Why Catholic?

In November of 1999, the US Conference of Catholic Bishops issued a pastoral plan entitled, “Our Hearts Were Burning Within Us,” which called for a renewed commitment to adult faith formation. The bishops recognized that many of us inherited our faith unquestioningly from our parents or grandpar- ents and as a result we sometimes feel we lack the knowledge and experience to confidently share our faith with others. The bishops wanted us to understand that Catholic spirituality is meant to be the lifelong journey of a living faith and, like all living things, this faith needs to be nourished. “Our Hearts Were Burning Within Us” encouraged all adult members of our faith communities to continually seek out opportunities for personal prayer, study and reflection. The plan particularly encouraged the formation of small faith communities as powerful vehicles for adult faith formation and community building.

Have you ever:

• Called a friend just to say ‘Hello’ because you knew they were going through a tough time or were lonely?
• Said prayers for a family member or friend who is ill, lost a spouse or a job, or was going through a divorce?
• Talked about a homily or gospel and what it meant to you with your spouse, child, parent or friend?

These are simple everyday examples of how we live our faith and share our faith with others.  Small faith communities are a dynamic model for this kind of Christian living. In October, the Why Catholic? small faith communities of Sacred Heart will continue their exploration of the concept of prayer, one of the four pillars of the Catholic faith. All of our parishioners are encouraged to become active members of a Why Catholic? group. It is not necessary to have participated in the 1st season. Signup Weekend will be coming soon!

The Why Catholic? process again will utilize the small faith community structure and meet once a week for six weeks for 90 minutes per session “Why Catholic?: A Journey Through the Faith” offers our adult parishioners the opportunity to explore four essential aspects of our faith: Prayer, the Creed, the Sacraments, and Christian Morality. Within the time frame of the program there will be additional optional enrichment offerings, social gatherings, and prayer/retreat experiences. We hope that each of you will consider taking part in this process as a wonderful opportunity to increase your understanding of what it really means to profess to be a Catholic Christian and as an opportunity to strengthen your faith by deepening your relationship to God and your faith community. 

A DISCIPLES PRAYER

Loving God and Father,
help us to be people of prayer,
committed to the person and
message of Jesus your Son.

Help us to grasp
the integrity and beauty
of the truths of our faith
and the transforming power
of your grace.

Nourish and strengthen us
as people of faith,
disciples of Jesus, committed to
the mission of the Church
and eager to share
the gospel without restraint.

Let our hearts burn within us
as we catch glimpses
of your heart in Jesus,
for through him,
we know your loving plan for us.

We ask this through Jesus the Christ
who lives with you
and the Holy Spirit
in one loving Trinity.  Amen.