More than 350 people gathered at St. Dominic’s Catholic Church on Wednesday, September 20, for the REBOOT! event with Chris Stefanick, president of Real Life Catholic, author, speaker, and television host. Attendees, including many youth and young adults, came from all three counties of the Archdiocese.
The evening was broken up into two talks — the first half on the truth of the Gospel and the second on how to live the Gospel message with joy.
Stefanick began by focusing on many of the questions that people ask, such as: Who am I? Why was I made? Is there a God? And answering those questions through the eyes of the Catholic faith. So many people today — especially young people — think that all there is to life is what is in front of us. There is no higher meaning to day-to-day living and we disappear into the universe after death. The message that Catholics bring is that there is a higher purpose. God is real. He is alive. We are made in His image. He delights in us. And we will meet him face to face after we die.
Once we discover that truth, we are called to live it with joy.
In the second half of the talk, Stefanick discussed the ways in which Catholics can live the Gospel message with joy—giving thanks and living in gratitude, practicing silence and disconnecting from technology, loving yourself — the prerequisite of loving your neighbor, making time for fun activities, healthy living, making time for friends and for service.
Stefanick encouraged attendees to form small groups, calling them the “front porch” of Christianity. Not only do small groups support current Catholics in learning and living their faith, but it also provides an opportunity to invite people who are not Catholic or who are not currently practicing the faith to engage in Christian fellowship and study.
The small group thing never worked at all in my parish.
Once we have accepted the Gospel, we are supposed to tell others about it and also to treat the poor as we would treat Christ Himself.
small groups, you are right, “we are supposed to tell others about it (the Gospel) and also to treat the poor as we would treat Christ Himself.” But, that doesn’t mean those are the only things we should do. Many have grown spiritually through small groups and then even done those very things you noted. As with many things Catholic, it’s not either this or that; it’s both this and that. Let’s do all for the kingdom and glory of God, even when we’re not all doing the same things.
It’s sad that small groups at your parish never were effective. Maybe there was poor vision, a poor model or poor leadership. I’ve seen them bear good fruit in numerous parishes.
I thought the list in the article was incomplete. They would be included in service but I think they should be spelled out. Obviously parents of small children need to make teaching them and taking care of them a priority but also in teaching them you have to give example.
Small groups, You are correct. The standard for one’s love of neighbor is no longer “loving yourself — the prerequisite of loving your neighbor,” as this article says. Our Lord raised that up to a new level. As you write, “Treat the poor as we would treat Christ Himself.”
The new standard is no longer our love of self, but the love of Christ. The New Commandment Our Lord Jesus gave His disciples on Maundy Thursday:
“A new commandment I gave unto you. that you should love one another AS I HAVE LOVED YOU.” John 13:34.
If all they can get is 350 people attending this event after being advertised in three counties in the Los Angeles area, it’s a loser of an event.
But 350 is actually pretty decent turnout for a Catholic parish event these days. Shows how sad things are in the church if 350 is considered good attendance.
Regardless of what Chris had to say, unless parishes significantly increase the quality of Mass (especially preaching and music), nothing they are attempting will work. Mass has got to be the number one priority. If you don’t bother to celebrate Mass well, forget anything else you will try.
You have the wrong archdiocese. This event occurred at St. Dominic’s Church in San Francisco– not Los Angeles. The SF Archdiocese is much smaller. Regardless, the number of people attending the event does not matter. What matters is their sincere enthusiasm and sincere Catholic Faith. That is all that God needs.
From the website:
Imagine 1,000 people coming in the door, and, after the event, being left with 300 hundred small groups? It’s not a dream. That’s what we deliver.
So each of the small groups in 3-4 people, each of them buying the $100 dollar course?
Not only can you donate, you can get the course on joy for $100.
Even better, you can join up to become a missionary of joy for $15-$100 a month (!) depending on whether you want a coffee mug, a signed copy of his book or a private phone call.
Really.
I can be a missionary of joy without paying Chris Stefanick anything, thank you very much.
His office is in the Augustine Institute’s building in Denver.
Had not heard of them. Looked it up-25 million in revenue.
This is the group that does FORMED.
They also merged with Lighthouse Catholic Media.
It seems to be Catholic Education for adults.
Wikipedia mentions that it was developed as part of the new Evangelization which was re-evangelizing Catholics, which was and is needed.
So that would explain why Chris Stefanik evangelizes to Catholics.
But the Pope has called us to go to the peripheries.
There are millions of people who need to know of Jesus Christ and his Love and Redemption.
