When Pope Benedict XVI issued his apostolic letter Porta Fidei (Door of Faith), announcing a Year of Faith to begin this Oct. 11 and end Nov. 24, 2013, he reminded the faithful: "The ‘door of faith’ (Acts 14:27) is always open for us, ushering us into the life of communion with God and offering entry into his Church."
This journey of faith, amid joy and suffering, "lasts a lifetime," wrote the Pope, but must be constantly renewed, both for the sake of our immortal souls and to draw others into communion with God.
For many Catholics, this Year of Faith comes at a pivotal moment. For the first time in the lives of many Americans, a stubborn economic crisis has led many citizens to question whether their children can expect to secure and sustain stable, rewarding work. Meanwhile, the battle over a federal contraception mandate has stirred fears that the public expression of religious and moral beliefs could one day be outlawed. Further, the political polarization that has characterized the 2012 presidential election year underscores the deep national divisions that complicate efforts to address social problems for the sake of the common good.
That’s why the Year of Faith is so important. It is precisely when we face great crises that we are most in need of deepening our faith through reception of the sacraments, spiritual reflection and reading, and through works of mercy and service. In his apostolic letter, Pope Benedict wrote: "Just as Christ carried out the work of redemption in poverty and persecution, so the Church is called to follow the same route, that it might communicate the fruits of salvation to men."
The paradox of our faith, as the Pope has frequently reminded us, is that the Church is never more herself than in weakness — and yet, that weakness must never be an excuse for passivity.
Rather, "By the power of the risen Lord, it is given strength that it might, in patience and in love, overcome its sorrow and its challenges, both within itself and from without, and that it might reveal to the world, faithfully though darkly, the mystery of its Lord until, in the end, it will be manifested in full light."
How do we answer this call to radical obedience that led St. Peter to "go where he did not want to go?" The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops has provided some helpful guidelines.
Bishop David Ricken of Green Bay, Wis., chairman of the USCCB Committee on Evangelization and Catechesis, offers "10 Ways Catholics Can Live the Year of Faith," culled from the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith.
(More information can be found at USCCB.org/beliefs-and-teachings/how-we-teach/new-evangelization/year-of-faith/index.cfm.)
1. Participate in Mass.
The Year of Faith is meant to promote a personal encounter with Jesus. This occurs most immediately in the Eucharist. Regular Mass attendance strengthens one’s faith through the Scriptures, the Creed, other prayers, sacred music, the homily, receiving Communion and being part of a faith community.
2. Go to confession.
Catholics find strength and grow deeper in their faith through participation in the sacrament of penance and reconciliation. Confession urges people to turn back to God, express sorrow for falling short and open their lives to the power of God’s healing grace. It forgives the injuries of the past and provides strength for the future.
3. Learn about the lives of the saints.
The saints are timeless examples of how to live a Christian life, and they provide endless hope. Not only were they sinners who kept trying to grow closer to God, but they also exemplify ways a person can serve God: through teaching, missionary work, charity, prayer and simply striving to please God in the ordinary actions and decisions of daily life.
4. Read the Bible daily.
Scripture offers firsthand access to the word of God and tells the story of human salvation. Catholics — through lectio divina (prayerful reading of Scripture) or other methods — can become more attuned to the word of God. Either way, the Bible is a must for growth in the Year of Faith.
5. Read the documents of Vatican II.
The Second Vatican Council (1962-65) ushered in a great renewal of the Church. As the Church celebrates the 50th anniversary of this Council, Catholics reflect on how it influenced the Mass, the role of the laity, how the Church understands itself and its relationship with other Christians and non-Christians. To continue this renewal, Catholics must understand what the Council taught and how it enriches the lives of believers.
6. Study the Catechism.
Published exactly 30 years after the start of the Second Vatican Council, the Catechism of the Catholic Church covers the beliefs, moral teachings, prayer and sacraments of the Catholic Church in one volume. It’s a resource for growing in understanding of the faith. Another helpful resource is the U.S. Catholic Catechism for Adults.
7. Volunteer in the parish.
The Year of Faith can’t only be about study and reflection. The solid grounding of the Scriptures, the Council and the Catechism must translate into action. The parish is a great place to start, and each person’s gifts help build up the community. People are welcome as ministers of hospitality, liturgical musicians, lectors, catechists and in other roles in parish life.
8. Help those in need.
The Church urges Catholics to donate to charity and volunteer to help the poor during the Year of Faith. This means to personally encounter Christ in the poor, marginalized and vulnerable. Helping others brings Catholics face-to-face with Christ and offers an example for the rest of the world.
9. Invite a friend to Mass.
The Year of Faith may be global in its scope, focusing on a renewal of faith and evangelization for the whole Church, but real change occurs at the local level. A personal invitation can make all the difference to someone who has drifted from the faith or feels alienated from the Church. Everyone knows people like this, so everyone can extend a loving welcome.
10. Incorporate the Beatitudes into daily life.
The Beatitudes (Matthew 5:3-12) provide a rich blueprint for Christian living. Their wisdom can help all to be more humble, patient, just, transparent, loving, forgiving and free. It’s precisely the example of lived faith needed to draw people to the Church in the year ahead.
These guidelines are nothing more than our primary obligations as believing Catholics, but let us embrace them anew, amid this period of testing and trial.
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What about praying?
Excellent recommendations. Thank you for this article. I will save it as a ‘favorite’ for use throughout the year.
When it comes to evangelizing which all Catholics are required to do (CCC 2105), the following simple steps can be used by each of us:
1) Pray;
2) Read the “Catechism of the Catholic Church, Second Edition” in entirety.
