His Holiness Pope Shenouda focuses in this lecture on the duty of the priest and the church in “caring for everyone to save him.”
He explains that care is not limited to prayers and sermons only, but includes following up with different groups: youth, children, families, the elderly, the disabled, and new arrivals.
He clarifies the importance of providing spiritual, cultural and entertainment aspects for youth (library, sports activities, theater, choir, scouting, arts, writing), and involving them in visitation service and organization.
He affirms that the successful priest is the one who gathers around him a working team, trains them and assigns them tasks, like the example of Christ who gathered the disciples and sent them to work.
He addresses the danger of leaving the university student without care, because the university may expose him to deviation; therefore he emphasizes follow-up and sending messages and care.
He discusses the priest’s relationship with servants, council members and families: do not leave them only to administration but approach them with love and guidance before problems worsen.
He warns against leniency in matters of marriage and permissions: the priest must not permit an improper marriage out of compassion because that is a responsibility before God.
He stresses patience and perseverance in caring for others: some souls need a long time, and patience with people is like God’s patience with us.
He calls priests to judge themselves first (notice yourself and the teaching) so that they correct themselves and are able to save those around them.
Conclusion: the true aim of caring is the salvation of souls with truth, love and patience, not mere flattery or personal comfort.

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