For some reason “small groups” don’t seem to work with Catholics, my observation. The large Evangelical/Baptist churches in the area use small groups as a key strategy for teaching the faith, studying the Bible, keeping people in the congregation, etc. They also have staffs, usually headed by an ordained minister, to manage the small groups – organized by neighborhood, ethnic preference, morning, afternoon, evening, whatever, to make sure each group has appropriate materials, etc. A lady in our neighborhood just took on a position of teaching the small group leaders how to run their sessions for the best effect. For the members of the small groups, nothing interferes with those meetings. They have learned how to “do” church, which is why they have thousands attending every Sunday.
I just can’t put my finger on what’s bothering me about Chris Stefanick. After watching some of his videos, he reminds me of confidence man Elmer Gantry.
These people are just Catholic motivational speakers. That’s all, but you have to pay their hefty retainer, travel expenses, hotel and food. If Francis Xavier were alive today, he’d laugh at what such speakers consider missionary work today to be. Xavier was a true missionary. St. Paul would laugh too, and probably write a stern letter of rebuke to the church in the United States about those who speak in Christ’s name for a fee.
Neither St. Paul or St. Francis Xavier had a wife and six children to provide for. Why all the attacks on a man clearly teaching Catholic truth?
If you don’t want to pay, don’t go. As the Holy Spirit inspired St. Paul to write, “For the Scripture says, ‘You shall not muzzle an ox when it treads out the grain,’ and, ‘The laborer deserves his wages.'” (1 Tim. 5:18) The fact that he needs income to provide housing, food, healthcare, etc. for his family should not surprise us. Especially in a time with a limited number of priests and Religious, we should be grateful for members of the lay faithful who are answering God’s call to fulfill the great commission. (Matt. 28:19-20)
Matthew 10:8
Without cost your received, without cost you are to give.
You can take one verse out of context. “The laborer deserves his wages’” (1 Tim. 5:18) is true as well. Are you aware that priests receive (modest) salaries? Do you think they should not and should have to work full-time secular jobs? Grace is free, as are Sacraments. Yet, food and shelter (and other necessities) don’t miraculously appear for those serving the Lord. Anonymous attacks on and name-calling of faithful members of Christ’s faithful are not helpful or Christian. Elmer Gantry? Really?! Mr. Stefanik, whether you like him or not, is no Elmer Gantry.
anonymous clergyman, I do not know who Elmer Gantry is and I don’t know Chris Stefanik.
I think it is gaslighting to compare him to priests getting modest salaries.
Also to say that he should get a large income because he has 6 kid
We have seen so much shady stuff in both professional pro-lifers and professional Catholics.
It may not be illegal but I think it is unethical.
I do not contribute to people to operate like this.
Apparently this is one of the EWTN people.
There is a good review of REBOOT on youtube and it does not mention the small groups thing.
It was an event after COVID with 800 people..
He sells his books at the event. Cheaper than online so you can get 2 for $20.
The event was about finding joy.
I’m an old timey Catholic so for me joy is one of the fruits of the Holy Spirit.
God has given me joy often but also suffering. Sometimes even joy in suffering.
The question then becomes if a person’s message is on point (I do not know if it is) and people are getting what they paid for, does it matter if money is a factor in it?
I think it does. For them. The Scripture passage where Jesus tells people “Go away. I never knew you.” has always scared me.
Out of context? It was what the Lord said when he sent out the Twelve to announce the Kingdom of God. When he said that the worker deserves his keep in the same section, he was referring to them being put up in a worthy home while they were there preaching.
Nobody is attacking him. We are trying to make sense of this.
Do not compare the work of fine lay Catholic professionals like Chris Stefanick, in the era of the New Evangelization– to the time of Jesus and His Apostles, in a very primitive era. All the Apostles had a primitive trade, like fishing. St. Paul was a tent maker. This era was very primitive, and totally different than today’s very complex and very expensive civilization. People in all ages, have offerred financial support and all needs paid for, to traveling clergy. That was also done, in Jesus’ era. Judas was the Apostle in charge of their finances. A professional lay Catholic author and speaker, who offers special lectures, retreats, etc. — requires his travel expenses, and a proper stipend. That is the proper, grown-up thing to do. And yes, the Pro Life workers likewise, have lots of expenses! Tons! The ones who provide all necessary care for mothers-to-be, need tons of financial help, too! How much do life-saving ultrasounds — and all pregnancy and childbirth needs, cost?? You had better be a grown-up, and regularly offer support to to these important, life-saving Pro Life organizations! Life-saving ultrasounds, all pregnancy and childbirth costs, and Pro Life workers’ travel, lodging, and State and national, Congressional lobbying costs, are highly expensive! The government is Pro Abortion– and horribly persecutes all Pro Life organizations! Millions of American dollars go daily, to support Baby Murders, at Planned Parenthood!
