Ann Cubillas “Why Catholic?” a program developed by Renew International, begins this month in most of the parishes of the archdiocese. This program responds to the need for better adult formation identified during our second archdiocesan Synod.
“Why Catholic?” is based on the four “pillars” of the Catechism of the Catholic Church: the creed, the sacraments, the life of faith and the prayer of the believer. “Why Catholic?” promises — in small group meetings among parishioners — not only to help communicate the content of our faith but also to facilitate a deeper encounter with Christ present “where ever two or three are gathered in his name.”
Our fathers kept the faith — in spite of the persecutions they faced; our fathers passed on the faith to us — often overcoming many obstacles to do so. “Why Catholic?” by giving “an explanation to anyone who asks you for a reason for your hope….” (1 Peter 3:15), will help make those who take part more “religiously literate” and thus better able to keep it as well as to pass it on.
“Faith of our fathers, we will strive
to win all nations unto thee;
And through the truth that comes from God,
We all shall then be truly free.”