WHY CATHOLIC? > A Letter from Bishop Gaydos

September 4, 2008

Dear Pastors & Pastoral Administrators:

Pope Benedict during his visit to the United States stated that the message of Christ within the teachings of the Church is a message of hope for the world today, a world that in many ways has lost its bearings, a world that is unaware of the beauty and meaning of Christianity. We as people of faith are challenged to share that message.

Our challenge as a Church is that this message of faith cannot be shared by people who do not know the message. Many Catholic adults do not have a firm understanding of their Catholic faith. Many parents are ill equipped for the task of the faith formation of their children. As a result many young people do not know their faith. In response to this challenge I have decided to bring the Why Catholic? program to the Diocese of Jefferson City.

Why Catholic? was developed by RENEW International in order to promote evangelization and faith formation among Catholic adults. Why Catholic? covers the basic teachings of the church, what we believe, celebrate, live, and pray. The program employs sound and user-friendly materials that draw upon the teachings of the Catechism of the Catholic Church and Sacred Scripture.

Why Catholic? is designed for broad usage by small faith-sharing groups and other parish gatherings of adults. It includes attractive family faith bulletins as a way to reach out to parents and their children. The program is available in both English and Spanish. Why Catholic? has been developed by RENEW International, but it is completely different from the earlier programs produced by RENEW. In November a staff member of RENEW will be coming to the diocese to describe what Why Catholic? is all about. I would like every parish to be knowledgeable about Why Catholic?   I strongly urge you to personally attend one of the Information Sessions listed on the enclosed schedule.

Please invite your DRE or coordinator, parish council representatives and other parish leaders, particularly those involved in evangelization and catechetical ministry, to attend the Information Session in your area.

I appreciate your consideration of the possibilities of Why Catholic? for your parish. Be assured of our support and prayers in your vital role of pastoral leadership.

Sincerely yours in Christ,

Bishop John R. Gaydos
Diocese of Jefferson City

Contact Information for Why Catholic?