No. I will not give money to Pro-life people who pay themselves a million dollars a year and then pay their spouse another $2 million a year.
I will not give money to a pro-life organization who lists a half a million dollars in fringe benefits on their expense sheet.
These things are dated because I have not even looked at these organizations since these incidents many years ago.
I do not give money to people who set up a non profit organization so that they don’t have to pay taxes, collect donations for very little service, then pay themselves a 6 figure income and give twice as much to a for profit company that they own.
I have offered my disgust at it as an act of charity.
I imagine that they are surrounded by others who do the same thing and who think nothing of it..
Both the Church and the government should do something about people like this.
I hear you, but some of his blogs and clips delve into problems in his family life which are just too personal for public consumption.
How does it fulfill the great commission?
His clients are already baptized.
First, I hope those attending events at our parishes are not all Catholic. I hope we’re inviting unbaptized and unbelieving neighbors, family members, coworkers and others. Second, baptism is only the beginning. Making disciples and “and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you” is part of the great commission is well. See Matthew 28:19-20.
And, “clients?”
This ministry is not that.
A parish in my area hired Chris to put on his REBOOT! show. Nothing changed afterwards. Nothing improved. It was a total waste. That parish is still struggling with Mass attendance and offertory. The reboot was a dud. Maybe the operating system needs to be changed for a reboot to really work. Pastors, these events don’t work as advertised.
This is mistaken. The work of the Holy Spirit in a soul is not measured by the change in your parish’s collections, nor increase in Mass attendance. How can a mere mortal like you judge the Holy Spirit’s work in a person’s soul? You can’t. Who knows how the Holy Spirit may be moving a single person as a result of that REBOOT session. And one person is more than enough! The way God works in a soul is gradual and hidden. Your judging God in this way is above your pay-grade.
jon, nobody judged God. I worry about the souls of professional Catholics.
If Chris Stefanik is sent by the Holy Spirit to inspire evangelization (which we need and are open to), the Church should pay him. Then the worker is worth his wage.
The Church is not going to pay him 1.5 million a year though. (It says his expenses are more than his revenue, though.)
In my experience, a lot of people claim the Holy Spirit inspired them when there are other motives at work. Look at all the proponents of women’s ordination, deaconness ordination, gay marriage in the church, and transgender affirmation by the church who claim that the Holy Spirit is telling the church to change its teaching. No, the Holy Spirit is not telling anyone to do that.
I’d take claims of being sent by the Holy Spirit or inspired by the Holy Spirit with a pound of salt.
This is a red-herring by “Holy.” Nobody here is talking about women’s ordination, deaconesses, nor gay marriage. Cleary such dissentful beliefs are not divinely inspired. But a talk from a faithful Catholic, encouraging other Catholics, may be inspired partly by the Holy Spirit, especially if the talk was composed, planned, and delivered in prayer because as Our Lord said, “Where two or more are gathered in My Name, there I am in the midst of them.”
The priest in the picture reminded me of a parish mission we had where the visiting priest was a friend of the pastors. He said things that really upset people, then begged us not to call the Bishop.
Later, when people were talking about it, one of them said “I thought it was wrong but Father just sat there so I thought I must be wrong.”
jon, I think that is what we are trying to discern.
I just watched 2 videos from the Chosen Confirmation series and I have concerns.
I have concerns over what I have read here and what I have seen online.
I am not following this person.
I just looked at some of the materials for the Chose Confirmation program and my jaw is on the floor.
What are putting kids through to get a Sacrament of Initiation, which rightly belongs before First Communion?
“That is what we are trying to discern”. Really? Calling the event a “dud” and telling priests that events like these “don’t work”? This is discernment?
That comment by discernment is by me, btw. Just for the record. Carry on.
Not that comment.
jon, if you read the article, there is nothing Catholic. There is nothing Christian. There is belief in God and that you will have a better life with him than without him.
He mentions the Gospel but that is not it.
I assume he said more than what is in the article so I googled him and I found his website.
And it is like nothing I have seen before in a Catholic but I have seen it in life coaches, where you pay to join and then if you pay enough, you even get a phone call with the life coach. This guy wants $100 per month for that.
The more I googled I found more info and I posted it here as I found it.
Some cults work like this: you start by telling people how happy your group is and inviting them to your group. (Last paragraph.in article.
I did not want to be negative so I posted good positive info and also things I was concerned about.
