Pope Francis Tells German Catholics to Focus on Evangelization

[edwest211]

From the National Catholic Register.

Pope Francis Tells German Catholics to Focus on Evangelization| National Catholic Register

 

[commenter]

This is good as far as it goes. But Evangelism needs doctrine, consistently taught and practiced, in order to succeed. In my US diocese we have had endless “evangelism” programs, which have not succeeded in bringing anybody to, or back to, the Catholic Faith.

The constant focus has been on hospitality, food pantries, “listening sessions”, and so on. (I work at a food pantry, and am all for hospitality). In my city we have lots of friendly, non judgemental, empty Catholic and Protestant Churches.

There is almost an aversion to doctrine among parish and diocesan staff. There is a fixation on “getting people into church”, not into the Catholic Faith. The result is they aren’t getting into either.

I suspect this is what affects Germany. I haven’t read anything positive about doctrine there.

 

[Genesis315]

In St. Catherine of Siena’s Dialogue, God reproves pastors who “seem only interested in multiplying people, not virtue.” Of course, doing so results in neither being multiplied. Rather, Jesus says “Seek ye first the kingdom of God” and then the rest will follow.

A strong, clear, and confident proclamation of the whole truth–including the uncomfortable ones–and a strong discipline will drive people away and make the Church more hated by the world, the whole of which is seated in wickedess, but it will also be an even stronger attraction to those of good will. And the latter are the only ones who will care about coming to Mass every Sunday anyway.