DOCSLIB.ORG

The New Evangelization for the Transmission of the Christian Faith

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
The New Evangelization for the Transmission of the Christian Faith S Y N O D O F B I S H O P S XIII ORDINARY GENERAL ASSEMBLY THE NEW EVANGELIZATION FOR THE TRANSMISSION OF THE CHRISTIAN FAITH INSTRUMENTUM LABORIS VATICAN CITY 2012 The Instrumentyum laboris can be found on the Internet at the Vatican website: http://www.vatican.va © The General Secretariat of the Synod of Bishops and Libreria Editrice Vaticana. This text can be reproduced by bishops' conferences, or at their authorisation, provided that the contents are not altered in any way and two copies of the same are sent to the General Secretariat of the Synod of Bishops, 00120 Vatican City State. PREFACE “Increase our faith!” (Lk 17:5) is the Apostles’ prayer to the Lord Jesus, when they realize that faith, which is a gift from God, is the only way of having a personal relationship with him and fulfilling their vocation as disciples. Their plea arose from an awareness that their limitations kept them from forgiving others. Faith is also needed in performing signs which illustrate the presence of the Kingdom of God in the world. Jesus used the fig tree, withered to its roots, to encourage his disciples. “Have faith in God. Truly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be taken up and cast into the sea’ and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that what he says will come to pass, it will be done for him. Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours” (Mk 11:22-24). St. Mark the Evangelist also emphasizes the importance of faith in accomplishing great works. “Truly, I say to you, if you have faith and never doubt, you will not only do what has been done to the fig tree, but even if you say to this mountain, ‘Be taken up and cast into the sea,’ it will be done” (Mt 21:21). On various occasions, the Lord Jesus admonishes “the Twelve” for their lack of faith. To the question of why they were unable to cast out a demon, the Master responds: “Because of your little faith” ()4 J¬< Ï84(@B4FJ\"< ß:ä<) (Mt 17:20). On the Sea of Tiberias, before calming the storm, Jesus reproves his disciples: “Why are you afraid, O men of little faith?” (Ï84(`B4FJ@4) (Mt 8:26). They were to entrust themselves to God and to Providence, and not worry about material things. “But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is alive and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you, O men of little faith?” (Mt 6:30; cf. Lk 12:28). A similar situation takes place before the multiplication of the loaves. Faced with the realization that the disciples had forgotten to take bread in crossing to the other side of the lake, the Lord Jesus says: “O men of little faith, why do you discuss among yourselves the fact that you have no bread? Do you not yet perceive? Do you not remember the five loaves of the five thousand, and how many baskets you gathered?” (Mt 16:8-9). Matthew’s Gospel gives special attention to the account of Jesus’ walking on the water and reaching the Apostles in the boat. After calming the Apostles’ fear, he accepts the challenge of St. Peter: “Lord, if it is you, bid me come to you on the water” (Mt 14:28). At first, St. Peter walks towards Jesus on the water without any difficulty. “But when he saw the wind, he was afraid, and beginning to sink he cried out, ‘Lord, save me!’ iii Jesus immediately reached out his hand and caught him, saying to him, ‘O man of little faith, why did you doubt?’” (Mt 14:30-31). Afterwards, Jesus and St. Peter together get into the boat and the wind ceases. The disciples, witnesses to this great happening, prostrate themselves before the Lord and make a full profession of faith: “Truly you are the Son of God!” (Mt 14:33). In our times, St. Peter’s experience can be reflected in many of the faithful as well as entire Christian communities, especially in traditionally Christian countries. In fact, because of a lack of faith, various particular Churches are witnessing a decline in sacramental and Christian practice among the faithful to the point that some members can even be called “non- believers” (–B4FJ@4; cf. Mt 17:17; 13,58). At the same time, many particular Churches, after initially displaying a great enthusiasm, are now showing signs of weariness and apprehension in the face of very complex situations in today’s world. Like St. Peter, they grow fearful of opposing forces and temptations of various kinds as well as challenges that surpass their human capabilities. But, just as salvation came to St. Peter from Christ alone, so too the faithful, when they become personally involved as members of an ecclesial community, can experience Christ’s saving grace. Only the Lord Jesus can extend his hand and indicate the sure path in the journey of faith. These brief reflections on faith in the Gospels can help illustrate the topic of the XIII Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops: “The New Evangelization for the Transmission of the Christian Faith”. The importance given to the faith is further emphasized by the decision of the Holy Father, Pope Benedict XVI to celebrate a Year of Faith, beginning on 11 October 2012, to commemorate the fiftieth anniversary of the opening of the Second Vatican Council and the twentieth anniversary of the publication of The Catechism of the Catholic Church. Both observances will take place during the celebration of the synod. Once again, the Lord’s words to St. Peter the Apostle, the rock on which he built his Church, have particular meaning (cf. Mt 16:19): “But