FATHER PAUL writes ... - June 2008
The new PCC met for the first time recently. We discussed what it meant to be a PCC member. We saw that the most basic need is commitment. Those who serve on the PCC must be committed to attend meetings, and not let other activities or social functions take priority.
But as we read through the relevant sections in a handbook for PCC members published not so long ago, we began to understand that the need for commitment goes deeper than just turning up for meetings. To be on the PCC means that you take the Christian faith seriously. It affects every part of your life, which means that it has implications for Christian stewardship - how you pray, how you use your money, how you use your time and talents, and so on.
The book suggests that one way that PCC members can measure their commitment to God and his Church is by drawing up a rule of life. I think this is a very good idea, but why confine it to PCC members? All Christians benefit from putting together a simple rule covering the different areas of life. Merely keeping a rule, of course, won’t make us righteous. It’s no substitute for direct faith in God, and living a life of real love towards him and one’s neighbour. But it is a way of supporting and encouraging those things. By reviewing our lives regularly in the light of a rule we can see how we are doing. We can see which areas need more attention or effort.
A rule of life is a personal thing. You have to draw it up for yourself, even though many people like to get advice from someone else, to make sure that it’s a realistic and sensible rule. The person you consult doesn’t need to be a priest, just someone you can talk to freely and whose judgment you trust.
The PCC handbook suggests six elements of a rule of life. Here they are:
1. To attend the eucharist and receive communion every Sunday. Regular worship makes us less self-centred, more God-centred. Sunday mass must be central to our lives.
2. Daily prayer. Setting aside a time each day. When and for how long is up to us.
3. Bible-reading. Making this a habit. What does God want to say to us?
4. Money. Recognising what God has given us, and working out what to give back to the Church (and charitable causes).
5. Our time and talents. Again, how do we respond to God’s generosity by giving some of our time and skills in the service of Church, neighbour and community?
6. Daily life. Are we satisfied with the part our faith plays in our daily lives?
Many Christians already have a rule of life. If you don’t, why not think about it? I am always ready and willing to help.