Sacred Heart Parish, Lakewood
Contact: Marilyn Wozneak
Priority: Faith Sharing and Faith Formation
Purpose: Re-engage occasional Catholics (60% of parish) through welcoming, enrichment programs and other age-appropriate activities for young families, young adults and mature adults.
Method: Use Rediscovering Catholicism by Matthew Kelly – Christmas gift, book club, homilies, bulletin articles, etc. Catholicism Series on DVD by Rev. Robert Barron during Lent. Website and bulletins to inform and invite people of other age-appropriate activities.
Priority: Faith Sharing and Faith Formation
Purpose: Re-engage occasional Catholics (60% of parish) through welcoming, enrichment programs and other age-appropriate activities for young families, young adults and mature adults.
Method: Use Rediscovering Catholicism by Matthew Kelly – Christmas gift, book club, homilies, bulletin articles, etc. Catholicism Series on DVD by Rev. Robert Barron during Lent. Website and bulletins to inform and invite people of other age-appropriate activities.
February 2012
The
parish purchased the book Rediscover
Catholicism by Matthew Kelly and gave it to every household at Christmas. Some of those who received the book at their
homes had been inactive for some time and took it as a sign that they were
missed and returned to the book discussion as their response.
The first Rediscover Catholicism discussion was held on February 8th. There were about 50 people in attendance. Many people expressed gratitude for the faith sharing. Two of the groups want to meet more often even if there is a different topic. The greatest attraction of the book is its practicality. Some who cannot attend the group meetings are reading the book on their own.
Rediscover Catholicism is not intimidating for those who may have been away for some time. The groups are open to newcomers and parishioners are encouraged to bring friends.
There were four young adult participants at the start. After this, we plan a separate outreach to young adults. Now we just need to keep "feeding" them with their faith. Our goal as a staff is to let the Spirit work through us. That is the challenge - keep praying, listen to the Spirit and respond.
The first Rediscover Catholicism discussion was held on February 8th. There were about 50 people in attendance. Many people expressed gratitude for the faith sharing. Two of the groups want to meet more often even if there is a different topic. The greatest attraction of the book is its practicality. Some who cannot attend the group meetings are reading the book on their own.
Rediscover Catholicism is not intimidating for those who may have been away for some time. The groups are open to newcomers and parishioners are encouraged to bring friends.
There were four young adult participants at the start. After this, we plan a separate outreach to young adults. Now we just need to keep "feeding" them with their faith. Our goal as a staff is to let the Spirit work through us. That is the challenge - keep praying, listen to the Spirit and respond.
