Session 2 (pages 27-66) Discussion Questions

Here are some questions from the Study Guide to consider as you read the pages for Session 2:

1. When you consider where we are today as a society, do you think the world needs Christianity more or less than it did a hundred years ago? What are the signs that support your view?

2. How are you influenced by the philosophies of individualism, hedonism, and minimalism? Give examples.

3. In Chapter Three the author quotes, “The desire for God is written on the human heart . . .” (Catechism of the Catholic Church). In what ways do you yearn for God?

4. How would you describe your relationship with Jesus? Is he friend, mentor, coach, savior, spiritual director, role model, distant God, or historical figure? Where do you see opportunities for this relationship to grow?

5. How does embracing Catholicism as a way of life make you a-better-version-of-yourself?

6. In Chapter Five the author discusses the identity crisis that we are struggling with as a Church. If your life were put under a microscope, would there be sufficient evidence to convince a jury of your peers that you were truly Catholic? What would that evidence be?

Session 1 (pages 13-25) Discussion Questions

Here are some questions from the Study Guide to consider as you read the pages for Session 1:

1. Describe the moment in your life when you most enjoyed
being Catholic.

2. How did the story about the epidemic and the little boy
change the way you think about Mass? What else did the story
challenge you to reflect upon?

3. In the Introduction of Rediscover Catholicism the author shares
many ideas about where we are as a Church and possibilities for
the future. Which idea most struck you from that section? Why?

4. This is a very hopeful book, and yet the author is not afraid
to confront the very real challenges we face as a Church at this
moment in history. As you reflect on the future of Catholicism:
a) What are you most concerned about?
b) What are you most hopeful about?

5. It seems the first Christians lived differently, loved differently,
and worked differently, and in the process captured the imagina-
tion of the people of their time. How can you live, love, and work
so as to intrigue the people in your own place and time?

6. In what ways is God calling you to a bigger future at this time
in your life?

7. What makes you proud to be a Catholic today?

The Study Guide

It's been a while since I've posted here.  My apologies for that but an unexpected business trip to the west coast followed by my daughter's drama production left me with little time for anything else.

The in-person discussion groups in the parish are using a study guide to help focus their discussion.  It's available here and in the links on the right side.  I will also post each section separately week-by-week to invite further comments.