Dear Muncie Catholic Parishioners, 

Last spring, the pastorate survey that was conducted in conjunction with the Pastorate Vision Plan process identified a desire of many in the pastorate for additional adult faith opportunities. Since the inception of Muncie Catholic, we have been able to resume, strengthen, and add new opportunities for our adult parishioners. These include Bible Studies for both men and women, book studies, guest speakers, conferences, and more. These opportunities have served both as catechetical (instructional) and/or discussion opportunities for participants to grow in faith while seeking the "light" of the world - Jesus Christ!

In recent days, we have received spirited communications regarding a book study/discussion led by the Social Justice Committee at St. Lawrence. For several years, this group has studied various current social issues and events. The current study, written by a Franciscan priest, – albeit with an uncommon perspective - seeks to engage participants in a discussion about the prospect of racism and the Catholic Church in America. This book was offered as an adult "study" for group discussion. The content contained in the book was not intended to be perceived as an endorsement, but rather an opportunity for group discussion about varying perspectives in order to arrive at truths of the Catholic faith.

It is important to note that not every book study must be catechetical. Some books can be studied, in order to allow us to consider all perspectives and then strengthen our belief in the truths of the Catholic faith. We hope that the dialogue that ensues with such studies will lead to healthy dialogue. As St. John Paull II said in Redemptoris Missio, “Through dialogue, the Church seeks to uncover the "seeds of the Word," a "ray of that Truth which enlightens all men''; these are found in individuals and in the religious traditions of mankind. Dialogue is based on hope and love, and will bear fruit in the Spirit.” While we may not like (or agree) with positions taken by a particular author, discussing with other Catholics can help “us” to strengthen our Catholic resolve and articulate our faith with a united, thoughtful, unified voice.   

It is our hope that our evangelization opportunities will continue to lead you to a deeper understanding of our faith, a deeper prayer life, and a profound relationship with Christ. As we continue to invest prayer and energy into studying, learning, and defending the truths of our faith, we pray that the light of Christ may be ignited and strengthened in every person we encounter.  

I encourage you to discern how God might be calling you to deepen your faith. Prayerfully consider becoming a part of the many adult faith offerings offered across our pastorate. If there is a void that you could help fill, let us know! Our staff is here to serve you!  

In closing, let us join together in prayer, seeking the intercession of our Blessed Mother, that she may continue to lead us to the light of her Son, Jesus Christ.

In Christ,

Jason Hart

Director of Evangelization, Family Life and Pastoral Ministries

O Mary, Mother of Jesus and Mother of his Church, we are mindful of the role you play in the evangelization of souls who do not yet know Him. We are mindful of how missionaries came with the power of Christ's Gospel and committed the success of their work to you. As the Mother of Divine Grace you were with the missionaries in all their efforts. And as Mother of the Church you presided over all the activities of evangelization and over the implantation of the Gospel in the hearts of the faithful. You sustained the missionaries in hope and you gave joy to every new community that was born of the Church's evangelizing activity. You were there with your intercession and your prayers, as the first grace of baptism developed, and as those who had new life in Christ your Son came to a full appreciation of their Christian calling.

We ask you, Mary, to help us to fulfill this mission of evangelization which your Son has given to his Church and which falls to us. Mindful of your role as Help of Christians, we entrust ourselves to you in the work of carrying the Gospel ever deeper into the hearts and lives of all the people. We entrust to you our missionary mandate and commit our cause totally to your prayers. To Jesus Christ your Son, with the Father, in the unity of the Holy Spirit be praise and thanksgiving forever and ever.
Amen.