I would like you to look at it.
The jump to his defense because he is an “evangelizer” or an instrument of the Holy Spirit is understandable, but genuinely there is something here that I have not seen before.
There is a positive review of REBOOT on youtube by CatholicMomandDaughter who uses his Chosen Confirmation program in her catechesis.
There are other positive reviews of it. Watch the intro. It is an appeal to pride, to the ego, the wanting to feel special or chosen by God. My thinking (which can be faulty) is that as a Sacrament of Initiation, Confirmation does not make you Chosen. The Lord wants everyone to have it. (Acts 2:17; Joel 2:28; Matthew 22:14)
I understand if you do not want to wade into this. I know you are criticized when you post here and this is not the kind of thing that you usually comment on.
I am not trying to harm his business or reputation.
No one here seems to have much knowledge of him.
The info is from online sources (his and some online positive reviews of his work.)
I am just trying to figure this out.
Last night in my “devotions” (as the Protestants call it) I came across a second hand account of a book on St. Therese of Lisieux that said that her “little way” would be too radical for today’s Catholics.
So maybe he is accommodating today’s Catholics spiritual level.
The concept of the baptized being “chosen” is not alien to Catholic theology nor to Scripture. “But you are ‘a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people of his own, so that you may announce the praises’ of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light” (1Peter 2:9).
Yes, maybe.
When I googled, i found the website of the Christian Hedonist that believes that.
I always thought the chosen were the ministerial priests.
To God’s elect, exiles scattered throughout the provinces of Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia and Bithynia, 2 who have been chosen according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through the sanctifying work of the Spirit, to be obedient to Jesus Christ and sprinkled with his blood:
That is who 1 Peter is written to. Exiles scattered throughout seems to me to be the Christians who fled the persecution in Jerusalem.
I do not know that much about it.
From the website:
ZERO cost to your parish. The event is ticketed, which, contrary to being an “obstacle,” we’ve found consistently triples attendance above non-ticketed events. (Proceeds go to Real Life Catholic’s 501(c)3 work in evangelization, not to our speakers.)
The whole problem, of course, is that nothing can substitute for being brought up Catholic, in the traditional Church, and learning the Catechism well, in Catholic school, from the nuns– with a Church totally focused on Christ’s teachings– nothing else. Period. The correct way for priests to teach and preach, is to do exactly as Christ did– call for repentance of sin, and a new life in Christ, and daily teach and preach how to live Christ’s Catholic way of living, along with His holy Mass and Sacraments. All the holy Saints did this. Today’s Church is no longer serious about Christ. I bet the Baptists, mentioned by Bob One, are very serious about Christ– and build big churches, based on Him alone. No “baloney.” Although I do respect these young, post-Conciliar lay Catholic teachers, like Chris Stefanick, and yes– they are hired, on a salary, like other lay Catholic employees– and do deserve their pay– I am far too old for their type of presentations, and do not attend today’s type of Church events. All Catholic speakers and presenters, priests and laymen– must receive a proper stipend, or offerings, for their talks and presentations, and their travel and lodging expenses, etc. must be provided for. It is extremely unkind to not value them, and their good work– and to mock their rightful stipends/offerings. Stefanick is not a priest nor a missionary saint, with religious vows– with living expenses provided for. He has a wife and family. When I once saw him and his wife, Natalie, on an EWTN show, I think they said they had six kids. Catholic laymen have an adult responsibility to support their Church with tithing, and extra financial offerings, for special needs of their parish and diocese– otherwise, it will all soon fall apart. As Mother Angelica used to say, “Please remember us with a check, between your gas and electric bill…” the bills must all be paid. It is also customary, for lay Catholics to gladly offer priests special free items, from their businesses, if they have one. I bet the Baptists at the church mentioned by Bob One, understand these things a lot better than today’s post-Conciliar young Catholics.
There is a difference between someone who is hired to do a job for the Church and someone who sets up a non-profit in order to pay themselves a salary and markets themselves to Catholics.
God bless all the good work of Chris Stefanick, and many other good Catholic laymen and priests, of today! And God bless all the good Catholics of today, seeking to learn more about their Faith! That’s great! These fine, dedicated souls, laymen and priests, are doing a lot of good for Christ, in today’s difficult world! I don’t really understand why some of you, such as “non profit”– criticize the financial end of this good work. If we didn’t have these fine, dedicated people, in the Vatican II era– which left so many Catholics confused and robbed of the true teachings of our Catholic Faith–millions of Catholics might be left with nothing at all– and might give up on God and the Church. A sad situation! How wonderful, what a great blessing, to see a variety of new institutions founded, by good Catholic lay leaders, to help with this situation! And they surely do need and deserve our financial support!
