Book: JESUS - Answer to Evangelising the Irish Church

The universal magnitude of Covid 19, propelled Pharmaceutical companies to kick into overdrive to stem the flow. Thanks to their relentless effort to provide a vaccine, we are seeing light at the end of a long dark tunnel. The Irish Church, like most in the West, has been experiencing a spiritual version of the pandemic for decades. It is a leaking bucket and haemorrhaging profusely. Attempting to fill the bucket with drive-in Starbucks-style Baptisms, First Communions, Confirmations and Weddings is waging a losing battle. I speak from personal experience of parish ministry. The Irish Church is in freefall.

This is the depressing image of the Irish Church the former Papal Nuncio, Charles Brown painted on his farewell in 2017. Speaking to the Irish bishops he warned, 'We're at the edge of an actuarial cliff here, and we are going to start into a freefall.' Five years later we are hanging by our fingernails about to crash on the rocks. My book exudes with hope because I have the right focus.

Pope Francis, has repeatedly told bishops, and priests, that the Church is suffering from introversion. We must stop navel-gazing and look out. He exhorts the leadership, in particular, to speak more about Christ than the Church, more about God's word than the Pope, and more about grace than law. I add to this in my book that bishops and priests must cease 'saying Mass.' What we are meant to celebrate, not 'say' is the Paschal Mystery: the death, resurrection, and ascension of Christ. We must slow down, pray and celebrate well our death, resurrection, and ascension in Christ. It's scandalous to hear Catholics demand, 'keep it short Father.' Whatever 'it'means.

The format for renewal that I present is practical, pastoral, and essentially simple. My approach is primarily relational; not academic. More from the heart than the head. Basically, this is what is new about my book. Back in 1999, St. John Paul II described the newness of evangelisation as 'a fresh encounter with Christ'. Not, more knowledge about Christ, but a new relationship with him. We encounter Christ more with our hearts than our heads. The same Pope went on to describe the new evangelisation as 'new in method, new in expression and new in enthusiasm.' I explain the challenge this entails throughout my book. We must launch out into the deep. Be pioneers and not settlers. We must take prudent risks and be courageous and creative. If we keep our focus on Christ it will also be fulfilling and enjoyable.

The author is a priest and ministers at Knock Shrine.

His book is available from - bookshop@knockshrine and sales@veritas.ie

Website: www.veritas.ie