I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail; and when you have turned again, strengthen your brethren" (Lk 22:32). “The door of faith” (Acts 14:27) will again be open to all of us. The goal of evangelization today is, as always, the transmission of the Christian faith. This task primarily concerns communities of Jesus’ disciples which are organized into particular Churches, diocesan and eparchial, whose worshippers gather regularly for liturgical celebrations, hear the Word of God, celebrate the sacraments — especially the iv Eucharist — and look to pass on the treasure of faith to the members of their families, communities and parishes. They accomplish this task by proclaiming and bearing witness to the Christian life through the catechumenate, catechesis and works of charity. Evangelization in general is the everyday work of the Church. With the assistance of the Holy Spirit, this so-called ordinary evangelizing activity can be endowed with renewed vigour. New methods and new forms of expression are needed to convey to the people of today the perennial truth of Jesus Christ, forever new and the source of all newness. Only a sound and robust faith, witnessed in a poignant manner in the lives of the martyrs, can give impetus to many short- term or long-range pastoral projects, breathe new life into existing structures and spur a pastoral creativity to meet the needs of people today and the expectations of present-day society. This renewed dynamism in the Christian community will lead to renewed missionary activity (missio ad gentes), now more urgent than ever, given the large number of people who do not know Jesus Christ, in not only far-off countries but also those already evangelized. By allowing themselves to be animated by the Holy Spirit, Christians will then be more attuned to their brothers and sisters who, despite being baptized, have drifted from the Church and Christian practice. The new evangelization is primarily directed to these people so that they can rediscover the beauty of their Christian faith and the joy of a personal relationship with the Lord Jesus in the Church and the community of the faithful. This Instrumentum laboris treats the afore-mentioned subjects and will serve as the agenda for the upcoming synodal assembly. The document is a summary of the responses to the questions in the Lineamenta, which were submitted by the synods of bishops from the Eastern Catholic Churches sui iuris, the episcopal conferences, the departments of the Roman Curia and the Union of Superiors General as well as other institutions and communities of the faithful, who wished to participate in the Church's reflection on the synod topic. Assisted by the Ordinary Council and the valuable contribution of experts, the General Secretariat of the Synod of Bishops prepared this document which describes many promising aspects of evangelization reflected in the Church on all five continents. At the same time, it proposes various topics for consideration so that the Church may continue to perform adequately her work of evangelization, while taking into account the many challenges and difficulties of the present moment. Encouraged by the Lord’s words, “Let not your hearts be troubled; believe v in God, believe also in me.” (Jn 14:1) and clearly guided by the Holy Father, Pope Benedict XVI, the synod fathers are preparing themselves to reflect on these matters in an atmosphere of prayer, listening and affective and effective communion. They will not undertake this work alone; they will be accompanied by those continuing to pray for the synod. Looking to the communion of the Church Triumphant, the members of the XIII Ordinary General Assembly trust in the intercession of the saints, in particular the Virgin Mary, who is blessed because “she believed that there would be a fulfilment of what was spoken to her from the Lord” (Lk 1:45).
Load more

Recommended publications
  • 1 Ad Gentes, Evangelii Nuntiandi, Redemptoris Missio and Dialogue
    CHURCH TEACHING ON MISSION: Ad Gentes, Evangelii Nuntiandi, Redemptoris Missio and Dialogue and Proclamation Stephen Bevans, SVD Introduction This paper will summarize the church’s official teaching in the Roman Magisterium on the theology and conduct of its evangelizing mission. Rather than summarize each document, however, which would be quite tedious and repetitious, I will rather present the several aspects of each document that present new aspects to the Magisterium’s teaching on mission. The original request for this paper suggested that I look only at Evangelii Nuntiandi (EN) and Redemptoris Missio (RM). It seems to me, however, that a more rounded picture of contemporary church teaching on mission needs to start with Vatican II’s Decree on Missionary Activity, Ad Gentes and needs also to include the document issued shortly after RM by the Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples and the Pontifical Council for Dialogue, Dialogue and Proclamation (DP). This last document, issued in 1991, is now eighteen years old. Since then two other documents have been issued by the Roman Magisterium that are important for the church’s mission–Dominus Iesus in 2000 and Doctrinal Notes on Some Aspects of Evangelization in 2007,both issued by the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith. These, however, are more cautionary in tone and do not present any new or constructive teaching as such. I will refer to them towards the end of the paper, but only briefly. It might be helpful to read or refer to the major documents I am reflecting on here. They are all available in Latin, English, Spanish, German and Italian on the Vatican Website (vatican.va).