God bless him and his ministry.
We have just seen too much of people using Catholics to make money.
Nonprofit accounting can be sketchy. All sorts of benefits can accrue to an organization’s executives besides their salaries.
“Today’s Church is no longer serious about Christ.” That is the truth. 🙌👏💯
Catholic parishes are more like religious HOAs or community social centers than places of Catholic faith and worship.
Until parishes get serious about being Catholic, they might as well install bowling alleys or video game arcades. 🥳🤡👿🧟
“loving yourself — the prerequisite of loving your neighbor.” Forgive this discordant note, but this line is a smelly load of, well, use your imagination. When Jesus said “Love your neighbor as yourself,” he was not commanding self-love but assuming it. As the sparks fly upward, human beings love themselves. Jesus is saying, in effect, “Take all the effort you apply to taking care of yourself, and apply that same effort to your neighbor.” Our self regard is to be the measure of our love of neighbor. Note this has nothing to do with modern notions of self-esteem or self-love. Rather, all inborn self-seeking is to be the measure of our self-giving. Jesus no where commands self-love, self-esteem, positive self-regard, or whatever one wants to call it. Wherever that notion comes from, it does not come from Jesus.
Actually, the Bible says to consider yourself the least of all and to assume the lowest place.
I really have never understood what it means to love your neighbor as yourself.
I do not regard myself highly. I usually love my neighbor more than myself.
Maybe it means the Golden Rule. Do unto others as you would have them do to you.
You’re right, Dan.There is a terrible mistake that psychologists and modern religious people make at times, and that is, substituting your own human love and your own human needs, for Divine Love, from God. Before Vatican II, there was a clearer teaching, and the Catholic Faith used to be approached intellectually– not from a psychological, himanistic, personal, or emotional viewpoint. Christian Love is of God– not yourself. It is a free gift that God Himself gives– you can do nothing to “earn” it. It’s a fact. It can be known by Faith. It is not human love, based on you– nor based on your personal feelings. We are supposed to try to see Christ within each person, and most of us have to go on Faith, to do that, until or unless we are given tremendous graces by God, transformed totally in Him, to actually be blessed to see Him in each person, like the Saints — a rare, sublime gift! I know it sounds kind of cold– but God is supposed to be our sole pursuit, not human relationships, for human needs. A Saint is totally transformed in Christ, and lives fully in Him. For most of us, though, we just go on Faith, and seek to do good to others in Christ’s Name, very prayerfully. With your spouse, children, family, friends, and loved ones– of course, you are personal, with your own natural human love. As for self-esteem– it is a good thing, to learn to accept yourself and others simply at face value, “as is,” and not take yourself too seriously. Be pragmatic– and know we all are human, weak, make mistakes, etc.– and God loves and accepts us no matter what, and so we should do likewise. If you mess up in life, fine– go to Confession, and start over! To me, that kind of pragmatic approach seems helpful. I recall, in high school, our Pastor, a popular priest from Ireland, would simply say something like, “Accept yourself and others, at face value.” And “just be yourself, be your own person, know yourself, don’t worry about what others think, stand on your own two feet. You have to be responsible to God, for whatever you do, in your life.” Self-worth should be a given, in life– something natural and normal– “just because.” No other basis. Maybe if in America, today, if people would start to live right, with good Christian beliefs and values, and show simple acceptance, kindness, friendliness, goodness of heart, and helpfulness to their neighbors– in a more Christ-like spirit– maybe then, everyone would have a better, natural, normal sense of self-worth. Those are some of my own thoughts.
Jesus taught us to say “I am a servant of no worth.’
Yes. “I am nothing, He is my All.” I serve Him Alone, in all my thoughts, actions, words, etc. Not the desires of myself, family, loved ones, friends, etc.– but only Him, and what He desires, in all situations and circumstances of life. All for Him, for His Glory. That takes a lot of strength, commitment and courage, to stand on your own two feet, all alone– and give your all, all for His Glory. Hold nothing back. Never seek honors, privileges, and false worldly glories for yourself. All for Him. This is how to be Christ’s good servant.
I recently saw in a San Francisco church bulletin, that the parish was advertising classes for First Confession (First Reconcilliation) and First Communion, and 8th Grade Confirmation. To enroll your child for either of these two preparatory classes, costs $250. The parish has an elementary school,
K-8. I am always surprised to see that Sacramental preparations programs in many of today’s Catholic churches, cost lots of money! Anyone have any recent experience with this, in the post-Conciliar era? Wonder if churches give any discounts, these days, for Sacramental prep programs for large Catholic families?
