The Ministry of Presence

As relational people, we recognize that an important aspect of communicating a message is the Ministry of Presence. The theological practice of being with the other, and offering compassionate, undivided attention; as an active way to embody Christ’s love. As relational people, we have the power to be present with one another and to communicate in different ways. Let us hear what Jennifer Melke-Marks, a member of our team, has to say about being present and communicating a message in a creative way.

by Jennifer Melke-Marks, Administrative Coordinator

When I was working on my graduate degree in pastoral ministry, one of my professors would often say that we, as Catholic Christians, have a theology of eating. She noted that not only do we gather around the Eucharistic table every Sunday, but at any other time we gather, one can almost always be certain there will be food. For Catholic Christians, sharing a meal is never just about eating. It’s about creating community; it’s about relationships.

While attending one of the Collaborative Leadership Development Program (CLDP) sessions, our former Executive Director, Sr. Linda Buck, CSJ, shared a similar idea, “the gift of wasting time together.” These are the moments of conversation before a meeting, sharing a cup of tea or coffee, celebrating life’s special occasions, or listening to one another’s stories. These are places where trust is built and community takes root.

As associates, we are companions on a spiritual journey who carry the congregation’s charism and mission into places religious communities may never reach, such as our families, places of work, neighborhoods, parishes, and other organizations. We become living expressions of the charism wherever life takes us. It is not by reading the mission statement of the congregation that people come to learn about and be drawn to the charism, but rather through the personal interactions and relationship with an associate.

To be a relational people means more than being friendly or sociable. It is a spiritual way of life that reflects the radical mutual love and self-giving of the Trinity and the relational ministry of Jesus. Rooted in a deep relationship with God that overflows to others, we welcome, listen to, and accompany others, especially those who are marginalized or suffering.

In a world that is plagued by loneliness and division, this relational witness might be one of the greatest gifts associates offer the Church. Programs and committees certainly matter, but they cannot replace the ministry of presence. Sometimes the most important work we do is the “gift of wasting time with each other.” And as we all know, we are not wasting time at all. We are sharing the charism and building the Kingdom of God one conversation, one shared meal, one act of hospitality at a time.

How have you experienced the ministry of presence or “the gift of wasting time together” in your life and ministry?