Dear Friends,

Greetings in the Lord!

A few years ago, Bishop Lucia encouraged the diocesan staff to read the book From Christendom to Apostolic Mission by Monsignor Shea, the president of the University of Mary in Bismark, North Dakota.

In this short work, Msgr. Shea masterfully describes a seismic shift that has taken place. We have gone from a society when Christianity and the culture were pretty much on the same page and Christians were living the Christian life well (going to Mass, being active in the parishes, etc.) to a time when the culture needs to be evangelized once again with the Good News of the Gospel.  

We are experiencing the effects of this shift in our time: attendance at Mass and in faith formation programs is low, parishes are merging, etc. Over the past few months, the Catholic Sun has published the most current data for each Vicariate and the numbers are startling. Yet, this is our time to be the missionary disciples the Lord calls us to be and allow the Lord to lead us.

In Lent of 2024 a few parishes came together to reflect on From Christendom to Apostolic Mission. The presentations that were given can be viewed by clicking here. I encourage you to watch them and reflect on the important topics discussed. The material provided can be used during days of reflection, parish missions, Lenten workshops, etc.   

In my work of assisting parishes through the canonical processes of reconfiguration, it is clear that we all need to continue to process the seismic shift that has taken place so that we can see the bigger picture and focus on what really matters: the salvation of souls. Rather than giving into the discouragement that comes from experiencing change, we can be encouraged by the grace of God at work within us, his Body, the Church. We can be encouraged by the fact that the Lord has chosen us to carry out the mission of the Church in our time.

Thank you for your kind attention to this important matter. Be assured of my continued prayers and support, particularly in the processes of reconfiguration that are taking place.

In Christ,

CRS