5 minute read
The Data is Hard: What's Next?
By SUSAN WINDLEY-DAOUST
Fr. William Thompson offered two e-Courier articles the past two weeks on the data the diocese is facing: parish attendance decline, a large number of our priests retiring, Catholic marriages and other sacraments declining, and more. I hope these articles were seen as a transparent call to action, not a cause for despair. Because as difficult as this data is, we do know God is greater and the Holy Spirit is on the move. Priestly vocation numbers are up. Camp Summit is a great success, to the point where there is not enough room for all youth wanting to attend. We know of many diocesan and parish outreaches to the poor and vulnerable that make a real material and spiritual difference in the lives of so many in southern Minnesota.
The question is: what’s next? What can I do to change this, to help our parish communities become brighter beacons of Christ’s light in southern Minnesota?
The answer to that question depends a lot on where you sit, and your state in life. But if you are baptized, you’ve been given a call and a job to do: share the gospel.
We have to “let the main thing be the main thing,” as Fr. James Mallon (Divine Renovation) says. And that main thing is the Great Commission: go and make disciples of all nations. What is your role in being part of refocusing on the main thing? How do YOU make disciples of all nations, starting with your geographical area? Because strong and committed discipleship to the Lord is the foundation of every other ministry and apostolate we offer. If we do not attend to this, the data will continue to be very hard.
If you are in parish leadership–pastors, and others with apostolic responsibilities in the parish–you have been grappling with this for quite some time. As the director of Missionary Discipleship, I am available to help parishes/clusters discern how to respond to the call to evangelize within their church and outside of their church. There are parishes in our diocese who have found this process very helpful in moving forward.
If you are layperson, consider where you are:
Are you married? Possibly raising children? Investing in your marriage, and raising your children to love God through his Church, is your call. And it’s a tough one! Our youth are living in unprecedented, difficult days and have grown up very differently than many of us have. But your parental influence is real and important. Listen to them and engage them on faith matters frequently. Pray daily as a family (beyond meals). Communicate in your word and deed that following Jesus Christ is a daily walk by modeling it as a family. Grandparents, be a beacon of peaceful faith and listen to these kids. If you don’t have children–consider being a “big brother or big sister” through your parish’s youth ministry, or a faith-filled aunt or uncle.
Are you active in your parish? Consider asking your pastor or parish staff how you can help make disciples. As much as we need volunteers to fill out the fish fry (and we do!), right now the main thing has to be baptized Catholics stepping up and saying “I want to cooperate in sharing the gospel.” Maybe your parish wants to run an outreach process, like Alpha or ChristLife or TryPraying. Or call parishioners who have drifted away. Or invest in an invitation program. This is important: ask your pastor and offer your gifts.
Do you have a job outside the Church? You are the best outreach evangelist we have. First, “be his witness” (Acts 1:8). Recognize that you are being watched regarding your moral character, and what you value. Then, do not be afraid to mention (when appropriate) that you are Catholic. Maybe a co-worker is ill. Offer to pray for him…or with him. Maybe people are talking about weekend plans. Mention you go to Mass. And so forth. This is Holy Spirit evangelization–be attentive to the “divine appointments” hidden in your day, and begin your day prayerfully asking to see them clearly!
Do you feel you don’t know the faith well enough to share? Well, there are two options: 1) learn it–you are never too old to learn, and there are lots of videos, the catechism, online/in-person courses and more, or 2) remember that most sharing of the faith happens by simply inviting people to come and see. It’s an invitation, not a lecture. And if someone has a stumper question, Just say “that’s a good question–let me get back to you” and learn where you can get good answers–minimally you could ask your priest!
Regardless of your state in life, the first thing you need to do is pray, seriously and daily. Pray for your role in the path forward as we share the gospel with a culture that is broken, wounded, and confused. You were called to this moment, and we will walk into it, together. We can take heart that God wants his people to know his power and love so much more than we ever do, and pray for his help.
Susan Windley-Daoust is the Director of Missionary Discipleship for the Diocese of Winona-Rochester
