\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n Ralph Martin, S.T.D.,\r\n a prominent Catholic teacher and author, endorsed\r\n my book, Passing the Faith onto Loved Ones,\r\n on which this mission is based. +Deacon John Beagan\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n
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\r\n\r\n Why This Mission?
\r\n Disbelief
\r\n\r\n\r\n \r\n According to Pew Research, two-thirds of those who left Catholicism did so because\r\n they no longer believe. Moreover, a professional study in my parish revealed that half of the survey\r\n respondents (presumably our most motivated) do not strongly believe what the Church\r\n teaches on faith and morals — a significant factor causing lower enthusiasm.\r\n
\r\n \r\n However, in my experience and analysis, it is the Catholic faith, even with all its\r\n problems and scandals, that makes the greatest sense and is most likely true. In fact,\r\n I'm convinced.\r\n
\r\n\r\n \r\n Therefore, to address the disbelief negatively affecting people's faith,\r\n these books and videos present the same simple case based on evidence and\r\n common sense for believing in God, His beloved son Jesus, and the one Church he\r\n historically established. In particular, the aim is to help Catholics believe\r\n the obvious meaning of all God's words and invisible realities.\r\n
\r\n\r\n Preparing to Stand Before God
\r\n \r\n What really compelled me to produce these works is the image of healthy middle-class\r\n people at the end of this busy life on earth standing before God, the Father\r\n of Jesus crucified, after neglecting and forgetting His only beloved son.\r\n How will that moment go?\r\n
\r\n\r\n \r\n Can we really expect to enter intimate communion\r\n with God — God in us and us in God — having never spent time\r\n getting to know him? Having ignored the crucifix, driven passed churches, and avoided\r\n faith conversations with loved ones? Having effectively decided on a daily basis to\r\n have no relationship with him? \r\n
\r\n\r\n \r\n And after disregarding God's words, concluded what is good is bad, \r\n and what is bad is good. Given Jesus' clear and dire warnings, this is an awful and unnecessary chance to take.\r\n Moreover, we have missed the opportunity and grace to love like God with \r\n experiences of deep happiness and tastes of heaven.\r\n
\r\n\r\n \r\n Consequently, the goal of this mission is to encourage and help active Catholics\r\n have conversations with those they love and bring them back to church.\r\n
\r\n \r\n
\r\n\r\n \r\n The Mission\r\n
\r\n \r\n
\r\n \r\n For bishops and pastors...\r\n
\r\n \r\n who want to help their people believe and bring loved ones back to Church.\r\n This is a link to a 12-week parish mission with free resources.\r\n
\r\n \r\n \r\n
\r\n\r\n \r\n Passing the Faith onto Loved Ones\r\n
\r\n\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n
\r\n\r\n “\r\n Deacon John is a clear thinker and clear writer and has written a book\r\n that will be a real contribution to Passing the Faith onto Loved Ones.\r\n ”\r\n
\r\n~ Ralph Martin, S.T.D.
\r\nDirector of Graduate Theology Programs in the New Evangelization,
\r\n Sacred Heart Major Seminary, Archdiocese of Detroit
President, \r\n \r\n Renewal Ministries\r\n \r\n
\r\nAuthor of many books including:\r\n A Church in Crisis (new!),\r\n The Urgency of the New Evangelization,\r\n The Final Confrontation,\r\n Will Many Be Saved,\r\n and The Fulfillment of All Desire (my favorite)\r\n
\r\n \r\n
\r\n \r\n For those who love the Church...\r\n
\r\n \r\n Best for teachers, ministers, staff, and other enthusiastic laypeople. Good\r\n for anyone who wants to pass the faith on to a loved one.\r\n
\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\n
\r\n\r\n \r\n It Makes Sense to Believe\r\n
\r\n \r\n
\r\n \r\n For those who doubt or disbelieve...\r\n
\r\n \r\n or are lukewarm and disinterested...\r\n
\r\n \r\n Ideal for confirmation students — before they go to college! And it\r\n can be taught in one or two sessions. Likewise, for the parents of students\r\n in faith formation since they are the primary educators.\r\n
\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n
\r\n\r\n The Video
