Pathway Light

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

In a reflection published by 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 wear out their welcome or be told they are no longer welcome, whereas belonging is more intrinsic. Tellez states that relationships based on belonging act as protective factors for mental health by helping people become more resilient and fostering inner healing.

Tellez suggests that many people mistakenly believe they are only meant to be tolerated rather than cherished. He reminds listeners that God views individuals as beloved and connected.