The Vatican said years ago that you cannot make the reception of the sacraments contingent on a fee. So they cannot keep someone out of Sacramental Prep because they cannot afford it. Also, you do not have to let your kid go on an overnight retreat in order to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation.
There are program expenses to pay for. That’s why the registration cost.
And, in my experience working in parish catechesis, at least half of those who enroll in First Communion and Confirmation prep are not from families that attend Mass weekly. They’re just enrolling to “get their sacraments,” after which they disappear until Confirmation (if they enrolled in First Communion) or never to be seen again (if they got Confirmed).
A Franciscan alumni
Speaking of “self love” and self-esteem– a long time ago, before the horrific 1960s, people were eager to grow up, marry, settle down (often in their late teen years)— and join the adult world. A woman was happy to be a wife and mother, a man was proud to have a good job, and be a husband and father. From their early 20s, many young adults were establishing themselves in their communities, buying homes, having kids, and were involved in their churches, schools, charities, sports, Scouting, and many other good activities. They were respected. The young being born, were taught to respect their parents, teachers, clergy, police, elected officials, etc. And to grow up and proudly become one of them. Often, generations of people would grow up in one town, or one neighborhood of a city, and lived there, for most of their lives. Neighbors knew each other, and were usually friendly and helpful. Christian beliefs and values prevailed, and many Americans were in church on Sundays, with their families- regardless of their depth of religious belief. Morality and decency were upheld, and people respected police, their parents, clergy, and most obeyed the law, and obeyed God’s Laws, in the Bible. .Most people had family Bibles, had church weddings, and were baptized, if Christian. Drugs were unheard of, except in a few slum areas. Sexual sins were unwanted, and Chastity was upheld. You were expected to be a virgin on your Wedding Night. Wholesome family values were cherished, and the “big city” corruptions of the few who became “fashionable, trendy and hip” were unwanted. Women dressed nicely, in feminine dresses and heels, much of the time– the corrupt, trendy, sexy fashions of the “fallen, big city, fast women” were undesirable. With the good and decent values they were taught, growing up, Americans grew all the way up to adulthood, and took charge naturally, of their lives,
standing on their own two feet. A full-grown adult, responsibly leading a good life, making good, adult decisions, thinking things over for themselves, does not need their mommy or their politically-correct peer group, to take control of their lives, sending them cowering in the corner, desperate for childish “love and acceptance”– by their rough-skinned “alligator hipseter” peers.
Our events are consistently full. Even in small towns we typically get 1,000 people — and it’s usually from just a 20 mile radius. Pastors tell us that up to 70 percent of the crowds at our events aren’t “the usual pew sitters.” It’s also very clear that half of the people in our audiences are millennials.
Our outreach plan consists of coaching parish teams of volunteers to reach out to their entire community and personally invite people home to the Church.
https://catholicphilly.com/2018/10/archbishop-chaput-column/thoughts-on-the-2018-synod-the-power-of-clarity/
2018 was before Covid. Even if those claims were true then (I doubt it), the situation is different now. In San Francisco’s three counties they could only get 350 people. The Archdiocese of San Francisco says there is a Catholic population of 441,746. It’s a compact diocese, so nobody would have had to drive more than 60 minutes to reach St. Dominic’s, which is supposedly reputed to have a large young adult demographic.
350 out of 441,000.
Let’s not lie about whether any particular evangelization technique is working. All seem to be failing right now.
I will offer another perspective. Many people, all ages, are struggling economically in the SF Bay area. There are a great many hardships. Many want to leave. There is too much crime, and all the horrors of dope, crime and homelessness, that you see in the news. Many businesses have closed their doors for good, and gone away, due to all these problems. Many small business owners have lost a lot, and have suffered terribly. The cost of living has skyrocketed, and meeting basic needs, and having a sense of normalcy, for many, can be difficult. In a big city, with all of these problems– and no hope of good solutions coming, in a Democrat-controlled, extremely sick, liberal area— plus the Pandemic– many suffer from isolation and loneliness. Lots of people stay home, and stay safe from crime and etc. People are afraid of car break-ins, if they go anywhere– and afraid of home robberies, too — plus, the horrific evils of robberies committed daily, by evil criminals, in the stores– and violence, and murders. You really have to be careful. Many Catholics are still not coming back to Mass, since the Pandemic. The situation right now, is not normal. You really cannot judge anything by it. SF and the Bay Area– is truly a sick, liberal-infested, “diseased” city, and area. The turnout for Chris Stefanick’s event at St. Dominic’s was excellent, terrific, considering all of this. California, right now, belongs to Satan. We must do all we can, to defeat Satan, in our State.
