10 Ways to Revitalize the Catholic Church # 2 of 2

By: Fr. I. Michael Bellafiore, S. J. #

 

Catholic parishes need to take these measures to better carry out this mission:

 

5. More clergy and religious need to regard the church's teaching on sexuality and family as good news. It is part of the Gospel, and not something to be ashamed of. Granted, it must be done with tact and understanding. But it must be done, with confidence that is part of the saving truth given by Jesus Christ.

 

6. Pray. A Protestant pastor in Carthagena, Colombia, is organizing 3 A.M. prayer rallies in the streets where violence, poverty and prostitution reign. Catholics here could do the same in neighborhoods where indifference rules. The world just finished a day of prayer and fasting for peace. Friday is still a penitential day even though Catholics are not required to give up meat.

The U.S. Catholic Bishops Conference issues weekly intentions for prayer and fasting. These calls can make for powerful spiritual kindling.

 

7. Catholic social teaching is an essential consequence of the Gospel, which means we must be involved in the public square - as Catholics. With enough prayer, sacrifice, advocacy, common sense, and sheer grace, Wall Street must cease being a casino; and likewise, civic leaders, public unions, and bondholder might be able to find agreement in the worst global economic crisis since the Great Depression.

 

8. Pope Francis rightly warns us of the evil afoot in this world. Religious liberty is being threatened daily in the West, while 200 million Christians worldwide are in mortal danger because of their faith. Catholics must become more aware of the plight of our brothers and sisters abroad.

 

9. At the same time, we must forgive and pray for our adversaries. Recently, the parishioners of one of the many churches burned in Egypt wrote on the wall of their church that they forgave their enemies and would pray on their behalf to God, who is love. That's Gospel!

 

10. Remember that being Catholic in America, or anywhere, means we can rejoice and trust Christ's admonishment, "be not afraid."

 

GEORGE H. KUBECK, IN PURSUIT OF THE TRUTH - CINOPS BE GONE - THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2013

# SUNDAY BULLETIN, SEPTEMBER 22, 2013 - ST. PETER CHANEL CATHOLIC CHURCH - HAWAIIAN GARDENS, CA 90716