CV NEWS FEED // In a recent talk, Bishop Frank Caggiano of Bridgeport, Connecticut, said that small communities are likely the future of a revitalized Church.
According to the Diocese of Bridgeport, Caggiano “challenged those in attendance to deepen their own relationship with Jesus, nurture small communities of faith, and find new ways to work together to renew their parishes and the diocese.”
Caggiano gave the talk at a small conference of parish leaders from throughout the diocese, and said that “regional cooperation” between parishes is important for the future of the Church.
“We as a church have to start somewhere and take hold of one question above all others, ‘Do you believe in your heart of hearts that the challenges we face can be better addressed if parishes work together than on their own?’” he asked:
Can we believe the day will come in our own lifetime, when we come to Church, not only knowing each other by name, but by the crosses we carry, and have the guarantee that they will never be carried alone? That kind of accompaniment happens now, but let’s make it intentional as we move forward.
Caggiano added that secular culture is “hostile” to Catholics and said that now is the time to focus on better formation for Catholics and young children.
“If we’re not forming people, the secular culture is, and it is leading people further away from Jesus Christ,” he said.
He said that if adult Catholics receive better training in their faith, they will be able to better educate and lead their children to Heaven. He also challenged parents to do three things every day: pray daily with their children, go to Mass every Sunday, and live a life of virtue as a role model for their children.
The diocese reported that following the talk, several lay leaders shared their own experiences and concerns about living a Catholic life in a secular world.
“One man said it is impossible to walk in to a protestant churches without being personally welcomed and invited, whereas Catholics do a poor job or welcoming newcomers and each other,” the diocese reported. “Another speaker said that focusing our relationship on Jesus is not simply personal but requires us to see Jesus in others, particularly migrants and others who may feel unwanted.”
Caggiano concluded by pointing out that though the Church is going through difficult times, the Church has historically always thrived when faced with adversity.
“This is our moment, the moment for the Church to get back to the basics,” he said. “We must have courage, my friends. The best years of the Church are ahead of us.”
