Dear Friends,
This letter continues our summary of the results of the listening sessions and responses to the questionnaire done in the archdiocese in preparation for the Synod on the Church. This summary was sent to the United States Bishop’s Conference for inclusion in their report to the Vatican.
Respondents listed specific ways in which they participate in the life of the Church. The following were the most common: attending Mass, going to confession, praying, belonging to a Catholic group, going to adoration, and having children in the Catholic school.
People reported growing in faith by participating in the archdiocesan mentorship program, parish small groups, and other Catholic groups. Many people said that participating in the life of the Church brings them inner peace and happiness, reduces stress, and increases gratitude. Others responded that their faith has been an immense help when they were suffering and that they feel joyful when serving the poor and sharing their faith.
Many people expressed a desire to grow in their prayer life and become more involved in their faith (for example, attend Mass more frequently, join a bible study, etc.). Some said they were called to be more open about their faith, evangelize, and volunteer for leadership roles within their parish. Parents and grandparents want to pass their faith on to their children and grandchildren.
Not all respondents felt called to do more than they were doing. Others said they do not feel called to grow in their participation in the life and evangelizing mission of the Church because they disagree with the Church on specific issues or do not see a reason to participate in the institutional Church. Regardless of whether they desired to participate in the evangelizing mission of the Church, there was a strong desire by respondents to participate more through service and/or social justice.
Almost half (46%) of non-Catholics, or those who no longer consider themselves Catholic, have neither a favorable nor a non-favorable impression of the Catholic Church. Of those who have an opinion, it is twice as likely to be unfavorable (39%) as favorable (15%). Those who have a favorable opinion of the Catholic Church said they admired the charitable efforts of the Church and found the Church spiritually enriching and welcoming. The majority of these responses came from non-Catholics who were married to Catholics.
There were a variety of reasons for unfavorable opinions of the Catholic Church. Many respondents said they do not feel welcome because they cannot receive Holy Communion. Others said it was challenging to follow along and participate in Mass.
Homeless individuals said that while the Catholic Church was willing to help them with their basic needs, parishes are not particularly open to having them be a part of the parish community. Over half of the homeless said they know where a Catholic Church is but cannot get there.
Several respondents said they found the Catholic Church’s teachings on the following issues to be discriminatory and not reflective of Jesus’ love for all: same-sex marriage, women not being ordained priests, non-Catholics and divorced and civilly remarried Catholics are unable to receive Holy Communion. A theme among teenagers was that many “Catholic” peers are hypocritical and Catholic in name only.
Next week you’ll get the conclusion…
Peace,
Fr. Damian