needs:
to be accepted, appreciated and encouraged. They too get discouraged sometimes. So, don't be too hard on them.
They too need to feel that they belong. So make them feel they are a part of our groups, families, or to our communities.
They pray for us, they pray with us and over us. Let us also pray for them, that they may be faithful, strong and constant in their commitment to love God and us.
Like us they too have to pay their bills, do their own shopping, pay board & lodging even in their own community. So they need our material or financial support. As St. Paul said: "Those who preach the gospel should receive their living from the gospel" (1 Cor. 9:14).
And when they are old and gone, who will replace them in our communities? Let us encourage vocations to the priesthood and religious life in our communities and especially among our own children, yes, let's start from our own families.
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