I noted in the previous post that the preaching at my parish – in fact, in many Omaha parishes – is good. However, even when Catholic preaching on the parish level is solid, it’s rarely on fire. The homilist may make a good, even profound point, about the Scriptures or our relationship with Jesus and neighbor. But I sometimes wonder: is he aware that Western civilization is collapsing around our ears? Is he aware of the huge rise of atheism/agnosticism in my 20-year-old son’s generation? Is he aware that we are being pummeled in a moral battle that threatens to drag countless souls to Hell? Does he believe in the possibility of damnation? Is he concerned that most Catholics are identical to nonbelievers in their divorce rate, choice of entertainment, and overall moral stances? Do these issues trouble him? Why doesn’t he say something? What is he waiting for?
In one U.S. archdiocese, the archbishop went from parish to parish: staying at the rectory, observing priestly life there, and giving feedback on the preaching. From what I gather, the priests at first saw this as meddling. Eventually, they were eager to get his feedback, especially on their homilies. In Protestant churches, if the congregation doesn’t like the preaching, they find another church. Or, because the pastor is usually an “employee” of the congregation, if his preaching isn’t up to snuff, he can be fired. Obviously, the latter measure is not (nor should it be) Catholic practice. But the outflow of Catholics to other denominations, or out of church attendance altogether, is at least partly a “voting with one’s feet” regarding poor preaching. Very seldom is feedback sought from Catholic congregations – on a specific level, not just “Do you like the homilies at St. ___?” – regarding their preaching. What I, as a man on the street, hear about Catholic preaching is far from pretty in most cases.
Not just the preaching: even “good” Catholic parishes are phenomenally unwelcoming and user-unfriendly compared to many Protestant churches. As my wife has noted: if we were a business, we would be scoping out our “competition” and seeing what are they doing right that we’re doing wrong. For example, welcoming new members and encouraging faithful attendees is something the megachurches do very well. I do not exaggerate that in many Catholic parishes, all but the most established parishioners could be lying dead for weeks in their home and apartment – and no one would notice, much less call to see what’s going on.
A good friend who entered the Catholic Church two years ago – Shaun Mcafee – is in the process of getting a book published by Sophia Institute Press whose working title is something like What Catholics Need To Learn from What Protestants Are Doing. Based on his own experience of attending a Protestant megachurch, he outlines crucial areas – such as immediate opportunities for newcomers to be involved in faith-sharing groups; a hospitality ministry to welcome, chat with, and follow up with newcomers; regular surveys (regarding level of satisfaction with the preaching, the services, the level of welcome, child-friendliness, sense of needs being met) to be systematically reviewed and then implemented where feasible; and opportunities for evangelistic and charitable outreach to and involvement in the surrounding community – that are rarely seen in a Catholic parish.
Shaun mentioned a book – Rebuilt (http://rebuiltparish.com/book) – by a Catholic priest and Catholic layman. I have it on my list to read, but it sounds great. The authors scoped out a number of megachurches and successful businesses, speaking with their pastors and higher-ups, and gained a wealth of knowledge to apply to their parish – tripling attendance and vastly enriching participation. Not that the Church is simply a marketing and business venture – but we need the humility to be willing to learn from people who do these things well – that is, better than we do!
You sense my frustration; I know I’m not alone in it. It truly will take a sovereign move of God – and our humility and openness and courage and willing to work hard, sustained and empowered and urged on by His grace – to remedy the situation. There are signs of springtime, to be sure. Oh Lord, hasten it! We do believe in a God who raises the dead, who does new things. I’m reminded of Ezekiel 37 – “The Dry Bones”. “Son of man, can these bones live?” “Lord, you alone know that.” And the bones came together, and flesh covered them, and the Spirit breathed life into them, and there they stood, a vast army. Oh, Lord God – let it be! Oh, Lord, revive and renew and purify Your Bride! The hearts and voices of so many cry out for this! Amen! Let it be so!
