Speaking about the experiences of his growing Evangelical Churches in our nation, and in particular about the successes of the new larger mega-churches, he noted that their current strength often stems from the fact that they provide small group experiences in which individuals can share their respective faith journeys, relate the Scriptures to those personal experiences and join together in projects of outreach and community service to the needy.
This surprising description would mean these churches' approach is much like that of many parishes in our Archdiocese.
I immediately realized this is precisely what our most successful parish confirmation programs provide for our young Catholic adults!
I assume he would also say that about the Renew program.
I had the impression that the Catholic Church here and elsewhere faces a challenge from these mega-churches. From what I've heard from co-workers, my extended family, and even someone on our parish mission to Guatemala, the appeal of mega-churches (like the local Elmbrook Church) was and is not countered by anything they found at their parishes. Some have been drawn away to evangelical, pentecostal, or fundamentalist churches regardless of size. (That's also true in Guatemala.) I've noticed, though, that our clergy and archdiocesan and pastoral staffs are quite determined to deny there is a problem, or at least any problem that would require examination of their preferred ways of doing things. This column by Bishop Sklba is just the latest example.
P.S. Guess who gave the keynote address at last year's NWCU.
¶ 6/26/2006 09:13:00 AM
No sin, no repentance.
Fits very well into the Calvinism of this country--where money=holiness.
Here's what looks like the closest counterpart by the Archdiocese of Milwaukee.
First, the Catholic Church is not unique in professing the Nicene Creed.
Second, it is common for priests in the Archdiocese of Milwaukee to omit the Creed.
St John Cantius www.cantius.org
St Bernards is two blocks from my house, but I refuse to be insulted by the like of Fr Peter simply because we prefer to receive the most Holy of Holy on our tongue.
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