\r\n\r\n YouTube
\r\n\r\n \r\n This video is an invitation to send to fallen-away loved ones\r\n so they might consider the books' simple case for the faith\r\n and come to Mass.\r\n
\r\n\r\n \r\n gaTrack('Resources', 'FromSomeone-YouTube')}\r\n >\r\n
\r\n\r\n (11 minutes)
\r\n \r\n This is based on the book for those who prefer to watch a video and should strengthen\r\n Catholics' belief and zeal. It has also been segmented into 12\r\n short videos to provide more sharing options.\r\n
\r\n\r\n \r\n gaTrack('Resources', 'TheVideo-YouTube')}\r\n >\r\n
\r\n\r\n (83 minutes)
\r\n 12 Video Segments
\r\n \r\n\r\n {/* 1 */}\r\n gaTrack('Resources', '01-should-we')}\r\n >\r\n 1-Should We Care?\r\n \r\n (9 min), \r\n\r\n {/* 2 */}\r\n gaTrack('Resources', '02-truth')}\r\n >\r\n 2-Importance of Truth\r\n \r\n (3 min), \r\n\r\n {/* 3 */}\r\n gaTrack('Resources', '03-is-god-dead')}\r\n >\r\n 3-Is God Dead?\r\n \r\n (3 min), \r\n\r\n {/* 4 */}\r\n gaTrack('Resources', '04-reveal')}\r\n >\r\n 4-Did God Reveal Himself?\r\n \r\n (11 min), \r\n\r\n {/* 5 */}\r\n gaTrack('Resources', '05-Love')}\r\n style={{ fontWeight: \"bold\", fontStyle: \"italic\" }}\r\n >\r\n 5-Love\r\n \r\n (5 min), \r\n\r\n {/* 6 */}\r\n gaTrack('Resources', '06-evidence')}\r\n >\r\n 6-Evidence\r\n \r\n (4 min), \r\n\r\n {/* 7 */}\r\n gaTrack('Resources', '07-Evil')}\r\n style={{ fontWeight: \"bold\", fontStyle: \"italic\" }}\r\n >\r\n 7-Evil\r\n \r\n (20 min), \r\n\r\n {/* 8 */}\r\n gaTrack('Resources', '08-suffering-death')}\r\n >\r\n 8-Suffering & Death\r\n \r\n (9 min), \r\n\r\n {/* 9 */}\r\n gaTrack('Resources', '09-little-faith')}\r\n >\r\n 9-A Little Faith Is Needed\r\n \r\n (8 min), \r\n\r\n {/* 10 */}\r\n gaTrack('Resources', '10-sex')}\r\n >\r\n 10-Sex, Sin & Scandal\r\n \r\n (7 min), \r\n\r\n {/* 11 */}\r\n gaTrack('Resources', '11-women')}\r\n >\r\n 11-Women's Ordination\r\n \r\n (5 min), \r\n\r\n {/* 12 */}\r\n gaTrack('Resources', '12-making-it')}\r\n >\r\n 12-Making It into Heaven\r\n \r\n (9 min) \r\n\r\n
\r\n Other Short Videos
\r\n \r\n\r\n {/* From Someone Who Loves You */}\r\n gaTrack('Resources', 'From-Someone')}\r\n style={{ fontWeight: \"bold\", fontStyle: \"italic\" }}\r\n >\r\n From Someone Who Loves You\r\n \r\n (11 min), \r\n\r\n {/* Crosses - Rosie */}\r\n gaTrack('Resources', 'crosses')}\r\n >\r\n Crosses - Rosie\r\n \r\n (4 min), \r\n\r\n {/* Salvation: Church in Crisis */}\r\n gaTrack('Resources', 'YouTube-Salvation')}\r\n style={{ fontWeight: \"bold\", fontStyle: \"italic\" }}\r\n >\r\n Salvation: Church in Crisis\r\n \r\n (21 min), \r\n\r\n {/* Army in the Pews */}\r\n gaTrack('Resources', 'YouTube-Army')}\r\n >\r\n Army in the Pews\r\n \r\n (12 min), \r\n\r\n {/* Intuitive Case */}\r\n gaTrack('Resources', 'YouTube-Intuitive')}\r\n >\r\n An Intuitive Case for Jesus' Dire Words\r\n \r\n (14 min), \r\n\r\n {/* Sharing Our Reasons */}\r\n gaTrack('Resources', 'YouTube-Sharing')}\r\n >\r\n Sharing with Loved Ones the Reasons for Our Hope\r\n \r\n (15 min)\r\n\r\n
\r\n\r\n\r\n \r\n
\r\n\r\n \r\n Salvation: Church in Crisis\r\n
\r\n \r\n This article refers to a recent column (December 2020) by\r\n Cardinal George Pell and to an earlier one by Cardinal\r\n Avery Dulles. It explores what underlies the widespread\r\n presumption that almost everyone makes it to heaven\r\n despite the obvious meaning of Jesus' words. Then it reconsiders\r\n Jesus' difficult teaching in light of God who is love, the\r\n crucifixion of his only beloved son, and the intimate reality of heaven.\r\n The article can be read, downloaded or watched on\r\n YouTube.\r\n
\r\n \r\n \r\n\r\n
\r\n\r\n\r\n \r\n Other Articles\r\n
\r\n \r\n (Read or Listen)\r\n
\r\n\r\n \r\n Army in the Pews\r\n
\r\n \r\n An important story about a passing opportunity to bring Catholics back to church.\r\n See gaTrack('Resources', 'MainArmy')}\r\n >\r\n IntentionallyCatholic.com/Army\r\n .\r\n
\r\n\r\n \r\n An Intuitive Case for Jesus' Dire Words\r\n
\r\n \r\n Contrary to popular “feelings,” this article considers\r\n the accuracy of Jesus' words in light of how much God loves us,\r\n the crucifixion of his only beloved son, and the intimate\r\n reality of heaven. gaTrack('Resources', 'MainDire')}\r\n >\r\n IntentionallyCatholic.com/Dire\r\n .\r\n
