The impact of pastoral care on sunday observance in Vvumba parish in light of the instruction "pastoral conversion of the parish community"

Abstract

Pastoral care is an ancient model of emotional, social, spiritual and material support that is found in all societies. It involves a pastor who acts as a spiritual leader of a given community engaging oneself in activities that bring people closer to God and as well maintain unity amongst Christians. The general objective of this study is to determine the impact of Pastoral Care on Sunday observance of Christians in a Parish setting. This is achieved through exploring the meaning and value of Pastoral Care; its relationship with Sunday observance and the possible reasons for its decline. My research findings indicate that the minimal Church attendance in Vvumba Parish is due to lack of pastoral care services on the side of priests. A pastor’s activities include: leading worship, celebrating sacraments, visiting the people in their various settings, supporting the marginalized and seeking out the lost. It is also the work of a pastor to remind the Christian faithful of their duty as baptized members of the Church to evangelize. It is therefore incumbent upon all Church leaders to involve themselves in Pastoral Care that leads many into the sheepfold of Christ. The instruction, The Pastoral Conversion of the Parish Community promulgated on July 20, 2020 by the Congregation for the Clergy highlights the importance of seeking new ways of Evangelization by; effecting reforms in parish structures, promoting a spirit of communion, collaboration, encounter, mercy and solicitude for the proclamation of the Word (TPCPC, n. 2). It is an observed phenomenon that where Pastors are not involved in the life of their people, the congregation that comes for worship especially on Sundays also dwindles. Globalization having spread so fast like a wild fire, it is necessary that Pastors read the signs of the time while adapting to both historic changes and the needs of the people. This study explores the relationship between Pastoral Care and Sunday Observance and the main protagonists of Pastoral care are the Priests. The interaction between the Clergy and the faithful is the best solution to this pastoral challenge.