“We are called to be community, to know and celebrate. One-in-five Americans identify Catholicism as their religion. Credit: Wyoming Catholic. There is nothing more attractive than holiness. And if we leave anyone of the three out of that equation, it's not going to work. But what I am saying is that these seem to be exceptions, not the rule. And, yet, they are the least practicing segment of Catholics in America. As one of a select number of diocesan Catholic colleges who are rooted in a particular region of the country cultivated by pastors and persons of faith, Loras’ heritage extends more than 180 years in its providential locale along the Upper Mississippi River Valley. They must see themselves as channels of grace. Service Program. That's it? The characteristics of Catholic identity in Catholic schools, as outlined by Ristau in her presentation, are: Centered in the person of Jesus. As you can see, it is in ruins.". Two very practical ways to bring this about is by focusing on education and evangelization. But many more Americans have connections to Catholicism even though it is not their primary religious affiliation. They may no longer be content to drink in grace for themselves alone, like a reservoir without an outlet. Our Catholic education system, as a structure, is one of the marvels of modern society. I suspect that on some level, many, many Catholics do not believe this. All the problems that we face today in the Church fill our hearts with a great sadness. The problem that faces us in some respects is far greater than any of these. Francis, a young Italian man searching for meaning in his life, went into a dilapidated old church and heard the voice of God speaking to him saying, "Rebuild my Church. There is no need to multiply examples. Donation Programs. We all know that the essential mission of the Church is to share the gospel and to teach, challenge and encourage people to become more like Jesus Christ. Recently I had the opportunity to listen to author and national consultant, Joe Paprocki, give a workshop on Catholic identity. Catholic Identity. His many encyclicals, inspirational world-wide travels, and the creation of the Catechism of the Catholic Church enriched the deposit of faith and brought countless souls closer to Christ. Education and evangelization, including all that this implies, is the two-pronged strategy that will transform the present culture as it has so many times over the last two thousand years. If they did, they would most likely be more excited to share it. There is something ultimately attractive about men and women striving to become the best version of themselves. If we could show each Catholic student the truth and the beauty of that truth, we would infinitely elevate their love and understanding of the Church. CONFIRMATION OF IDENTITY. In his first sermon to the Archdiocese, he told a story about St. Francis of Assisi who lived over 800 years ago. The lay person may no longer look upon himself or herself as the self-sufficient beneficiary of the priest's ministrations. Indeed, it is as old as Christianity itself, but it is also ever-new as the gospel message is ever-new. Permission to reprint without modification to text, with attribution to author and to The Cardinal Newman Society, and (if published online) hyperlinked to the article on the Newman Society’s website. A-A+ But on a great many others, we have done little more than scratch the surface, or worse, alienated some of the very people we should hold dear. Everything we do and aspire to be should flow from the wellspring of our identity. 2 Through Catholic education, students encounter God, “who in Jesus Christ reveals His transforming love and truth.” 3 Christ is the foundation of Catholic education; 4 He journeys with students through … The spiritual mission of Jesus Christ is the reason Catholic Schools exists. Formation 3. And it will do it again. Reclaiming the Catholic culture is the general theme for this Wanderer Regional Forum here in Providence and I will speak more specifically about the formation of a Catholic identity, an intriguing and timely subject. He calls on the laity to restore the Catholic identity to our nation and the rest of the world. Ours is no different. It must be experienced to be fully appreciated. The claim that at the heart of all reality exists the act of God who loves … When you go to Mass next Sunday, just look around. 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