Here’s a more recent anecdote, from a parish that hosted a Reboot event on September 13:
The REBOOT! event by Chris Stefanick has been well received and appreciated by many who have spoken to me. It was a lot of work for the Outreach Team headed by Chris Kuhlemeyer, Jill Gockel, Kaity Holtman, Fr. Peter, and all who worked to have him come. He was here for dinner beforehand with the team and then prepared in quiet, gave the talks, and left after seeing everyone who wanted to talk to him or get an autograph. The tickets paid for his coming (we counted 615 people in our church), but the people who prepared for his coming spent a LOT of man-hours to get ready. Thanks to all who made this a successful event!
So, 615 people. Not 1,000. Whatever the popularity of this thing was in the past, it’s kind of stale now.
https://stgregorysmaryville.org/blog/9-24-2023
I am a revert and there is nothing anybody could have said to me that would have brought me back to the Church. Mary did that. God gave me the Bible and a dog-chewed copy of the Baltimore Catechism. The Holy Spirit convicted me of my sin. I came back to worship God and to be forgiven of my sins.
I would have been disgusted if someone told me to love myself.
Didn’t know anything about this man. I spent time researching reviews for his materials and his Facebook page. Some people really have benefitted from his talks and books. Seems like very light, self-help content to me. He relies a lot on cheerfulness in his demeanor as his selling point. There are many people down on their lives who are looking for someone to cheer them up and give them hope. I think that’s what he mostly does.
Jordan Peterson is much more substantial, and better.
Does Jordan Peterson still believe in gay sex and gay “marriage?” What a shock. I also heard that the poor man has had some really tough mental health struggles, including struggles with depression. Did he receive any good help for all of this? Sounds like Jordan Peterson needs God, lots of cheerfulness– and hope for his life. Maybe someone could help him, and lead him to the Catholic Faith.
https://www.ncregister.com/features/jordan-peterson-s-catholicism-connection-cause-for-concern-or-celebration
Here is a link to his organization’s most recent tax filing. They lost money and rely heavily on donations and grants. It seems their income from events and products isn’t much at all. Executives are paid highly.
https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/455489172/202202999349301500/full
Thanks for posting that.
Most interesting is that he is the president of the publishing company that they pay $380,000/ year.
Holy Moley. It costs $39 to attend a REBOOT event. I’d rather eat at Olive Garden for that price. That would give me real joy.
https://reallifecatholics.givevirtuous.org/Event/reboot-in-kingsford-mi/Tickets
You’re not going to see me at one of those things for that price.
The bio on his website:
Recipient of the Papal Benemerenti Medal, Archbishop Charles J. Chaput calls Chris “one of the most engaging defenders of the Christian faith on the scene today.” Chris’s live seminars reach more than 85,000 people per year. His reality TV show, videos, and radio spots reach millions of people, and his educational initiatives are turning the tide in the Church. He authored the Chosen Confirmation program which has already formed more than 500,000 teens.
And at least 400,000 of those confirmed teens don’t attend Mass anymore.
Could be.
In looking up the info, I found one really interesting comment that I have heard before in different forms.
” I did not leave the Church because of those things that I did not understand. I left because of the parts that I did understand.”
This is an example of what used to be called “Catholic Lite.”
I watched some video of it on youtube and it started with “Who wants more joy in life?”
“Everything you have ever done in life you did to increase your own happiness.”
Christian Hedonism is a Protestant concept that says the we most glorify God when we are the most satisfied in Him.
It is an opposite philosophy to those who believe we glorify God by not pursuing our own pleasure but by doing things dutifully.
“Christian Hedonism is a Protestant concept that says we most glorify God when we are the most satisfied in Him.” This idea is most associated with Dr. John Piper, an evangelical scholar I had the privilege of meeting many years ago while still a Protestant. The idea is that if God is the source of our pleasure, that is, the delight of our souls, then we will regard Him as our highest good and His glory as our life’s goal. But to say God is the delight of our souls is to say we are most satisfied in Him. As far as this goes I find nothing objectionable–rather I think there is much wisdom here. Relating our satisfaction in Him with duty, I think the soul’s joy in God is a powerful motive for fulfilling the law of Love, which more than anything else is our duty to God and people. Hence, I do not think Christian Hedonism has anything to do with “pursuing our own pleasure.” Christian Hedonism directs the soul to find its joy in God because that’s where our highest joy is to be found. If we do this we will have the greatest motive to fulfill our Christian duty. As a caution, joy is not always to be found in our seeking God in holy reading, prayer, or attending Mass. It is up to God to console the soul when He wills and as He wills, or to withhold consolations. In fact joy can be found, if it please God, in service to those in need, that is, in fulfilling our duty in the spiritual or corporeal works of mercy. So doing things dutifully with the intent of Glorifying God can be an aspect of Christian Hedonism, if in the doing we recognize that our own happiness and profit of soul is at stake.
