Can the Catholic Church compete with more positive, entertaining evangelization?

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Cat said:
Churches grow not because of how the people act inside the church doors, but how they act OUTSIDE the church doors.

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When we do that, people will come to our churches because they will know that “that’s where Jesus is.”

I John 3: 16-19
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We are all called to be a part of Pope John Paul’s call for a NEW EVANGELIZATION. The Protestant family has been way ahead of us in their evangelization efforts. One prime example is their Vacation Bible School Programs (VBS). It has been, and still is one of their largest evangelization events. We as Catholics need to invest in our children and families with fun, interactive hands-on teaching materials that will help them learn the truths in an exciting format. Our Catholic parishes need to support those who are using their time, talents, and resources to develop such wonderful materials. Growing with the Saints is thrilled to announce their NEW Vatican Express, Don’t Miss the Bus Catholic Kidz Camp for 2012. It is a wonderful alternative to the Protestant based VBS Programs with some Catholic add on materials offered at our parishes. This is one BUS you will not want to miss! It is so much more than a VBS, but a Parish/Family Evangelization Program. Visit www.growingwiththesaints.com
 
ManOnFire said:
Humans generally seek to feel good and generally seek to avoid feeling badly. In our modern world of entertainment and customer service where the focus is always on making the individual feel good, how can our church of rules compete with all the feelgood messages? Some other churches seem to be “yes” churches that seem to offer enthusiasm and positivity, where our church seems more “thou shall not.” Should the church enlighten people to the difference? When it comes to forcing kids to go to school, people understand why the academic truths are important, but when it comes to faith, the truth seems to be becoming changed to grace, or feelgood positivity. Does the Truth not matter as much as feeling good? Or is Catholic Truth being discarded by some to fit pop culture’s dictates? DO most people care more about their feelings rather than truth? What would make people consider that they are following feelgood feelings rather than truth, and do people care to discern the difference?
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ICatholics focused on what is our Devout, Reverent Traditions and plain 'ol daily catholic living…

We are not the ones competing with "the Jones’ " - its the Jones’ that are competing for attention.

Remember…we are the original Christians.

Catholics that feel that "we have to compete for [popularity] with other religions …are probably to far out in left field and run the risk of drifting beyond left field.

God bless Pope Benedict XVI; God bless Bishop Aquila; God bless Cardinal Canizares.
 
You bring up fascinating points.

I would personally rather seek the Truth than feel good. Although seeking the truth DOES make me feel good.
 
I searched and searched to find my faith about two years ago. I tried all different places EXCEPT for the Catholic Church. I just knew I wouldn’t end up there. Funny thing is a year later, I attended a Catholic Church with my then boyfriend (now fiance). From that point forward, I realised what I had been missing. This was the place for me. It was so dependant on tradition and it felt just like what I wanted to feel while I was at church.

I visited countless churches that didn’t seem serious enough for me, is I guess what I’m trying to say.

What really got me was learning that the Catholic Church was the church created by Jesus and that the eucharist was the real body and blood of christ. Hook, line, and sinker. I was done for!
 
I wasn’t aware there was a competition between Christians. I don’t try and convert catholics, I’m more concerned with non-christians.

As far as what the catholic church could do better? Get out to local events. Carnivals, music festivals, city events, etc.

There are two catholic churches in my town and I’ve never seen them out and about…or anywhere for that matter.
 
Competition should not be involved in spirituality & worship. Sadly,

don’t keep people interested, they leave.
disagree on theology, they leave
people don’t like your sermons, they tell you & don’t give $
what is there in popular “worship” music that doesn’t get worn out after a while. More & better guitars, piano, drums, singers, tambourines?

Somehow I think the bar instruments belong in the bar; piano in the parlor
I don’t want PEDESTRIAN, BANAL, BOOM-CHICCAH SONGS & prayers!
I don’t want my Church to look like a HOTEL!
I want my CHURCH to be BEAUTIFUL, ETHEREAL
I want my CHURCH to be OUT of THIS WORLD, I WANT TO FEEL LIKE I’M IN THE ENTRY WAY OF HEAVEN!!!
when I walk into my Church, I want to know there is no other place like it until I get to the next town with a CATHOLIC CHURCH!😃

the Lectionary takes lots of pressure off our clergy, don’t have to decide what to preach about. We can have 400,000 priests say Mass on a Sunday, preaching on the same readings & all be RIGHT!👍

As MATTHEW KELLY SAYS; “there’s genius in Catholicism”:cool:
 
The Catholic Church is For and With Jesus Christ: 1.3 Billion of us. We are not an Entertainment Church. Kmnow that almost all Protestant Denominations are growing Smaller? The Catholic Church is growing slowly. The USCCB and Rome decide our Policies. We The Church of The Lord, not even fish fry Church. Let’s get Real. My Knights of Columbus are a strong Volunteer Service Organization, growing, not a Fun outfit.
 
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