Pathway Light

Father Eric Tellez, the pastor of St. Patrick Catholic Community in Scottsdale, says that welcoming people is an incomplete act without fostering a sense of belonging.

Writing for the Diocese of Phoenix, Tellez explains that while the Church is called to welcome others, welcoming can sometimes be conditional. He notes that people can feel they have worn out their welcome or have been told they are no longer welcome. In contrast, he describes belonging as something more intrinsic.

Tellez states that relationships based on belonging act as protective factors for mental health by fostering inner healing and resilience. He suggests that many people mistakenly believe they are only meant to be tolerated rather than cherished, but he reminds them that they are beloved by God.