Beginning in October, St. Matthew's continue its Journey Through the Catechism. We will utilize a series: WHY CATHOLIC?  Many practicing Catholics often confess their uncertain understanding of authentic Church teaching. Sometimes they have difficulty answering questions others ask about the faith. I m reminded of St. Augustine s admonition to have reason for the faith that is in us. Wouldn t it be comforting to have a solid understanding of what the Church proclaims as truth? Essentially, the Church proclaims Christ. We find Him in Scripture and tradition, in the sacraments, in the liturgy and in our lives. The Catechism of the Catholic Church is a resource of authentic Church teaching. It is divided into four parts.

A resource book for the series Why Catholic? explains: Part One focuses on the great mysteries of our faith. In Part Two, the emphasis is on celebrating our faith in sacramental liturgy. Part Three focuses on human dignity and freedom and the moral teachings of the Catholic Faith. Part Four looks more deeply at our relationship in prayer. The four books of the Why Catholic? Series correspond to these four parts of the Catechism.

Why Catholic? may be used by individuals or by small groups. It is intended as a tool not only for information, but also, for formation. From September of 2006 through Spring of 2007 the schedule would look like this:  

• Sept. 2006 - Relaunching Why Catholic? Provides the approach and assists in creating a tailored plan to implement Why Catholic? as a total parish experience. (Target audience: pastor, pastoral staff, Why Catholic? Team, and catechetical leaders.)
• Oct. 2006- Nuts and Bolts of Evangelization Train evangelization teams, pastor, staff in the area of evangelization.
•  Small Community Leader Formation - The Profession of Faith: What We Believe - Provides a basic theological grounding in the core beliefs of our faith as expressed in the Apostles Creed. (Target audience: small community leaders, Why Catholic? Team) Faith Sharing, Book 1, Chapters 7 thru 12.
• Lent 2007 - Week of Feb. 26 - April 2 - Celebrating Our Faith Through Sacramental Liturgy, Book 2,  Sessions 1 - 6
• Spring 2007 - Retreat Discovering God in the Ordinary - Provides an opportunity for reflecting on the infinite beauty of the Creator in creation. Explores the experience of encountering The God revealed in Jesus Christ in our everyday life. (Target audience: total parish)

St. Matthews will continue its four year cycle of evangelization utilizing the Why Catholic? process. It is my hope that our parish will be revitalized as we focus on the essentials of our faith. We can become more centered in Christ and become better disciples of the Lord who loves us.