Podcasts kids EP55: Living with Intention in a Time of Crisis with Father Dennis

EP55: Living with Intention in a Time of Crisis with Father Dennis

Published: April 21, 2020, 6 a.m.

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Host Allison Hare talks to Father Dennis Dorner, Jr., her first repeat guest, about how he is using his time in self-isolation during the COVID-19 pandemic, how he views his role as a priest when he and his congregation can’t go to church, how science and faith are not incompatible, and more. You can also WATCH this episode on YouTube.

Episode Highlights:

  • During the pandemic, Father Dennis has been doing daily prayers online at 11am and 3pm as well as live online mass on Sundays in order to provide a sense of ritual and comfort during this time of anxiety.
  • He also teaches contextual education, or ministry, at Emory University, and he has 10 interns with whom he teaches and discusses how to minister to the most needy populations like the homeless.
  • Even the most secular person relies on and thrives on routine and ritual.
  • For Father Dennis, prayer isn’t about having God whisper in his ear, it’s about aligning himself with those who are hurting.
  • This pandemic is not an apocalyptic act of God, it’s the result of the actions of man.
  • It takes 30 days to build a habit, so Father Dennis hopes we’ll be mindful of what we’re doing during this time to grow and bring about positive change.
  • He is concerned about what he’s observed in his community and some other communities with people feeling they cannot have their relationship with God unless they’re physically present in a church.
  • He’s become more aware of people’s lack of understanding about science in this time, like people seeking antibiotics for a virus, when those are for bacterial infections, not viruses.
  • Father Dennis is hoping this can be a time to learn rather than needing to experience.
  • He sees people taking more of an interest in the divine right now, whether or not it leads them to formalized religion.
  • This crisis hasn’t made Father Dennis question his choices, specifically, but it has exacerbated his need to be at peace with being isolated.
  • He has set intentions for his days, like choosing not to watch anything on TV after 8pm.
  • His main intention is to connect with people.
  • Is peace possible without grace? It’s an involuntary grace that comes when you search for peace.

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