"What’s Attractive to a Young Person About the Catholic Church?"

One of the things I want very badly to do is figure out how to make the Church attractive to those I know, particularly loved ones, especially those closest to me.

Of course, I also know that much of what I want very badly is completely out of my reach... yet trust that my daily prayers, for opportunity, for an occasion, to expose those loved ones to things that might... illumine minds... will manifest themselves.

So maybe, just maybe, this interview by Kathryn Jean Lopez of the authors of a new book called Renewal: How a New Generation of Faithful Priests and Bishops Is Revitalizing the Catholic Church affords... well... one of those opportunities, one of those occasions... maybe:

What’s attractive to a young person about the Catholic Church? What brought you in, Chris? How can this be best communicated?

White: Truth, goodness, and beauty! Young people are constantly searching for something to believe in, and I believe the Church has the best answers to the questions that all of us ask: How do I treat my neighbor? What does it mean to live a full life? How can I give myself to a cause greater than myself? We must be creative and loving in communicating this message, knowing that in an age that is more uncertain and transient than ever, young people are willing and open to listen and they yearn for the stability the Church offers. The three million plus young people that showed up at this last World Youth Day in Rio are evidence of this.

Why is the Catholic Church so insistent on middlemen? Divine Mercy is not mine without a priest?

White: Well, it’s not an either or situation here. It’s not that we can’t pray and seek God at any time or receive the blessings and grace that comes from that without the aid of the priests. That said, we need priests. Only priests can fully serve as Christ’s representatives on this earth by offering us the sacraments and steering us toward our heavenly home. That’s why we surround ourselves with priests to baptize us (and our children) at birth and offer us the sacraments at death or when we’re sick. Some might falsely label this as a middleman, but ask any Catholic who has had a priest present in these moments and I guarantee you they’ll describe it as welcome support.

What is the role of the laity in this renewal?

Hendershott: We are all called to be part of the New Wvangelization — we all have to be willing to bring the “good news” that Christ loved us so much that he gave his life so that we could be saved. But, Catholics are reticent about saying these words. Many of us hesitate to speak so openly — but there are other ways to bring that good news. I teach at Franciscan University, and we are often reminded by the words of St. Francis of Assisi who told followers of Christ to “Teach the Gospel at all times, and when necessary, use words.” Sometimes our words have to be used to defend the Church when she is being attacked — I see that as my most important role in the New Evangelization, and I think Chris shares that commitment. It was gratifying to see that when the United Nations attacked the Church recently, several members of the laity stepped up to defend her. This makes us stronger as individual Catholics — and it helps to strengthen the Church.

What is the role of women, Anne, in the renewal?

Hendershott: Women have always had a privileged role in the Church — you cannot enter the Basilica of the Shrine of the Immaculate Conception by Catholic University in Washington, D.C., without appreciating this fact. Built in honor of our Blessed Mother, the Shrine is filled with “heroic size” statues depicting the saintly heroes — and heroines — of our Church. It was built as a place of worship, but also a place of pilgrimage, evangelization and reconciliation. We are reminded there that women have always played a role in helping the Church to flourish through prayer and faithfulness. But, we are also reminded that while the heroic female saints depicted there certainly “walked humbly with the Lord,” many of them were called to a leadership role in defending the Church against her attackers. I find great inspiration there.

So... I'd love for folks to read the entire piece... and even the book itself... looks like a good one.

Of course, what I hope more than anything though is... that this opportunity, this occasion, is leveraged in some way.

Lord, let it be so.