The indefatigable John Allen’s latest column examines the trend of “evangelical Catholicism” in the Church. He makes a number of points about this movement, which he describes as “a strong reassertion of traditional Catholic identity coupled with an impulse to express that identity in the public realm.”
Perhaps most notably, and counter to the prevailing narrative, he points out that
there’s a tendency in some circles to see evangelical Catholicism, with its strong emphasis on hierarchical authority and traditional doctrine, as a “top-down” project intended to bolster the sagging power of the clerical caste. No doubt, such political calculations can be part of the picture, but sociologists such as Roy confirm that the evangelical wave has much deeper roots in widespread social forces, and is thus a “bottom-up” force too. The hunger for a “thick” sense of Catholic distinctiveness among some Catholic young people these days, basically unsolicited by anyone in authority (and at times seen by church authorities with ambivalence), makes the point.
I’m surprised that this would surprise anyone. While I know a number of younger priests who fit the definition of “evangelical Catholic,” I see them as largely having arisen from the movement as opposed to instigating it. Just this week I was talking to a priest who grew up as a Baptist. One of the things he was looking for when he (re-)joined the Church was a solid foundation on which to base his faith — something he didn’t think his Baptist church, which often fragmented when a new pastor was hired, afforded him.
That this should be true for the laity — even absent any prodding from the clergy — really shouldn’t surprise us. When I have conversations with other catechetical leaders the talk often turns to the so-called “lost generations” who received incomplete catechesis in their parishes. It is only natural that, lacking a solid foundation of understanding in their faith, they should be drawn to a more robust and (to borrow a phrase) “caffeinated” Christianity.
The challenge for the Church, I believe, is to welcome evangelical Catholics and create space for their energy to act as leaven in the Church. They are the heir-apparent of the Boomers and the future movers and shakers in the Church (indeed, they are already making their presence known in many organizations). Coupled with their deft use of social media and other communication technologies, anyone who dismisses their efforts will soon find themselves left in the dust as evangelical Catholics create their own structures to carry out their work in the Church.
During the French revolution, when nothing was esteemed unless it were new, a philosopher named Reveillere drew up plans for a new religion which he considered would be a real benefit to humanity. He went to Barras, then a member of the Government, and asked his advice as to the methods by which the new religion could best be spread. Well,’ said Barras, ‘my advice is to get yourself killed on Friday, and rise from the dead the following Sunday.’
The philosopher’s answer is not recorded.
- Rev. F.H. Drinkwater, Catechism Stories Part I: the Creed (1939)
I’m happy to announce that I am hosting a new podcast for the National Conference for Catechetical Leadership. Catechetical Leader will come out once a month and features interviews and discussions related to religious education, faith formation and evangelization in the Church. The first episode, “The Once and Future Catechist,” is now live. You can download it from MyCatholicVoice or listen here:
I’d love to hear what you think; leave a comment or send me a message to share your thoughts!
A few year’s back I heard about a remarkable challenge: make a list of 101 things to accomplish in 1001 days. The pitch goes something like this:
The Challenge:
Complete 101 preset tasks in a period of 1001 days.
The Criteria:
Tasks must be specific (ie. no ambiguity in the wording) with a result that is either measurable or clearly defined. Tasks must also be realistic and stretching (ie. represent some amount of work on your part).
Why 1001 Days?
Many people have created lists in the past – frequently simple challenges such as New Year’s resolutions or a ‘Bucket List’. The key to beating procrastination is to set a deadline that is realistic. 1001 Days (about 2.75 years) is a better period of time than a year, because it allows you several seasons to complete the tasks, which is better for organising and timing some tasks such as overseas trips, study semesters, or outdoor activities.
I’m finishing up my list right now. I’ll post updates when I hit significant milestones or accomplish something of interest. One admission: I cheated a little by listing an accomplishment that I recently completed: I’ve grown a beard:
The Office for Catechesis of the Diocese of Springfield in Illinois is proud to unveil the first issue of COREnotes, our new catechetical newsletter.
