Reaching the complacent, the busy, the indolent, and disinterested

[Tellme_my_rites]

Many Catholics are remaining complacent and people are not converting to Catholicism due to lack of initiative and lack of reading. Too many Americans just don’t like to read anymore. It’s the culture. After a busy day at work for both spouses, and all the responsibilities at home, raising kids, etc., people rather relax in front of the TV. A book is like voodoo nowadays to many people, especially if it requires learning.

If we are to evangelize effectively, we have to reach the difficult to reach in a way that will interest them. A way that they will give a chance. A way they will be willing to learn. A way they feel comfortable. A way that will open the door to eventually lead them back to reading and desiring to know more.

Catholic Online Store has many incredible DVDs that include movies of saints, documentaries, children’s DVDs, and both new and classic films that are sure to help those who do not like to read, and those who don’t make time to read. These DVDs will help people know what heroism and Catholicism really is.

Knowing the importance of effective evangelization, would it not be beneficial for every parish to have their own DVD library? Displaying this library after (not before) every Mass in the parish foyer as people are leaving would be a wonderful tool for parishioners to share with others, leading others to the faith. Besides, our parish priests deserve to be able to watch a good movie now and then when they have the time.

Children need this. Adults may need it even more so.

This may sound like a stretch, but this may be one of the most beneficial things since the Bible was translated to English. It’s as if many need books translated to television to learn anything new outside work or school.

I’m working on this at my local parish. I hope others will at theirs.
God bless everyone.

 

[Smber2c]

I’d agree that best thing since the Bible was made english is a bit of a stretch. After all it was perfectly good in latin. (I’m kidding)

No, actually I love you idea. I agree that society doesn’t read. I think C.S. Lewis realized that people needed to be drawn powerfully into moral tales. His Narnia Cronicles are a beautiful way to get children reading moral tales while disgusing the message.

But as you said books are going out (except for epic fantasy tales…I can’t wait for the last Harry Potter!!). And DVD can be a great way. I’m actually makeing a library of my own.

Song of St. Bernadette
Bells of St. Marys
The Passion
Man for All Seasons
Therese
…uh… …Shawshank Redemption
(couldn’t get Narnia, the water looked like crest sparkle tooth paste and the ‘icebergs’ like styrofoam…plus during a chase scene a bear drawn sled 15 feet back from people running should not get progressivly further back at every flash )

okay so I need to get a few more, but I love the ones I have, and have been able to watch them with friends (and I’m 23, so that’s something different)

Talks and books ok CD can also be great. I’ve got near all of Lewis’ books (Narnia, Mere Christianity, Screwtape, Great Divorce, and Problem of Pain), I’ve a stack of sermons on tape, and of course the New Testament.

But just as EWTN uses TV; Catholic Answers, and many many others, have web-pages; and we’ve got tons more Catholic radio; local parishes have to get into the act as well.