3) Ask others to do the same (both Catholics and non-Catholics).
4) Discuss the contents of the CCC with them.
For more info on the CCC, go to: http://whatcatholicsreallybelieve.com
or search - ” What Catholics REALLY Believe SOURCE “. A brief video from Dr. Scott Hahn is now included.
In addition, the answer to question # 13 on the site, has links that may help you with your voting choice including but not limited to: “Worthiness to Receive Holy Communion” by Cardinal Ratzinger (Pope Benedict), and comparisons of the candidates and party platforms.
Parents you all have a special obligation.
You have the primary responsibility to accurately teach your children the Faith, even if they go to a Catholic School or attend Parish classes.
While you are reading the CCC, have your teens read the ‘YOUCAT’, or the ‘COMPENDIUM Catechism of the Catholic Church’.
Do the same 4 steps with your children.
1) Pray; 2) Read the CCC in entirety; 3) Ask your children to read an age appropriate catechism; 4) Discuss their catechism with them (perhaps at dinner time).
Be sure to discuss the contents of the CCC with them. Let them know you take an interest in their eternal salvation.
For additional info on the responsibility of Parents - go to: http://whatcatholicsreallybelieve.com or search: ” What Catholics REALLY Believe SOURCE ” - see answer to question # 18.
So where are the comments that were here?
Why are they not showing at this time?
I would not be comfortable inviting a lapsed Catholic to Mass unless I first said: “As you remember, in our childhood we were taught that if we miss Mass for no good reason it’s a mortal sin, I would like to invite you to join me and the Parish to Mass on Sunday but it would be necessary for you to go to Confession first if you would be receiving Holy Communion.”
The Beatitudes are listed as last on the list of 10. I find that very interesting. Maybe my Church should put them at the top of the list and actually implement the Beatitudes as our number one Jesus teaching. He thought it was important. When are we going to have the Year of the Children for the hundreds of thousands of incidents of child abuse brought upon them by the ordained? Remember what Jesus said about little children? Maybe we ought to reconsider our priorities? Maybe we could even add “just wars” and capital punishment to our abortion campaign?
I encouraged an elderly Knight of Columbus just this morning, to read the Bible. Although the man is very conservative, and seems to have formed a good moral conscience, he said, “Well, the Bible is just a book that was written over many years, and by flawed men.” I was shocked because I told him even the Vatican says the Bible is Holy Spirit-inspired.
I told him that it is similar to having 40 different sailboats at sea, and each is being carried away by the same wind (40 different authors, but only One Divine Author that inspired them), and that what they wrote does NOT contradict itself, rather, it is like one large puzzle, and each author had a different perspective (or a different puzzle piece) to put the whole thing together, in unity.
For instance, I was facing the church kitchen, and he was facing the church dining hall. From his perpective, he may see his wife walk by. But at that time, I was watching a man cutting donuts in half. If both of us reported what we saw, we would both be correct. Neither of us would be contradicting each other. We would just be seeing different parts of the same event. I told him this is like how the men that wrote the Bible were inspired, and what they wrote about. One Author - and each were writing about the same events, in their own manner.
What else can we do to encourage Catholics to READ, UNDERSTAND, and have respect for Scripture?
I’m psyched for the year of faith. I’m going to try and go to Mass everyday. Pray that I can keep this commitment and I will pray for all of you!
AMDG
Great suggestions for living the year of the faith! This is an amazing year in which we are called to education, evangelization and conversion of mind and heart. Check out this recent article at HPR on Pope Benedict’s call for a year of faith. http://www.hprweb.com/2012/10/the-year-of-faith-recovering-a-culture-that-is-genuinely-catholic/
Isn’t this Year of Faith wonderful? What were we all doing last year? The year before? Interesting.
thanks for the suggestions as what to do during the Year of Faith. I have some ideas as tro what to tell the Faithfuyl what to do to avail of the indulgences during this Year of Faith. Thanks a lot. I appreciate it. and I am glad. I am retired but I do talk to people and give them some Homilies and advises. fr. vincent
In light of all that has happened within the Church since Vatican II, I cannot share the view that the Council renewed the Church. Quite the opposite has occured. Vatican II was devastational to the nth degree in its misinterpretations and applications of those misinterpretations. The Roman Catholic Church needs to clarify just what are the obligations arising out of Vatican II, as it looks at what those applications amounted to. As I read the documents, I see no justification for most of what I see currently in the liturgy, and in other areas, as well. Vatican II tipped the canoe, and has left alot to drown. I will go from my death bed to the casket with sorrow over this catastrophic crisis in the Church.
Thank you for providing this list! It’s a good reminder. i don’t have a printer, but will copy it and put it with my morning prayer book to keep it in my thoughts during the day. I’m also going to share this article with my Facebook community. God bless you.
Como membro desta igreja peregrina, devemos nos colocar em missão sempre. A busca pela fé plena e compreensível é um caminho longo a ser percorrido e nosso Bispo de Roma quer estar a nossa frente como pastor a guiar o rebanho nessa longa empreitada. Como padre da Baixada Fluminense (duque de Caxias - Brasil- RJ) que vai estar vivenciando a Jornada Mundial da Juventude no próximo ano, creio que com o testemunho dos milhares de fiéis leigos de nossa igreja, o testemunho do clero e a ação do Espírito Santo podemos lançar as bases de uma retomada da verdadeira FÉ em JESUS CRISTO.
This is a topic close to my heart cheers, do you have a RSS feed I can use?
louis http://19389352.blog.hexun.com/81655604_d.html
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