Pastor’s Discernment Prayer & Reflection Sheet

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Regarding Participation in ShareNetwork

“Unless the Lord builds the house, those who build it labor in vain.”
- Psalm 127:1

Opening Prayer

Heavenly Father,
You have entrusted to me the care of Your people and the stewardship of this parish.

Grant me wisdom to discern what serves Your will, courage to act where You are calling, and humility to refrain where You are not.

Let every decision be guided not by fear or pressure, but by truth, charity, and pastoral prudence.

May the Holy Spirit illuminate what strengthens families, restores dignity, and draws souls closer to You.

I place this discernment under Your authority, through Christ our Lord.

Amen.

Pastoral Discernment Reflections

(Take time. There is no need to answer all questions at once.)

1. Pastoral Need

• Where do I see genuine hunger or vulnerability in our parish or surrounding community?
   
• Are there people who are being missed by existing systems?
   
• Is this parish being called to a more visible, local response?
   

Notes:

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2. Alignment with Parish Mission

• Does this initiative support our parish’s spiritual and pastoral priorities?
   
• Does it strengthen parish life rather than distract from it?
   
• Does it invite participation rather than create dependency?
   

Notes:

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3. Subsidiarity & Local Authority

• Does this model respect my pastoral authority and parish governance?
   
• Are decisions kept local and within the parish’s discernment?
   
• Does it avoid unnecessary bureaucracy?
   

Notes:

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4. Risk & Prudence

• Does this structure protect the parish from financial, political, or reputational risk?
   
• Are expectations realistic for volunteers and staff?
   
• Is there a clear exit if this is not the right fit?
   

Notes:

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5. Fruits to Watch For

• Would this foster dignity and participation among those served?
   
• Could this draw parishioners into meaningful service?
   
• Might this help restore trust between the Church and the community?
   

Notes:

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6. Timing & Readiness

• Is this the right season for our parish?
   
• Do we have the leadership capacity for a limited pilot?
   
• Would beginning modestly be prudent?
   

Notes:

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Prayer for Wisdom

Lord Jesus,
You fed the hungry by involving Your disciples, using what was already present, and restoring dignity through participation.

If this path reflects Your will for our parish, grant clarity and peace.

If it does not, grant the freedom to say no without regret.

May every decision serve the good of souls and the glory of God.

Amen.

Closing Reflection

“The pastor is not called to do everything, but to discern what must be done - and how.”
 

Take time.
Seek counsel.
Pray again.

There is no urgency beyond faithfulness.

Prepared for Pastoral Discernment
ShareNetwork
A project of Your Catholic Voice Foundation (501(c)(3))