We’ll be releasing COREnotes four times a year. We’re still working on automated sign-up; if you’d like to receive an email notice every time a new issue is available, leave a comment (be sure to fill in your email address) and I’ll add you to the list.
In the War, two friends were out with a night patrol together. When the party returned under heavy fire to their trenches, one of the friends was found to be missing. By this time it was getting light, and almost certain death to be out on top, but the one friend insisted on crawling out to look for the other, and reluctantly the officer gave permission. He was watched slowly working his way into no-man’s-land, from shell-hole to shell-hole, and at last could be seen no more. When it became dusk again he crawled back and dropped into the trench, himself mortally wounded. While the stretcher-bearers were attending to him, the officer said: ‘Well, I hear you found your friend.’ ‘Yes, sir, but he only lived for a few minutes.’ ‘I’m afraid it was hardly worth it—I wish I hadn’t let you go.’ ‘Oh, yes, sir, it was worth it. He said “Good old Jack—I knew you would come!”‘
Our Lord’s love for us is like that—He would give His life again for each one, if it were necessary.
- Rev. F.H. Drinkwater, Catechism Stories Part I: the Creed (1939)
Catholic Relief Services has launched a major aid operation to help the victims of the Haiti earthquake. CRS has been working in Haiti since 1954. The CRS team in Haiti is in place to distribute emergency relief. Donations can be made online at www.crs.org or sent directly to them at:
228 W. Lexington
Baltimore, MD 21201-3413.
Prayers, of course, are absolutely needed. Many people from the Diocese of Springfield in Illinois have traveled to Haiti over the years with the diocese, Eastern Illinois University Newman Center, Quincy University, and through their sister parish relationships or with the Haitian priests who serve in our diocese.
The people of Haiti are ill-equipped to handle any sort of emergency situation, certainly one of this magnitude. The resilience and faith of the Haitian people are their only and greatest resource.
There has been much written in the past few years about the “death of the book.” Certainly with the advent of the Kindle and new ways of conveyingwriting online we are changing the way we read. But I think it’s premature to write the book’s obituary yet. Instead I think we’ll see a shift in the way books are published – away from large publishing houses to smaller niches publishers. In addition, print-on-demand solutions will allow anyone to publish a book quickly and cheaply.
To ensure that the book has a few more years of life, I’d like to recommend the following books that I read in the past year:
A Canticle for Leibowitz, by Walter J. Miller, Jr. (1960) – This Hugo award-winning novel traces 1200 years in the life of a monastic order following a devastating nuclear war. The monks seek to preserve scientific and cultural knowledge against a world that has descended into barbarism.
Five Loaves and Two Fish, by Francis Xavier Nguyen Van Thuan (1997) – Cardinal Van Thuan spent 13 years incarcerated by the Communist government of Vietnam before being exiled in 1991. This book is a series of reflections he prepared for the 1997 World Youth Day. It is a simple, profound and moving reflection on suffering and hope.
The Clown of God, by Tomie dePaola (1978) – dePaola retells and lavishly illustrates the story of a poor beggar boy who finds joy and fame in his juggling – and surprising blessings as well. Sure to delight old and young alike.
Eifelheim, by Michael Flynn (2006) – This science fiction story follows a 14th century German priest as he seeks to communicate with – and minister to – a group of aliens who have crashed in the woods outside his tiny village. The priest must ask: “Can an extraterrestrial be a Christian?” and, “Where is God when tragedy strikes?”
From Slave to Priest: A Biography of the Reverend Augustine Tolton, by Sister Caroline Hemesath (reprinted 2006) – Sr. Hemesath presents the life of Fr. Tolton, the first African-American priest in the United States, in a series of fictionalized vignettes (a sort of “speculative biography”) from his youth in Quincy to his ministry and untimely death in Chicago.
