Browsing by Subject "Pastoral Care"

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African Traditional Healing: A Challenge To Pastoral Care of the Sick in Ghana
(2011) Adu Yaw, Samuel
The Akan community of the Southern Ghana is very traditional in nature. For several years, the lifestyle, thinking pattern, worldview, and cultural practices of the people has not changed much in spite of formal education and western influence. Although a lot has changed over the years as viewed from the periphery, the typical Akan knows that people still maintain their traditions and observe their customs. This research is something we have longed to do over the years. In the culture in which we grew up it was common that some Christians consulted one traditional healer, witch doctor, diviner, etc. during difficult times such as sickness, calamities, etc. It is also out of observation during my pastoral year experience in Ghana in 2008,2009. In our pastoral work, we visited the sick people at their homes, gave them Holy Communion and shared the word of God with them. My observation during that period was that some would visit one traditional healer or the other from time to time. As an African Christian, we would like to research in this area so as to understand this phenomenon to equip me in my future ministiy as a priest.
A New Model of Pastoral Care Resources from Luo Widows in Kisumu Archdiocese
(Anglia Ruskin University, 2017-01) Ojore, Aloys Otieno
This thesis discusses the levirate custom also known as widow inheritance among the Luo of Western Kenya. Persistent observance of the practice by the Luo and its condemnation by the Catholic Church has led to a pastoral dilemma for the Catholic widows in the Archdiocese of Kisumu. Those who reject it are ostracized by the community while those who embrace it are excluded by the Church. This dilemma has remained unresolved for over 115 years since the arrival of Catholicism among the Luo. I have addressed the dilemma in this study. I used a multi-mixed research methods (quantitative and qualitative) to examine the perceptions of the Luo widows regarding the custom. However, the research relied heavily on qualitative methods through the use of focus group discussions, mixed discussion group, narrative techniques and Delphi. The study made use of the pastoral cycle paradigm to facilitate dialogue among the stakeholders in the levirate debate. The findings from the survey showed that a majority of the participants wanted the levirate custom abolished, and widows involved in Church ministries. However, a significant minority wanted it retained and asked the Catholic Church to recognise certain levirate unions. The responses from the focus groups, mixed discussion group and Delphi method, was that the levirate custom as currently practiced, is retrogressive and grossly violates the rights of widows and needs to be stopped. They called upon the government to intervene and protect widows against the abuses. However, the Catholic widows in levirate unions want the Catholic Church to re-think her stand on marriage in the face of diverse human cultures in a rapidly changing world. The desire by widows to be included in Church ministries, pointed to the need for a new model of pastoral care. I have developed a model of widowhood ministry in which Luo widows see Jesus Christ as their ideal husband. The model emerged from the narratives and resources of widows, and from the traditional models of widow care in the Judeo-Christian traditions.
Pastoral Care for The Homosexuals in The Church With Reference to Zimbabwe.
(Tangaza University College, 2004) Mukupo, Xavier
The problem of homosexuality is a daily phenomenon in our contemporary society today. Homosexuality is found through out almost all the cultures and many religions as well. It is also found in all classes of people rich and poor alike. In Chapter One of this research I am going to look at definition and myths and misconception of people of a homosexual orientation. I am going to look at Africa in general and then keep my focus to Zimbabwe. In Zimbabwe I have talked to people of homosexual orientation at Gays and lesbian Zimbabwe Offices in I larare. I talk with one man was a general one but I was able get very vital information. I also got pamphlets, their constitution and a book to help to understand them. 1 am going to see if this problem was imported from Europe, as many people would say. Court cases reported show that as early as 19'h century the problem was already there. I wilt also look at prisons and schools and see if they contribute to this dilemma. I will also look at what happens at Gays and Lesbian Center in Harare. To be homosexual is not easy so I will treat the challenges of being homosexual in a country like Zimbabwe. I will them look at the issue of gay marriage and child adoption which is a hot issue these days. In Chapter Two, I am going to give the theological reflection. Basically. I am going to look at the bible. What does it say both in the Old and New Testaments? It is condemned through and through. Human beings are meant to be co-creators since they are created in the image ad likeness of God. The Catholic Catechism and the Magisterium is very clear as regards to the problem of homosexuality. Ihe Magisterium has a moral position and it talks about the dignity of human person and finally the discrimination against homosexuals. At the end of this chapter I will look at what the Church say on the Gay marriages and child adoption. In my last chapter, which is chapter three. I am going to give the pastoral reflection on the issue of homosexuality. Homosexuals need to be cared for pastorally. This is a special case and must be handled with care. These people need to be accepted without judging them but empathizing with them. No one fully understands their plight therefore we need to be kind to them We can also use the Theology of the Cross in order to help them to realize that they are not suffering alone hut with the crucified Christ. I will give sonic recommendation to help these people. Some of the recommendation have been used elsewhere and have proved to some extend to be hdpful. At the moment I know not a parish, which is handling this issue, but it is important to he prepared for this problem. Homophobia makes it hard for people to come out and seek help from priests and other competent people.