07/06/08

Emphasis is made in this parish on the work of Catholic Action. By Catholic Action is meant a systematic effort of the laity to assist the clergy in their mission for the salvation of souls and the triumph of the Catholic Church on earth. While the salvation of souls is chiefly the work of the clergy, everyone is bound through Baptism to work toward this end. Catholic Action was an extensive, world-wide apostolate prior to Vatican II. However, it was one of the first casualties of the war the Modernists have leveled against the true Church of Jesus Christ.

The enemies of Christ have succeeded in rendering Catholics frightened and apathetic. We who possess the source of Truth and Grace will barely talk to one another about spiritual matters, much less explain to friends and neighbors, or even strangers, the proper principles of a spiritual and civilized life whenever we are asked. We are frightened because evil is triumphing on all sides and we don't know what we, so small in numbers, can do about it. We are apathetic because, possessing little knowledge of our Faith, we are not on fire enough to spread it to others. This is not the proper spirit of those who possess the Catholic and Apostolic Faith

Long before this sad state of affairs, the Popes placed before us an example of life known as Catholic Action -- an organized apostolate of the religious and the laity whereby the clergy are assisted in their work by religious Brothers and Sisters, as well as by lay men, women and children who bring the Gospel message and Catholic thought to family, friends, neighbors, co-workers, classmates, and more. Seeing that the clergy cannot take on this task by themselves, the faithful accept a share in the burden of this task, preparing the way for clergy.

It is to be readily admitted that no one should dare go forth in Catholic Action unless he or she is prepared for the work. While prayer is essential to any Catholic work, it is extremely important in this one. Through prayer we will gain the graces necessary to better understand our Faith and to explain it to others in language best suited for each individual. Likewise, prayer brings the grace of conversion, for no one can come to understand and live the Catholic Faith unless he first has grace.

Equally important to this task is study. A good source of study material is through the Catholic Research Institute. When the Popes established Catholic Action, they also encouraged monthly Study Group Meetings. Such meetings bring Catholics together who are eager to learn more about what the Church teaches in important matters so that these principles can be taught to others. Reviving Catholic Action will do no good without reestablishing a commitment to such study meetings, no matter what the difficulty in coming together might be.

Since study is so important, Catholic Action Study Group Meetings are conducted once a month on First Saturdays. Below you will find the plan of study for this month. To understand more about these study meetings, click here. All are welcome— and greatly encouraged — to attend.