April 2007 Archives

I want to do one thing without saying anything specific. But to find out what, you'll have to click the link below.

I’m late with this, but then, I’m late with everything these days. The March numbers are in, and Germany makes their second appearance at the top of the list:

Germany – 432
Canada – 205
Dominican Republic – 119
New Zealand – 91
Australia – 77

My ability to post things is going to be a bit erratic for a while. I don’t want to get into details just now, but this is for professional reasons. One of my counterparts in another city resigned recently. Last week was the first week without her, and I’m doing double duty till they hire a replacement. For a variety of reasons, it may be early summer before they replace her. I’m still around, but don’t be surprised if you don’t see anything new here for a couple of weeks at a time. That just means I’m on the road again…and putting out fires.

We’re going to look at this in something like a systematic way. First, we’ll get into what “catholic” really means. Next, we’ll get into the biblical foundations by skipping back and forth between the Old Testament and the New Testament. Finally, we’ll touch on some quotes by the early Church to see how far and how fast this idea of catholicity spread. You could literally do a dozen pages on this subject and only scratch the surface, so anything done on a blog is going to be too short and very shallow.

So, to begin, what do we mean by “catholic”?

Sorry that I haven't been around lately. I've had some pressing professional issues to deal with and have been on the road some recently. Please be patient. I'll be back, but it may be a bit before I get back on a regular basis.

There are two things to consider up front, without which any discussion of the holiness of the Church will founder from the outset. First, we’re discussing the holiness of the Church herself, not the holiness of individuals. Second, what do we mean by “holy” anyway?

To those that completed their swim last Saturday night, WELCOME AND CONGRATULATIONS! I can’t tell you how happy I am that you found your way home. I know it wasn’t an easy swim for some of you.

I have two suggestions for those that have just been received into the Catholic Church.

First, go to the Easter Vigil again next year. It will give you a very different perspective. When I was received into the Church that Saturday night was almost more than I could take in. I was so much in the middle, that I missed things in the periphery. My memories are broad strokes with intricate details mixed in. I lost some of the finer points. Going back the next year helped me to see the bigger picture – I was more detached. If you have the chance, go next year. You’ll see what I mean.

Second, don’t look at this as the end of the program. Strictly speaking, it is just that, but it is really far more than just the end RCIA. It’s really the end of the beginning. There is much ahead of you, if you choose to look into it. If you live a long life, you won’t be able to get into everything that the Church offers. Go gently at first, and follow your heart, but do explore a bit as the weeks and months go on from here.

Again, congratulations and welcome home!