This is a critique by a non-Catholic.
https://theparticularbaptist.net/2020/03/26/against-christian-hedonism/
I think you are right about consolations. It was said by someone that crosses and contradictions are a sign that you are doing God’s Will.
I do not think that is right in all circumstances.
If you are going to do evil, someone telling you not to and not helping you is the right thing to do.
Though if you think in terms of vocations, there are always crosses to bear and it is not joyful or it can lose its joy quickly.
428 Whoever is called “to teach Christ” must first seek “the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus”; he must suffer “the loss of all things. . .” in order to “gain Christ and be found in him”, and “to know him and the power of his resurrection, and [to] share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, that if possible [he] may attain the resurrection from the dead”.
Every organization in the church is trying to shake down Catholics for donations. LifeSiteNews has been displaying a banner and a story for a week saying “Last Call” for donations and warning that if they don’t meet their goal they can’t continue. I say good riddance if they fold.
Yes. But they are not in the Church. Church organizations are Catholic Charities, Catholic Relief Services. Very little of this comes from the Church. This is an event at a Church but it is not from the Church.
In the second half of the talk, Stefanick discussed the ways in which Catholics can live the Gospel message with joy—giving thanks and living in gratitude, practicing silence and disconnecting from technology, loving yourself — the prerequisite of loving your neighbor, making time for fun activities, healthy living, making time for friends and for service.
This is not Catholic. This is Oprah.
Why is this not Catholic?
Because it is selfish.
You take [people] where they’re at and try to awaken their hearts into an interest into the rest that you’re going to give them by asking them fundamental questions like “What are you looking for in life?” and “What’s going to make you happy?” Chris Stefanick on the Chosen Confirmation Program
This article by someone who does Confirmation Prep talks about how amazing the program is.
https://www.ncregister.com/blog/making-confirmation-engaging-lessons-from-chris-stefanick-and-chosen
This indicates to me that it is aimed at older teens. What does that have to do with Confirmation?
According to the CCC 1319 A candidate for Confirmation who has attained the age of reason must profess the faith, be in the state of grace, have the intention of receiving the sacrament, and be prepared to assume the role of disciple and witness to Christ, both within the ecclesial community and in temporal affairs.
https://www.catholic.com/qa/what-is-the-correct-age-for-confirmation
The age of Confirmation should be between 7 and 16.
The reason I do not attend these post-Conciliar events, is that I have always loved to read traditional Catholic spiritual classics, and favor traditional, classical-oriented Catholic leaders and lecturers. I wonder if there are other Catholics who feel the same way? I recall, a great many long years ago, when young, eagerly sharing Catholic spiritual classics, with friends at my church. Most Catholic spiritual classics were written by Saints or Catholic clerics. I recall one book that I especially liked, writtem during WWII, by an English Catholic laywoman, Caryll Houselander, called “The Reed of God.” It was based on devotion to Our Lady, and was deeply inspiring!
I came across it the other day, while doing some cleaning, and dusting some bookcases. I wonder if that lovely spiritual classic, written by a devout English Catholic laywoman, is still in print? I know that God calls souls to Himself in many ways. I appreciate the fine works of today’s Catholic authors and Church leaders, both priests and laymen. But my favorites are the Catholic spiritual classics of long ago.
Another of my favorite Catholic classical spiritual laymen authors, is Dietrich von Hildebrand. He was magnificent. Hildebrand was rightly called, “the 20th century Doctor of the Church,” by Pope Pius XII.
Humility of Heart. The Practice of the Presence of God. Dark Night of the Soul. Imitation of Christ. Imitation of Mary. True Devotion to Mary. The Wondrous Childhood of the Holy Mother of God. Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius of Loyola. The Way of Prayer. Mystical City of God. Introduction to the Devout Life. The Power of Kindness. Divine Mercy in my Soul. Live Well, Die Holy. This Tremendous Lover. 12 Steps to Holiness and Salvation. Rule of St. Benedict. Sayings of the Desert Fathers.
Many still to read
https://saintsbooks.net/BooksList.html
The Spiritual Combat.