Discussion Question: Week 1 - The Call of Job

I like this comment, "It takes effort to stay with the real housekeeping of making sure the candidate is getting all they need for discernment." God is not concern about numbers. God works best with small numbers, so that we don't get a swell head, or pump up our on "ego" (Edging God Out).

I've found the biggest challenge of my ministry has been about focusing on the needs of the candidate/catechumen. In preparing them to receive their sacraments, it's easy to get distracted checking off the "to do" list. It takes effort to stay with the real housekeeping of making sure the candidate is getting all they need for discernment. I talk with other RCIA catechists and it almost always seems to come back to how many we can parade around for Easter and calls to pressure them to decide in time for the Rite of Election. Pumping up th rolls in time for Easter just like the pews doesn't mean they're going to stay.

Thank you, Michael!

Deacon Bennett, it's apparent that you know the image of God, the Potter, and we the clay. Indeed, the Potter is spinning and molding us as we walk with Job and others, we must persevere. Your words are useful.

After 4 years of being neglected by my pastor, I've realized that God is "indeed" preparing and molding me into something wonderful in his eyes. And when the time is right (God's time), I will see and appreciate how patient and perseverant I've become with God's help.

In other words, he is working on my weaknesses. To make me a better version of myself. Thank you, Michael!

I have heard of this challenge in the Deacon's ministry before. Some pastors are a gem while others make you want to run in the opposite direction. Sometimes, when we have moments like these we have to be still and wait on the Lord. We have to use our challenges to be a blessing, perhaps God is shaping us in way that can only come from challenges, like a Pastor that refuses to see our spiritual gifts. Deacon Bennett, what can God for you in the midst of this challenging pastor?

The challenges that I am having is not with the people I serve. The problem(s) I'm having is dealing with a pastor, who is not supportive nor respects my position as a deacon. The Diaconate is about stewardship. Waiting on tables in order to serve God's children who are in need, is basically what we are about.

When services are offered but refuse by the pastor, it makes me very discouraged.

However, my faith in God, along with a good support system from saintly parishioners here where I service, keeps me going.

A serious challenge in my walk occurs when I have to bite my tongue and remember that the obtuse, contradictory and challenging family member I am talking to is also a child of God. In many families there is that one person you love, but is difficult to deal with. They are always correct and if you, God forbid, repeat yourself, then you have a problem. I am learning to "let it go," move on in the conversation, and limit my exposure to the person. Sometimes I now say,"I see your point" to keep the peace. Always, always...I ask God to be with me before I answer this person's call.

Good morning class, the first night of our study on the Book of Job was awesome, I was very pleased with the turn out and the level of participation. Over 3/4 of those who registered for this class attended. I pray that we can maintain this level of spiritual gathering moving forward.

Last night, we talked about Job righteousness and the Doctrine of Retribution. We ended our study on some challenging words from Job, and the words to his wife. There were plenty words of wisdom in our conversation.

During this week, our discussion is all about challenges in your ministry, or let's say your walk with God. Please name some of the difficulties and then reflect on an individual that helped you overcome those hurdles. What did they say? How did they help you make meaning in your life? Reading assignment due by September 28 - Job 12, 13, 16:2-6,