    [Show full text]
  • How Do the Writings of Pope Benedict XVI on "Transformation" Apply to a Couple's Growth in Holiness in Sacramental Marriage?
    The University of Notre Dame Australia ResearchOnline@ND Theses 2018 How do the writings of Pope Benedict XVI on "transformation" apply to a couple's growth in holiness in sacramental marriage? Houda Jilwan The University of Notre Dame Australia Follow this and additional works at: https://researchonline.nd.edu.au/theses Part of the Religion Commons COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA Copyright Regulations 1969 WARNING The material in this communication may be subject to copyright under the Act. Any further copying or communication of this material by you may be the subject of copyright protection under the Act. Do not remove this notice. Publication Details Jilwan, H. (2018). How do the writings of Pope Benedict XVI on "transformation" apply to a couple's growth in holiness in sacramental marriage? (Master of Philosophy (School of Philosophy and Theology)). University of Notre Dame Australia. https://researchonline.nd.edu.au/theses/194 This dissertation/thesis is brought to you by ResearchOnline@ND. It has been accepted for inclusion in Theses by an authorized administrator of ResearchOnline@ND. For more information, please contact [email protected]. HOW DO THE WRITINGS OF POPE BENEDICT XVI ON “TRANSFORMATION” APPLY TO A COUPLE’S GROWTH IN HOLINESS IN SACRAMENTAL MARRIAGE? Houda Jilwan A thesis submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements of the degree of Master of Philosophy School of Philosophy and Theology The University of Notre Dame Australia 2018 Table of Contents Introduction................................................................................................................................ 1 Chapter 1: The universal call to holiness .................................................................................. 11 1.1 Meaning of holiness ..................................................................................................... 11 1.2 A quick overview of the universal call to holiness in Scripture and Tradition ..................
    [Show full text]
  • Laity for the New Evangelization “The Church Today Ought to Take a Giant Step Forward in Her Evangelization Effort, and Enter
    Card. Stanisław Ryłko President Pontifical Council for the Laity Vatican City Laity for the New Evangelization “The Church today ought to take a giant step forward in her evangelization effort, and enter into a new stage of history in her missionary dynamism”. 1 This statement in Christifideles Laici is still very relevant today, and the role of the laity in this process continues to be irreplaceable. Christ said “you too go into my vineyard” ( Mt 20: 3-4), and this invitation should be seen as a clear call to an ever-growing number of lay men and women to take on their responsibility in the life and mission of the Church. This refers to their responsibility in the life and mission of all the Christian communities – dioceses and parishes, and ecclesial associations and movements. The engagement of lay people in evangelization is already changing the life of the Church 2, and this is a major sign of hope for the Church. The enormity of the harvest to be collected for the sake of the Gospel today gives a note of urgency to the Divine Master’s missionary mandate : “Go into all the world and proclaim the good news to the whole creation” ( Mk 16:15). Unfortunately, nowadays a mentality of relativism has taken root and is spreading even among Christians. This creates a great deal of confusion for our mission. Some examples are the following: the tendency to replace mission with a kind of dialogue in which all positions are equal; the tendency to reduce evangelization to human advancement and no more, being convinced that it is enough to help people to be better people or to be more faithful to their own religion; a false concept of respect for the freedom of others that refrains from teaching the need for conversion.
