Pastoral spiral

Reflecting on Service through Charity

Introducing the Pastoral Cycle.

Adapted from © Sandie Cornish, Australian Jesuits, January 2007, revised October 2009.

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Christian Charity in the World

Since our service is linked to our course work (Altruism and Christian Charity) we reflect through these lenses as we consider the work we will do in our volunteer service this semester.

You are already immersed in Altruism so you have a lens to focus your service though.

Charity…our topic for the second half then is important to define for the moment in a general way. (We will consider it in detail later in the course)

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What is Christian Charity … Listen to the words of this song, it captures what Christians are called to in the name of Charity. Charity is a Divine Virtue, it is learning to love others as God loves.

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The Pastoral Cycle

A way to genuinely reflect on how our service, attitudes and actions fit in the context of altruism and Christian charity, we use a guide called the pastoral cycle.

Four easy steps to keep us focused on our purposes and the outcomes of our service to others.

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What is the Pastoral Spiral?

A flexible framework that can be been used for pastoral, academic or community action purposes.

Known variously as the pastoral circle, pastoral cycle or pastoral spiral.

The moments are known as:

experience or contact;

social analysis or simply analysis;

theological reflection or reflection;

and pastoral planning or response.

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Why is it Important?

Christian life centers on Jesus…model and mentor, God and Savior of the Universe.

Christian discipleship demands that Christians, “go and do likewise.” (Luke 10:37) That is…be Christ in the world…to all people.

Christians are called to communal and individual ministry of service and charity.

Praxis is a term used to describe the thoughtful undertaking of being Christ in the world. It demands that Christians live the story of Jesus.

Love who Jesus loved.

Embrace the marginalized.

Serve one another.

Proclaim God’s mercy and unconditional love.

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