Interview: Utilizing Family Catechesis to Reach the Next Generation
My interview on Outside the Walls
Why Shouldn’t We Call Abortion “Murder”?
Introduction On April 12, 2018, FemCatholic posted an article titled “Why We Shouldn’t Call Women Who’ve Had Abortions ‘Murderers’.” It has numerous good points regarding rhetoric and strategy, and includes several key distinctions that need to be well thought out before use of the term “murder” is employed in the abortion debate. However, it also…
Catechetical Leadership: Catechetical Resource List
Here is a list I am putting together of the most helpful resources for Catechetical Leadership. General Catechetical Information USCCB Approved list of curricula USCCB National Directory for Catechesis General Directory for Catechesis (online Vatican world wide version of USA book above) List of Church Documents on Catechesis FORMED (inc. Symbolon, Augustine Inst., small group resources, movies,…
Catechetical Leadership: On Family Faith Formation in the Parish
The Crisis in Parish Catechesis The numbers are in, and they are not good. According to numerous studies, Christianity is losing a large number of members annually – a phenomena known as disaffiliation.[1] One report stated that 3,500 people disaffiliate every day.[2] Another concluded that “nearly one-in-five adults under age 30 say they were raised…
Soon We Celebrate X Mass!
Keeping the Christ in Xmas Have you ever wondered where the idea of the “Xmas” abbreviation comes from? Is it just the secular world trying to rid the culture of Christ? Maybe sometimes – but it might not be as nefarious as all that. As most Catholics are aware, “Christmas” itself is an abbreviation for…
Catechetical Leadership: Starting Your Catholic Library
Introduction One thing I did right starting out as a DRE (Director of Religious Education) was include an annual budget line for books. For catechetical leaders, books are the tools of the trade and a library is our toolbox. If you’re just getting started building yours, here are my pick for the top five reference…
Catechetical Leadership: Advice for New Catechetical Leaders from a New Catechetical Leader
Introduction I came into the Catholic Church at the Easter Vigil in 2014. By Easter of 2016, I was running the Religious Education program at one of the largest parishes in its diocese. Not bad for a guy whose first question at his interview was, “So, are you Catholic?” It was actually a very reasonable…
Paradigm Shift and Religious Conversion
Introduction Conversations between Catholics and Protestants often produce more heat than light. The struggle is real, and is not made easier by inappropriate tactics and strategies that can turn friendly dialogue into an occasion for division. Seeing religious conversion in terms of a “paradigm shift” can be of great value to those seeking to give…
In New Book!
“Mind, Heart, and Soul is a Surprised by Truth for a new generation.” I am honored to have been part of this new book by Robert George and R.J. Snell. From Amazon: In a series of fascinating interviews, a cradle Catholic (Robert P. George) and an adult convert (R. J. Snell), offer the stories of…
Critical Notes on the NABRE’s Critical Notes
Introduction In an earlier post I made mention of some issues I have with the notes in the New American Bible Revised Edition (NABRE) translation of the Bible but did not go into much detail. Although the translation is fairly good overall, its notes are problematic for traditional Christians. These notes unfortunately reflect modern critical theories…