    [Show full text]
  • Africae Munus Benoît
    EXHORTATION APOSTOLIQUE POST-SYNODALE AFRICAE MUNUS DU PAPE BENOÎT XVI AUX ÉVÊQUES, AU CLERGÉ, AUX PERSONNES CONSACRÉES ET AUX FIDÈLES LAÏCS SUR L’ÉGLISE EN AFRIQUE AU SERVICE DE LA RÉCONCILIATION, DE LA JUSTICE ET DE LA PAIX : « Vous êtes le sel de la terre […] Vous êtes la lumière du monde » (Mt 5,13.14) LIBRERIA EDITRICE VATICANA CITÉ DU VATICAN INTRODUCTION 1. ’ENGAGEMENT DE L’AFRIQUE pour le Sei- L gneur Jésus-Christ est un trésor pré- cieux que je confi e, en ce début de troisième millénaire, aux Évêques, aux prêtres, aux diacres permanents, aux personnes consacrées, aux caté- chistes et aux laïcs de ce cher continent et des îles voisines. Cette mission porte l’Afrique à appro- fondir la vocation chrétienne. Elle l’invite à vivre, au nom de Jésus, la réconciliation entre les per- sonnes et les communautés, et à promouvoir pour tous la paix et la justice dans la vérité. 2. J’ai désiré que la deuxième Assemblée spécia- le pour l’Afrique du Synode des Évêques qui s’est déroulée du 4 au 25 octobre 2009, se situe dans la continuité de l’Assemblée de 1994 qui s’est « voulue une manifestation d’espérance et de résurrection, au moment même où les événements semblaient pousser l’Afrique au découragement et au déses- poir ».1 L’Exhortation apostolique post-synodale Ecclesia in Africa de mon prédécesseur, le bienheu- reux Jean-Paul II, recueillait les orientations et les 1 JEAN-PAUL II, Exhort. apost. post-synodale Ecclesia in Africa (14 septembre 1995), n. 1 : AAS 88 (1996), p.
    [Show full text]
  • Toward a New Evangelization: Some Reflections Regarding the Congregation of the Mission
    Vincentiana Volume 39 Number 1 Vol. 39, No. 1 Article 11 1-1995 Toward a New Evangelization: Some Reflections Regarding the Congregation of the Mission Robert P. Maloney C.M. Follow this and additional works at: https://via.library.depaul.edu/vincentiana Part of the Catholic Studies Commons, Comparative Methodologies and Theories Commons, History of Christianity Commons, Liturgy and Worship Commons, and the Religious Thought, Theology and Philosophy of Religion Commons Recommended Citation Maloney, Robert P. C.M. (1995) "Toward a New Evangelization: Some Reflections Regarding the Congregation of the Mission," Vincentiana: Vol. 39 : No. 1 , Article 11. Available at: https://via.library.depaul.edu/vincentiana/vol39/iss1/11 This Article is brought to you for free and open access by the Vincentian Journals and Publications at Via Sapientiae. It has been accepted for inclusion in Vincentiana by an authorized editor of Via Sapientiae. For more information, please contact [email protected]. TOWARD A NEW EVANGELIZATION - Some Reflections regarding the Congregation of the Mission -1 Have you dreamt any dreams lately? Have you had any visions? In times of renewal, "young men see visions and old men dream dreams," the prophet Joel tells us.2 In this time of renewal in the Congregation, I ask the Lord to stimulate all of us to new dreams and to new efforts at making them come true. TOWARD A NEW EVANGELIZATION Pope John Paul II has made the expression "new evangelization" part of the contemporary Catholic vocabulary. Few topics have received more attention in the Church in recent years. He speaks of an evangelization that is new in its ardor, in its methods and in its expression.3 But John Paul II's teaching has many antecedents over the last several decades.
    [Show full text]
  • Apostolate Logo Here
    Apostolate Logo Here Address City State Zip Phone Website STARTING CATHOLIC RADIO __________ (Bishop / Archbishop / Cardinal) Approval of Project We seek the blessing and support of __________ (Bishop / Archbishop / Cardinal Name) for our local Catholic radio station. Prayer is the Foundation of Any Successful Effort "The fruit of the apostolate is directly dependent upon the depth of the spiritual life." (John Paul II - Address on the Jubilee of the Lay-Apostolate) License _______ (Apostolate Name) will be licensee for Radio Station _______ (Call Letters / Frequency / Band) Papal Plea for Catholic Radio Every Pope since the invention of the radio has asked for the medium to be used for the purpose of spreading the Faith. Vatican II repeated this plea and added emphasis on the role of the laity. In its document on Social Communications, the Council said that it is a responsibility of the laity to start Catholic radio stations, and that it would be "shameful" if these efforts were not supported by the faithful. LISTENER SUPPORTED __________ (Apostolate Name) is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit corporation. As such, we do not have commercials on the radio or other commercial income. The station is supported through listener tax- deductible donations. Without broad listener support, and the commitment and generosity of EWTN, Catholic radio would not be viable on local AM or FM in the community. Parish Pledge Talks One of the most successful methods used in building audience awareness and paying for the operation of local Catholic radio stations is parish pledge talks. A short six-minute scripted talk is given at a weekend slate of Masses.
