WHAT'S MISSING IN THE CATHOLIC CHURCH, AND WHAT TO DO ABOUT IT

There are three big gaps, voids, whatever you want to call what’s missing, in the Catholic Church. I’m going to do a separate post on each of them. The three main gaps in the lives of Catholics are 1) Catholics don’t have a personal relationship with Jesus; 2) Catholics don’t have a relationship with the Holy Spirit; and 3) Catholics don’t have an adequate understanding of the dynamics of the Mass which allows them to consciously participate in what is happening on the altar. There are exceptions, of course, but these gaps exist for the great majority of Catholics.

I don’t blame Catholics for the these inadequacies regarding the most essential elements of Christian life. Catholics have not received sufficient instruction in these areas to incorporate them into their lives. This explains why tens of millions of Catholics have left the Church. In their minds, they’re not missing anything important by leaving.

Thankfully, there is now what you might call a “discipleship movement” in the Church. The keys to this movement are to address the deficiencies which I have identified. When this happens, the parishes that have actively promoted discipleship in this manner have experienced dynamic growth.

There are two primary obstacles to an effective focus on the gaps I have identified. One is that religious education, whether in Catholic schools or parish-based classes, does not adequately address any of these 3 issues. Secondly, our clergy, even after having been effectively educated on these issues, most often return to the default position, going back to what they’ve always done.

So what would Catholics say is on the job description for being Catholic? Going to Mass. That’s what we do. Good Catholics go every week. Mediocre Catholics go when it’s convenient. Then there’s the third level, going at Christmas and Easter. But pursuing adult religious education? Sharing their faith with others? Radiating joy at their relationship with Jesus? That’s for someone else.

So please take a look at the upcoming posts on these issues. You are strongly encouraged to comment. I would not expect everyone to agree. And maybe I’m missing something. However, there are a bunch of great books by prominent Catholics published in the last few years on the subject of discipleship. You can find what I’m saying in virtually all of them.