Not Enough: Catholic Family, Parish, School

They are NOTenough, not enough to protect, strengthen and especially pass on the faith, all together the are not enough: Catholic family, parish and school. They are not strong enough: the environment is too toxic; the hostile forces too powerful and prevalent; a stronger antidote is required. It was not always so. Circa 1950, the Catholic faith flourished in vital communities as the broader environment was so supportive: the Democratic Party, the unions, entertainment, wholesome patriotism in the wake of WWII and in the face of communism, a robust economy and a pervasive Christian (if Protestant) culture. It is not so today. An array of hostile powers work against our faith, especially against us passing it on to our young: economic anxieties,pressures to succeed, consumerism, careerism, materialism, sexual liberation, saturation with a godless media, pornography...the litany goes on. Imagine Commissioner Gordon of Gotham City facing the Joker, Bane, the League and the mob all with ordinary resources: Ridiculous! Their powers are too great; their influence too pervasive. Something beyond the ordinary is needed: Batman! And so, today, in our actual, real world, every Catholic and every family needs something exceptional: a dynamism, a charism, a rule, an itinerary of formation and fortification in the faith. This, concretely, takes the form of an intensive community of faith, organized around a distinctive practice. This practice will always include the staples of Catholic spirituality (sacraments, Church teaching, Scripture, intimate fellowship, and mission); but usually in a distinctive, creative, and personal manner. This can mean participation in a monastery or religious order (as a lay affiliate), a movement, prayer group or assoication of some kind. It will mean a saturation in gospel thinking, prayer, mimesis and communion. It will mean an impowerment, an agressivenss, a confidence and militancy in bringing the Joy of God's love to an alienated world.