    [Show full text]
  • New Evangelization, Conversion and Catholic Education
    The University of Notre Dame Australia ResearchOnline@ND Theses 2013 New evangelization, conversion and Catholic education Mark Tynan University of Notre Dame Australia Follow this and additional works at: https://researchonline.nd.edu.au/theses Part of the Religion Commons COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA Copyright Regulations 1969 WARNING The material in this communication may be subject to copyright under the Act. Any further copying or communication of this material by you may be the subject of copyright protection under the Act. Do not remove this notice. Publication Details Tynan, M. (2013). New evangelization, conversion and Catholic education (Master of Philosophy (MPhil)). University of Notre Dame Australia. https://researchonline.nd.edu.au/theses/97 This dissertation/thesis is brought to you by ResearchOnline@ND. It has been accepted for inclusion in Theses by an authorized administrator of ResearchOnline@ND. For more information, please contact [email protected]. 1 University of Notre Dame Sydney New Evangelization, Conversion and Catholic Education Mark Tynan Bachelor of Arts Honours (Psychology) Graduate Diploma of Education (Secondary) 20103447 A dissertation submitted in fulfillment of the Masters of Philosophy (Theology) 23rd of August 2013. 2 Table of Contents Introduction .................................................................................................................................................... 4 Chapter 1. Identifying the need for the New Evangelization .........................................................
    [Show full text]
  • The New Evangelization: a Question of Being and Doing1
    Stanisław Card. Ryłko President Pontifical Council for the Laity Vatican City The New Evangelization: a question of being and doing 1 The important contribution of the ecclesial movements and new communities From October 7 to 28, 2012, in Rome, the XIII Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops will take place. Convoked by the Holy Father, Benedict XVI, on the theme of The New Evangelization for the Transmission of the Christian Faith , the General Secretariat of the Synod of Bishops published the Lineamenta , at the beginning of this year; it is a true vademecum on the new evangelization and a very useful and in-depth elaboration. The idea certainly is not new: the entire pontificate of Blessed John Paul II was characterized by the leit-motiv of the new evangelization. Pope John Paul II did not fail to explain to us what he intended when he placed the adjective “new” in front of the traditional term, “evangelization”: new in ardor, new in methods, new in expressions. 2 For an appropriate and faithful understanding of the contents of the guidelines, one needs to have an adequate key for reading the text. The expression, “new evangelization,” in fact, has become so common – even abused – that we run the risk of distorting its sense, or worse, reducing it to an insignificant slogan. To arrive at the core of the matter it is convenient to start from the Magisterium of Blessed John Paul II in order to arrive at the teachings of Benedict XVI, who, also in this theme, follows the same lines drawn by his predecessor.
    [Show full text]
  • Catechism-Of-The-Catholic-Church.Pdf
    CATECHISM OF THE CATHOLIC CHURCH Table of Contents PROLOGUE I. The life of man - to know and love God nn. 1-3 II. Handing on the Faith: Catechesis nn. 4-10 III. The Aim and Intended Readership of the Catechism nn. 11-12 IV. Structure of this Catechism nn. 13-17 V. Practical Directions for Using this Catechism nn. 18-22 VI. Necessary Adaptations nn. 23-25 PART ONE: THE PROFESSION OF FAITH SECTION ONE "I BELIEVE" - "WE BELIEVE" n. 26 CHAPTER ONE MAN'S CAPACITY FOR GOD nn. 27-49 I. The Desire for God nn. 27-30 II. Ways of Coming to Know God nn. 31-35 III. The Knowledge of God According to the Church nn. 36-38 IV. How Can We Speak about God? nn.39-43 IN BRIEF nn. 44-49 CHAPTER TWO GOD COMES TO MEET MAN n. 50 Article 1 THE REVELATION OF GOD I. God Reveals His "Plan of Loving Goodness" nn. 51-53 II. The Stages of Revelation nn. 54-64 III. Christ Jesus -- "Mediator and Fullness of All Revelation" nn. 65- 67 IN BRIEF nn. 68-73 Article 2 THE TRANSMISSION OF DIVINE REVELATION n. 74 I. The Apostolic Tradition nn.75-79 II. The Relationship Between Tradition and Sacred Scripture nn. 80-83 III. The Interpretation of the Heritage of Faith nn. 84-95 IN BRIEF nn. 96-100 Article 3 SACRED SCRIPTURE I. Christ - The Unique Word of Sacred Scripture nn. 101-104 II. Inspiration and Truth of Sacred Scripture nn. 105-108 III. The Holy Spirit, Interpreter of Scripture nn.
