Help! We need suggestions to bring Apologetics to our library

[Trista17]

I know this question seems strange…Do you have any suggestions how to bring Apologetic materials into our parish library when the parish seems to be “non-apologetic”?

My understanding is that the view at our parish is that we should not have to “apologize” for being Catholic. Some friends of mine and I have learned so much about our Catholic faith through different apologists. We would like so much to be able to share that sense of empowerment that comes with learning more about our faith. We feel very strongly about having more of these materials in our church library, but we certainly want to be respectful in our approach. Any thoughts? Any suggestions would be most appreciated. Thank you.

 

[mtr01]

I know this question seems strange…Do you have any suggestions how to bring Apologetic materials into our parish library when the parish seems to be “non-apologetic”?

Probably the easiest way to get some apologetics materials on the shelves would be to donate them. I know most of us, myself included, don’t have the resources to supply a library-worth of any kind of materials, but it is possible that with your friends’ help, you could add a book or two here and there with some saved-up pocket change. It may be slow, but I doubt if a parish library would refuse the donation of Catholic reaing material, even o an apologetics bent.

 

[Trista17]

I appreciate that suggestion. My understanding is that this has been attempted when a group tried to donate a bible study on tape by an apologist and were respectfully returned. We have found a handful in the library, but not very many. (I personally only know of 3 books.)

I’m not sure if it is the opinion of the librarian or the pastor to limit these resources but I’ve been hesitant to question the pastor because I don’t want to come off as disrespectful. At the same time, my friends and I feel that our parish community is missing out on precious resources and opportunities to enrich, deepen, and share our faith. I’m unsure how to proceed respectfully.

 

[Fidelis]

I’m not sure if it is the opinion of the librarian or the pastor to limit these resources but I’ve been hesitant to question the pastor because I don’t want to come off as disrespectful.

You can only be disrespectful of the pastor if you present your request, he gives his decision, AND THEN you defy or disobey him. It is not disrespectful simply to ask, and you’ll never know what he thinks about it until you ask him.

 

[Teflon93]

I know this question seems strange…Do you have any suggestions how to bring Apologetic materials into our parish library when the parish seems to be “non-apologetic”?

My understanding is that the view at our parish is that we should not have to “apologize” for being Catholic. Some friends of mine and I have learned so much about our Catholic faith through different apologists. We would like so much to be able to share that sense of empowerment that comes with learning more about our faith. We feel very strongly about having more of these materials in our church library, but we certainly want to be respectful in our approach. Any thoughts? Any suggestions would be most appreciated. Thank you.

Many parishes today have an ecumenism committee for outreach to other denominations. Apologetics is naturally part of the game plan.

Given continuing emphasis the Vatican is placing on ecumenism, perhaps forming such a committee would get a “foot in the door” for apologetics.

Another angle you could take is through RCIA. The RCIA staff gets many questions from converts and tend to recommend apologetics resources to respond. One could argue that RCIA is much more effective when taught by those familiar with Catholic apologetics.

 

[Pixie_Dust]

I know this question seems strange…Do you have any suggestions how to bring Apologetic materials into our parish library when the parish seems to be “non-apologetic”?

My understanding is that the view at our parish is that we should not have to “apologize” for being Catholic. Some friends of mine and I have learned so much about our Catholic faith through different apologists. We would like so much to be able to share that sense of empowerment that comes with learning more about our faith. We feel very strongly about having more of these materials in our church library, but we certainly want to be respectful in our approach. Any thoughts? Any suggestions would be most appreciated. Thank you.

First of all “apologetics” does NOT mean that someone is “apologizing” for being Catholic. It means “to make a reasoned defense of something or someone. In ancient times, the word apology referred to the case a lawyer would make on behalf of his client.” biblechristiansociety.com/2min_apologetics.php?id=2

If the refusal to carry such materials is due to a lack of understanding of the word “apologetics” then I believe a little explanation like, “This book explains WHY we do what we do, and WHY people should believe the RCC is the One True Church” would help encourage the librarian to want to carry books and tapes like that. I think that lack of apologetics education in the RCC is part of why so many cradle Catholics don’t know diddly-squat about their faith.

 

[Scottgun]

What she said. Don’t call it apologetics since people’s understanding of the word seems limited. What I did was donate books anonymously. Part of my tithe would be purchasing an excellent apologetic book, going to the library and personally sticking one of those pockets in the back, making the card for it and slapping it on the shelf. Several years later, none of the books have been tossed, so nobody minded (hey, less work for them). Obviously if you are trying to get the parish to spend the money, it is more difficult. Not necessarily because they don’t like the idea, but because they have to spend the money and don’t see the need. Whatever you do, don’t use the atomic slegehammer (You know, confronting people), schmooze instead.

 

[FCEGM]

I know this question seems strange…Do you have any suggestions how to bring Apologetic materials into our parish library when the parish seems to be “non-apologetic”?

My understanding is that the view at our parish is that we should not have to “apologize” for being Catholic. Some friends of mine and I have learned so much about our Catholic faith through different apologists. We would like so much to be able to share that sense of empowerment that comes with learning more about our faith. We feel very strongly about having more of these materials in our church library, but we certainly want to be respectful in our approach. Any thoughts? Any suggestions would be most appreciated. Thank you.

Trista, by all means speak with your pastor; he may not be aware that apologetics material isn’t being permitted in the collection. (It is possible that those put in charge of the library have turned it into their own little fiefdom.) If there isn’t a strong adult education program in your parish, then the library can serve to some extent in that capacity as parishioners take it upon themselves to be educated in all aspects of the faith - including the ability to explain why the Church teaches as it does.

My parish has a very fine library and includes books and tapes by most of the top apologists of today and in the past.

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