Studia Pastoralne
Rocznik Wydziału Teologicznego UŚ

Social consequences of depression as a challenge for pastoral work
Summary
Depression and its impact on a human are usually identified in regard to some psychosomatic disorders. People with depressive personality disorder often admit to mental problems. With a growing number of the afflicted the society starts getting used to the fact that the problem is here to stay. The article is an attempt to discuss social problems the afflicted persons have to face, although the subject is too complex to be exhausted in a relatively short text. The author referred to the most urgent problems of the depressed, like merital ones (both in the aspect of relations and of sex), different sorts of addictions (alcohol, drugs, gambling, which may be the reason but also the result of depression), and the last but not least – to the problems the participants of liturgy might have (the participant’s disorder which is causing his/her unusual behaviour may be perceived negatively due to unawareness and lack of understanding). All the above indicate the complexity of the problem and the necessity to increase social awareness of it. Depression becomes also a challenge for pastoral work of the Church which should develop empathy, sympathy, mercy, individual approach to each and every person, more leniency towards one’s neighbour and giving up judgments.

A Religion teacher in a school environment in the face of a demonology issue
Summary
The presence of a religion teacher at school becomes a chance to evangelise both students and teachers. They all come from different backgrounds and have vary¬ing experience of God. The article A Religion Teacher in a School Environment in the Face of a Demonology Issue is an attempt to show a religion teacher’s tasks which he can undertake during religious instruction lessons and during informal contacts with other teachers. These tasks are not focused only on spreading the Gospel. But also on making young people aware of spiritual threats connected with wearing satanist symbols and promoting satanism, organizing Halloween, propagating magic. The article proves that the school curriculum for catechism does not underline the threats sufficiently. It contains suggestions of improving the content of the subject in this aspect and also of fuller use of the priest teacher’s presence at school.