    [Show full text]
  • An Introduction to Catholicism
    This page intentionally left blank AN INTRODUCTION TO CATHOLICISM The Vatican. The Inquisition. Contraception. Celibacy. Apparitions and miracles. Plots and scandals. The Catholic Church is seldom out of the news. But what do its one billion adherents really believe, and how do they put their beliefs into practice in worship, in the family, and in society? This down-to-earth account goes back to the early Christian creeds to uncover the roots of modern Catholic thinking. It avoids getting bogged down in theological technicalities and throws light on aspects of the Church’s institutional structure and liturgical practice that even Catholics can find baffling: Why go to confession? How are people made saints? What is “infallible” about the pope? Topics addressed include: scripture and tradition; sacraments and prayer; popular piety; personal and social morality; reform, mission, and interreligious dialogue. Lawrence Cunningham, a theologian, prize-winning writer, and university teacher, provides an overview of Catholicism today which will be indispensable for undergraduates and lay study groups. lawrence s. cunningham is John A. O’Brien Professor of Theology at the University of Notre Dame. His scholarly interests are in the areas of systematic theology and culture, Christian spirituality, and the history of Christian spirituality. His most recent book is A Brief History of Saints. He has edited or written twenty other books and is co-editor of the academic monograph series “Studies in Theology and Spirituality.” He has won three awards for his teaching and has been honored four times by the Catholic Press Association for his writing. AN INTRODUCTION TO CATHOLICISM LAWRENCE S.
    [Show full text]
  • Catechism for Youth
    CATECHISM FOR YOUTH CARLOS MIGUEL BUELA CATECHISM FOR YOUTH Based on the Catechism of the Catholic Church New York – 2008 Cover Design © 2008, IVE Press Cover Art © Servizio Fotografico “L’Osservatore Romano” Text © IVE Press, New York Edited by the Religious Family of the Incarnate Word All rights reserved Manufactured in the United States of America 113 East 117th Street New York, NY 10035 Ph. (212) 534 5257 Fax (212) 534 5258 E-mail [email protected] http:// www.ivepress.org ISBN 1-933871-48-2 © Catalogued in the Library of Congress of the US. Printed in the United States of America ∞ Nihil obstat Imprimatur Rev. Luis Kukovica, SJ Manuel Menéndez Censor Bishop of San Martín Buenos Aires - November 23, 1975. San Martín - January 2,1976. C 1 TABLE OF CONTENTS Table of Contents .............................................................. 5 To the Reader ................................................................... 11 THE FOUR PARTS OF CATHOLIC DOCTRINE . 15 1. What We Must Believe .................................................. 15 2. What We Must Receive ................................................. 18 3. What We Must Do ......................................................... 19 4. What We Must Pray ...................................................... 21 PART ONE WHAT WE MUST BELIEVE .............. 23 The Profession of Faith .................................................... 23 Section One “I Believe”— “We Believe” ............................. 27 Chapter One Man is “Capable of God” ........................................
    [Show full text]
  • Harkening to the Voices of the “Lost Ones”: Attending to The
    Harkening to the Voices of the “Lost Ones”: Attending to the Stories of Baptized Roman Catholics No Longer Participating in the Worship and Community Life of the Church by Bernardine Ketelaars A Thesis submitted to the Faculty of the University of St. Michael’s College and the Toronto School of Theology in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Ministry awarded by the University of St. Michael’s College and the University of Toronto ©Copyright by Bernardine Ketelaars 2015 Harkening to the Voices of the “Lost Ones”: Attending to the Stories of Baptized Roman Catholics No Longer Participating in the Worship and Community Life of the Church Bernardine Ketelaars Doctor of Ministry University of St. Michael’s College and the University of Toronto 2015 Abstract The phenomenon of the decline in church attendance and participation has been widely recognized and a source of concern for many mainline ecclesial communities over the past number of decades. In the Roman Catholic Church, this phenomenon seemed to become more apparent following the promulgation of the documents resulting from the Second Vatican Council. Harkening to the Voices of the Lost Ones invites the reader to enter into the experiences of baptized Roman Catholics who, for whatever reason, no longer participate in the worship and community life of the Roman Catholic Church. Not wanting to presume the reasons leading to this phenomenon, I believe that it is essential to listen attentively to the lived experiences if effective outreach ministry is going to be offered to those who have withdrawn from the Church.
    [Show full text]