www.byzcath.org Forums Faith & Christian Life Parish Life & Evangelization Retaining members

One wonders whether there is a slight Donatist tendency present in some of our parishes which discourages people from remaining active. The Donatists were possessed of an image of themselves as "exclusive" and somehow "elite". Do we convey a similar message which discourages people from seeing themselves as members of a single universal Church? One recalls having read in an eparchial newspaper a few years ago a statement to the effect that the Byzantine Church is like the Marine Corps among churches. Other perspectives include "we are our own faith" and "they believe something different than we believe". Sometimes a distinction is made between those who "grew up Byzantine" and those who joined later in life. Sometimes Roman Catholic visitors are treated as outsiders. If such sentiments exist, are they consistent with the Gospel which we claim to preach and live? Should we be preaching a message of unity and fraternal charity instead?

David,

I suspect that you have a point. I gather that including people in various events would counter this problem. It works for us. I suspect that we have some problems still in this area.

I don't want to derail your thread but there are other issues that fall into your general heading. Do you wish to discuss other issues as well?

Dan L

Yes, Dan, please share your thoughts on retention. . .

The Marine Corps??!

I guess its all in one's perspective, isn't it?
I wonder if the USMC considers itself as Byzantine Catholic among Catholic Churches?

Sam

Sam,

Having been exposed to both the Marine Corps and the Byzantine Catholic Church, I can attest that there are few, if any, similarities between the two entities. . .other than lots of smoke and interesting "aromas". . .!

P.S. I would "sign" this with the Marine Corps motto. . .but I would be accused of being a Latinizer. . .! ;-)

In our parish we are doing some things to try to address this issue of retaining members:

1. Trying to get as many people personally involved as possible is probably the most important. The main thing is to try to give everyone a job. When folks invest their time, talents, and labor it gives them a real sense of ownership and fosters a sense of belonging.

2. Everyone is welcome - Race, ethnic background, etc. are irrelevant and that includes the expectation to roll up your sleeves, getting your hands dirty, and helping out where needed.

3. Teen and adult cathechetical programs are being developed to address the lack of knowledge of Eastern Christian theology and Tradition. Too many of our people have had an attitude that we aren't really any differnt from the Latin Rite church that's closer to where they live. We need to develop a clear identity as Byzantine Catholics.

4. Social gatherings after every Divine Liturgy. Just being together to share a cup of coffee does wonders in fostering a sense of "parish family".

"Too many of our people have had an attitude that we aren't really any differnt from the Latin Rite church that's closer to where they live."

If the Church is "one, holy, catholic and apostolic", are we not justified in claiming that the Roman Catholic Church and the Byzantine Church are not substantially different? Did not our Lord pray: "May they all be one, so that the world may believe" (Jn.17,21)?

David,

Yes we are one faith and we are free to attend either Church. However, there is a difference in our approaches to things, our emphases, our worship. The one Church is enriched by the fact that it is made up of many particular Churches each expressing themselves in a variety of ways. If all adopt one tradition the Church is impoverished because it has lost ways to reach people to speak to them in a way that touches their soul. The Latin Church does not speak to all, nor does the Byzantine, or the Maronite, etc. Each is necessary so that Gospel can reach as many as possible. Remember the miracle at Pentecost. The people heard the Apostles each in his own tongue. They did not all become able to understand Aramaic. Unity does not require uniformity.

Fr. Deacon Lance

Dave,
I just found your post- I'm a week late with a reply, but I couldn't agree more, LOL!
Sam