Well I am the author of Ministry Matters and I made chapter 4 about Father Cathie with good reason. Your points here bear this out. My own experience is that for over 40 years I was a university professor and a priest. This was life saving for me and I hope beneficial for the parishes to which I was attached, by now six in number. The hundreds of members of the first parish in which I served are no longer a common or frequent thing. Parishes are much smaller. I would say that several birth cohorts, maybe a generation and part of another, have no experience of being members of a congregation, of the services, sacraments, scriptures and the fellowship of other sisters and brother in faith. We can spend time lamenting this but it's beside the point. Rather, congregations can still be strong communities of faith, prayer and service to the neighborhoods around them. As described here by Fr Cathie. I have two such parishes as our "home" these days, one on either coast, and there is much joy and much good in these communities. Lastly, it is important for pastors to gather, to lead the eucharist, preach, teach, but the growth in Christ is the work of ALL the people of God. This is the most ancient way church existed and worked.
I’ve seen a real need and congregational hunger for #4. Points 1,2,and 3 are spot on, and 4 rang my bell. It goes back to the idea of “Start with why”. Why do we believe what we believe, why do we do what we do. I’ve discovered a significant percentage of parishioners cannot articulate their faith, and they can’t because (it’s difficult to say it) they have never been taught the Good News of Jesus. I am ordering the book Ministry Matters today; I am praying over my next chapter in 2026.
Awesome! and I agree. 4 is key. How are we helping people know Jesus, and grow in the Christian faith? Even those who have been sitting in church pews for decades. I think we assume they 'get' Christianity after all this time, but I think we're all on a journey. Maybe they've lost their faith; maybe they're struggling; maybe they've always had questions they are afraid to ask. I think it behooves us to know these things - and to walk with others through them.
Well I am the author of Ministry Matters and I made chapter 4 about Father Cathie with good reason. Your points here bear this out. My own experience is that for over 40 years I was a university professor and a priest. This was life saving for me and I hope beneficial for the parishes to which I was attached, by now six in number. The hundreds of members of the first parish in which I served are no longer a common or frequent thing. Parishes are much smaller. I would say that several birth cohorts, maybe a generation and part of another, have no experience of being members of a congregation, of the services, sacraments, scriptures and the fellowship of other sisters and brother in faith. We can spend time lamenting this but it's beside the point. Rather, congregations can still be strong communities of faith, prayer and service to the neighborhoods around them. As described here by Fr Cathie. I have two such parishes as our "home" these days, one on either coast, and there is much joy and much good in these communities. Lastly, it is important for pastors to gather, to lead the eucharist, preach, teach, but the growth in Christ is the work of ALL the people of God. This is the most ancient way church existed and worked.
I am currently reading Ministry Matters and I can't put it down. So good!
Thanks so much.
I’ve seen a real need and congregational hunger for #4. Points 1,2,and 3 are spot on, and 4 rang my bell. It goes back to the idea of “Start with why”. Why do we believe what we believe, why do we do what we do. I’ve discovered a significant percentage of parishioners cannot articulate their faith, and they can’t because (it’s difficult to say it) they have never been taught the Good News of Jesus. I am ordering the book Ministry Matters today; I am praying over my next chapter in 2026.
So glad you are looking at it.
Awesome! and I agree. 4 is key. How are we helping people know Jesus, and grow in the Christian faith? Even those who have been sitting in church pews for decades. I think we assume they 'get' Christianity after all this time, but I think we're all on a journey. Maybe they've lost their faith; maybe they're struggling; maybe they've always had questions they are afraid to ask. I think it behooves us to know these things - and to walk with others through them.