Good morning, digital neighbors! Happy Saturday! As this week concludes with some thoughts and quotes about community and neighbors, I pray that you have at least a few communities that enrich your life. You don’t need many good neighbors, but a few make our pilgrimage through life more meaningful. A few final thoughts and observations on the importance of good communities.

"Communication leads to community, that is, to understanding, intimacy, and mutual valuing." — Rollo May

According to Positive Psychology, these are ten traits that they have identified as the elements of a healthy and positive community. While most if not all of these are self-evident, it is good to see them articulated. I have placed the link for those who want to read what they have to say about all of these ten traits. I will of course have a few comments of my own on this pleasant autumn morning.

1.    Common goals
2.    Freedom of expression
3.    Address member concerns with sensitivity
4.    Set clear policies and obligations
5.    Fairness
6.    Celebrate heritage and traditions
7.    Promote interaction among members
8.    Elect leaders that stand by community values
9.    Prioritize effective communication
10. Make smart decisions

https://positivepsychology.com/10-traits-positive-community/

There is a lot to unpack with these; perhaps on another day I will give a breakdown of my own thoughts regarding these community traits. My parish family is my first and primary community. I take spiritual fatherhood seriously in my leadership. While I wear many hats as a pastor, the fatherhood one is the most important. I am concerned for the personal well-being of my flock. While I don’t know everyone who attends Mass at my two parishes, I know many. I know where they all tend to sit and remember conversations with them from one Sunday to the next.

I am thankful that I know all my Daily Mass goers by name. Most days we have about 50 people celebrating Mass, and there is about a 20-person variance. On a low day, only 30, and on a high day, about 70. It helps that I arrive early so that I may greet them, visit with them, and take the time to form those bonds that build community. I do the same on Sunday, but it takes a bit more time to know 130 to 170 people and many come in other entries rather than the main one.

It goes without saying what I think about these digital neighborhoods where I roam.  I have a fondness and appreciation for all of them where I tend to hang my hat for visits and commentary.  After my time with the Divine, my next stop tends to be either e-mails or these intentional communities. 

I had Grok do an analysis of At Padre’s.

The "At Padre's" community on Locals.com is a small, informal online space centered around casual conversations and content sharing. It operates under the tagline "Your Digital Neighborhood - A place for connection, community and conversation," emphasizing open discussions on a wide array of topics without strict structure or expectations. The subtitle "Home of the ADD Irregulars & Crusty Curmudgeons" suggests a humorous, self-deprecating vibe aimed at people who might identify as distractible, quirky, or grumpily opinionated, fostering a laid-back environment where participation is "ALWAYS INVITED - NEVER EXPECTED."

Pretty accurate.  Happy Saturday my neighbors across the interwebs.

Rolands-Varsbergs Autumn's warm embrace in Nusfjord, Lofoten – a tranquil Nordic haven.- Unsplash