Neocatechumenal Way

[Dempsey1919]

I don’t know anybody from this group and I haven’t been to their activities. As someone who prefers the EF Mass, I’ve never taken the time to learn about this movement. However, I’ve been reading about the Neocatechumenal Way for the last few days. There’s a few reports online that their catechesis is slightly problematic and that their liturgy is abusive. The EWTN episode about the NCW made it seem like a fantastic movement and I was very impressed. Plus, I know that Paul VI, John Paul II, Benedict XVI and Francis have supported its activities.

Can someone tell me what the group and its founders are really like? I’m particularly interested in their spirituality and view of Church history.

 

[phil19034]

I don’t have a lot of historic knowledge, but I believe Archbishop Chaput is a fan. He opened a seminary for them in Philadelphia. And I have met a priest or two from that group.

I also know that there WERE some issues with them and the Vatican gave them a list of changes. From what I understand, they apparently made the required changes.

However, someone else might have more info.

God Bless

 

[pianistclare]

Again with this?
Was the last thread not clear enough?
They are approved by the Church. They are used to great success. If you don’t like it, don’t participate.

 

[Dempsey1919]

pianistclare:

They are approved by the Church. They are used to great success. If you don’t like it, don’t participate.

I didn’t mean to irritate anybody. The other thread sparked my interest in a group that I know very little about and have zero experience with. I watched an EWTN show on youtube and I liked what I heard. I started this thread because I’m considering making a long trip to visit one of their groups. I wanted to know more about them and their charism/spirituality. I think it might open my mind to newer forms of prayer and Catholic living.

 

[pianistclare]

I didn’t mean to irritate anybody. The other thread sparked my interest in a group that I know very little about and have zero experience with. I watched an EWTN show on youtube and I liked what I heard. I started this thread because I’m considering making a long trip to visit one of their groups. I wanted to know more about them and their charism/spirituality. I think it might open my mind to newer forms of prayer and Catholic living.

I apologize. Perhaps I confused you with another poster. A few days ago someone came on really bashing it and it got pretty ugly.
I’m glad you are willing to consider its usefulness for some parishes.

 

[Dempsey1919]

pianistclare:

I’m glad you are willing to consider its usefulness for some parishes.

The EWTN program really showed how useful it can be. The members of NCW were very devout and very ‘natural.’ I liked seeing thoroughly modern, ordinary people live out their Faith in such an authentic way. There was a young married couple with a six kids and it was refreshing to hear them praise the teachings of Humane Vitae and the life-affirming power of the Gospel.

 

[David_Nacey]

Though I personally am not a particular fan of their liturgical practices, I wholeheartedly support the activities of Kiko Arguello and the Neocatecumenal Way, especially when it comes to marginalized and rural groups. Better them than the protestants, any day, I say!

 

[Dempsey1919]

David Nacey:

Though I personally am not a particular fan of their liturgical practices, I wholeheartedly support the activities of Kiko Arguello and the Neocatecumenal Way, especially when it comes to marginalized and rural groups. Better them than the protestants, any day, I say!

I agree. The work with marginalised groups is what sparked my interest. I love the Church but I can’t help but notice that it has become extremely middle class - at least in the UK. There’s been a mass exodus of working class Catholics for a variety of reasons. Something needs to be done to bring the marginalised into the Church. Maybe groups like Neocatechumenal Way can do it.

 

[phil19034]

I agree. The work with marginalised groups is what sparked my interest. I love the Church but I can’t help but notice that it has become extremely middle class - at least in the UK. There’s been a mass exodus of working class Catholics for a variety of reasons. Something needs to be done to bring the marginalised into the Church. Maybe groups like Neocatechumenal Way can do it.

The reason why some working class groups are leaving the Catholic Church is because Unions tend to be aligned politically with liberals, who are often aligned with positions that go against the Church (birth control, abortion, euthanasia, same sex marriage, etc).

When people place their political allegiance above their religious allegiance, they are bound to have issues with the Church.

Blessed John Cardinal Newman once said that the number 1 issue the Church faces is a lack of catechesis (that was in the 19th century).

 

[Dempsey1919]

When people place their political allegiance above their religious allegiance, they are bound to have issues with the Church.

Blessed John Cardinal Newman once said that the number 1 issue the Church faces is a lack of catechesis (that was in the 19th century).

This is true. The trade union movement/left wing used to have an influential christian element. Pope Leo XIII called for a form of trade union in Rerum Novarum. However, like you wrote, Catholics joined forces with the left and lost their faith - probably because they weren’t catechised. Since the neocatechumenal way offers post-baptismal catechesis, I think they’re sorely needed. The only downside, for me at least, is their liturgy.