This post really just serves as an elaboration on some of the things I said in my first post. It has come to my attention when someone is asked to define what The New Evangelization is, more often than not they might not be able to. I admit that perhaps two years ago, I would have been the same way, but ever since I came to Franciscan University this movement has been both literally and figuratively pounded into my head. I am grateful for this, primarily because I am a result of it. The purpose of The New Evangelization is to re-evangelize. It was never about spreading the Gospel to those who have not heard it, but rather to those who have heard it but have since been de-Christianized. For the sake of explanation, I'll give some statistics to show the gravity of the situation the Church finds herself in today. Out of all people who by name equate themselves as "Catholic", only 30% are actually practicing Catholics. Not that isn't sad enough, the definition of practicing Catholic is a Catholic who attends Mass only once a month. It is far less than 30% who attend Mass on a regular basis let alone every Sunday. This truly is a sad situation, but it can be fixed. We all need to be more effective Christians. In this day and age many Christians think that if they stay in their own little bubble and only worry about there own personal morality they'll be just fine. This is not true. Humans were designed for community, and the Christian Church is the perfect community. In this day and age though, modern technology has sadly damaged our communication skills. With cell phones and instant messaging, people have lost the ability to communicate effectively, but this can also be fixed with a little effort. What modern technology has benefitted us with is the invention of Social Media. Many people say Facebook and Twitter are distractions. That all depends on how you use them. I think that these forms of Social Media can connect us in a way that nothing else in the world can. For example, I can only reach so many people on my own with this blog, but if I share it on Facebook (which I have done as many of you are aware of) my friends will see it, and then their friends will see it and sooner or later this Blog can reach thousands of people (which would be totally awesome by the way). I know I've said a lot regarding this subject, but it is very important that we as Christians use the tools that the world has presented us with for heavenly purposes. This may mean something different for all of us, but we all need to do something to spread the faith to those who have lost their way. John F. Kennedy once said, "It is not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country." To close, let me adjust that statement. It is not what The Church can do for you, but what you can do for The Church.
P.S. If anyone would like to add anything to what I have said, or if you have a question, feel free to make a comment. In fact, I strongly desire feedback so I know I'm not talking to myself. Don't be shy to speak your mind.
