Could barren churches be just one reason why young people leave the Church in droves? After all, what is beautiful and attractive about such a space? Not only did I find it uninviting, it was most inhospitable to the very Person of our Lord, Jesus, who had been relegated to some area behind a wall, almost apologetically.
Catholic Church
The Sacraments of Initiation As Foundational for Making Disciples of All Nations
With the advent of the New Evangelization, there is a renewed interest in introducing others to the life of Christian discipleship. The laity are called to engage in this role. In order to do so fruitfully, they should be reacquainted with the sacraments of initiation.
The Clergy Sexual Abuse Crisis in the Church: How To Survive It and What To Do About It
The deplorable, criminal actions of some bishops and priests may tempt us to say to Christ, “I’m still your follower but I’ve had enough of the corruption in the Church. I’m leaving.” However, there’s a serious problem with that attitude.
The Clerical Abuse Crisis: The Essential Importance of Repentance and Practicing The Virtue of Charity
The Catholic Church is undergoing a trial of faith that seems to put to the fore a tendency by some of its members toward an openness to the spirit of the world, resulting in the virtue of religion’s corruption.
Purification, Judgment, and Hope In The Wake of Sexual Abuse In The Church
This will be a time of judgment and purification for the Church. I firmly believe that good will come of it—although the Church will suffer severe scars for decades. I have no doubt that the sexual abuse crisis will drive countless Catholics from the Church and prevent countless other people from entering into full communion with her. That in itself is cause for great sorrow.