The statistics in the first chapter alone are enough to keep
you thinking about what you thought you knew about the Church. Forming Intentional Disciples: The Path to
Knowing and Following Jesus by Sherry A. Weddell is a phenomenal book. Twelve chapters packed with data, facts,
personal stories and practical answers to difficult questions. My favorite chapter is four, “Grace and the
Great Quest” where Weddell articulates so beautifully similar thoughts I have
had through the years about the sacraments, in particular, confirmation. One quote, which I would like to send to
everyone preparing for a sacrament, “In any case, simply going through the
motions to please others is not enough for fruitful reception.”
Throughout the book we are reminded that to form disciples
we must reach our adults and that many who come to Mass and participate in the
parish are often no more a disciple than a twice a year Mass goer. We are challenged to “expect and plan for
conversion and the fruit of conversion” in our parishes. As a parish catechetical leader, it is good
to read in print what you see happening around you. For instance, younger people are not
attending Mass or getting married in the Church; therefore “we can no longer
depend upon rites of passage or cultural, peer, or familial pressure to bring
the majority back.”
Clearly something needs to be done. Besides prayer, we must engage the people in
the pews and move from there. We can no
longer think young people will return for the sacraments when they have
children. And we can’t think that if we catechize more,
or better, or longer it will have an impact.
Weddell answers the “what to do” questions, laying out the Thresholds of
Conversion, explaining how to tell the story of Jesus (which is different/separate
from the Church) and gives concrete examples of how using these ideas can work.
If you want to evangelize or you work in a parish or diocese
in any capacity at all, get a copy of this book and use it. I know I will be asking this question, “Can
you describe your relationship with God to this point in your life?” this week
at work.
This review was written as part of the Catholic book
reviewer program from The Catholic Company. Visit The Catholic Company to find
more information on Forming
Intentional Disciples: Path to Knowing and Following Jesus. The Catholic
Company is the best resource for gifts for every Sacrament celebration, such as First Communion
gifts and Baptism gifts, as
well as a great selection of limited-time Year of Faith gifts and
resources.
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