\r\n\r\n \r\n Sharing with Loved Ones the Reasons for Our Hope\r\n
\r\n \r\n This brief article is all that’s needed to initiate conversations with loved ones and bring them back to church.\r\n See gaTrack('Resources', 'MainShare')}\r\n >\r\n IntentionallyCatholic.com/Share\r\n .\r\n
\r\n\r\n \r\n
\r\n\r\n\r\n \r\n How to Use These Books & Videos?\r\n
\r\n\r\n \r\n The books, videos, and narrations on YouTube were created so people may\r\n read, watch or listen to this simple case for our faith and\r\n be prepared to stand before God our Father. If you agree with the content\r\n and approach, please promote it.\r\n The manuscripts and YouTube presentations are free. And the Amazon\r\n versions are inexpensive.\r\n
\r\n\r\n \r\n Leaders of the Church at all levels\r\n must themselves fully believe to be most successful\r\n at bringing people back to Mass.\r\n A bishop can\r\n use gaTrack('Resources', 'SiteLinkPassingTheFaith')}\r\n style={{ fontStyle: \"italic\" }} >\r\n Passing the Faith\r\n onto Loved Ones to help his priests,\r\n deacons and teachers believe all God's words.\r\n Given the book’s simplicity, however,\r\n more intellectual sources may also be desired. That said, its ease of\r\n understanding for busy laypeople is an example worth\r\n considering.\r\n
\r\n\r\n \r\n In a similar way, pastors,\r\n priests, deacons and teachers need to help their active members\r\n fully believe so they can in turn have conversations with loved ones and\r\n pass on the faith. \r\n gaTrack('Resources', 'SiteLinkItMakesSense')}\r\n style={{ fontStyle: \"italic\" }} >\r\n It Makes Sense to Believe,\r\n the other book,\r\n is meant for those who lack interest, doubt, disbelieve, or otherwise feel\r\n practicing the faith is unnecessary. By default, I either hand out or refer\r\n people to this book.\r\n
\r\n\r\n \r\n Consider this link to a 12-week parish mission with free resources to help\r\n the flock believe and invite loved ones back to Mass: \r\n gaTrack('Resources', 'PageLinkBelieve2')}\r\n style={{ fontStyle: \"italic\" }} >\r\n The Mission.\r\n
\r\n\r\n \r\n Whenever we’re preaching, teaching about the faith,\r\n or having conversations about it, we must always include\r\n some practical reasons for why we believe this makes sense.\r\n Over time, people will start to get it.\r\n
\r\n\r\n \r\n Please visit the book websites for links to YouTube narrations,\r\n manuscripts, Kindle version, and Amazon paperback.\r\n For bulk paperback orders, please contact me.\r\n
\r\n\r\n \r\n Lastly, band with kindred clergy\r\n who believe all God's words and\r\n want to share in Christ's saving mission: gaTrack('Resources', 'KindredClergy')}\r\n style={{ fontStyle: \"italic\" }} >\r\n IntentionallyCatholic.com/Clergy\r\n .\r\n
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\r\n\r\n \r\n Rosie\r\n
\r\n \r\n Five days before Christmas 2019, at 5:00am, Charlie discovered his daughter's lifeless body. Rosie was a\r\n perfectly healthy 2-year-old. She was Laura and Charlie's only child, and our only grandchild. In the following\r\n parish links, they discussed what happened, and how their Catholic faith pulled them through.\r\n
\r\n\r\n \r\n In this video, Laura spoke to 300 women at Long Beach Catholic Community\r\n during an evening of recollection. Her presentation begins after the 22 minute mark\r\n and they watch a 2 minute video which is not visible. gaTrack('Resources', 'rosie2')}\r\n style={{ fontStyle: \"italic\" }} >\r\n A Rose in Heaven | BC Ladies Event\r\n .\r\n
\r\n\r\n \r\n In this video, Charlie spoke to 50 Beach Catholic men during a day of retreat. gaTrack('Resources', 'rosie3')}\r\n style={{ fontStyle: \"italic\" }} >\r\n Charlie's Presentation\r\n .\r\n
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\r\n\r\n Contact Information
\r\n \r\n Please contact me at:\r\n
DeaconJohnBeagan@gmail.com\r\n
if you have any questions or feedback.\r\n
God bless!\r\n
\r\n DeaconJohnBeagan@gmail.com\r\n
if you have any questions or feedback.\r\n
God bless!\r\n
\r\n Deacon John Beagan\r\n
\r\n \r\n Serving Sacred Heart & Saint Patrick parishes in Watertown, MA\r\n
\r\n \r\n Archdiocese of Boston\r\n
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