Rediscover Catholicism Book Discussion Guide. Suggestions for your book discussion group time:

Transcription

1 Rediscover Catholicism Book Discussion Guide Suggestions for your book discussion group time: You could begin some sessions with Lectio Divina (see How to Pray a Gospel Reflection on the Program Support page of ) to help group members learn meditation. Read the Sunday Gospel and sit for 3 minutes in silence, then have each person share something briefly that strikes them. Then sit for 3 more minutes in silence and allow whoever desires to do so to offer a prayer based on what is striking them. Each week, give the group members a chance to share experiences from their actual time of prayer. Did they encounter blessings? Struggles? Movements of the heart? At the end of each session allow for 5 minutes of silence and invite every member of the group to reflect on one thing they are going to take away from the session. Some examples: a commitment they are making; a truth they want to remember; or an action they want to take. Invite group members to write down or otherwise record this take away (they could use the My Faith Life feature in the Rediscover: app) and refer to this daily in the next week. Introductory notes: Rediscover Catholicism takes us on an adventure of life-changing proportions. Beginning with our common yearning for happiness, Kelly reveals the essence of authentic Catholic spirituality while addressing some of the most important questions we face today both as individuals and as a Church. Are you happy? Are you living an authentic life? Do you really think you will find happiness where you are looking? How would you like your life to change? What is God s dream for your life? Why have so many people rejected Catholicism? What does it mean to walk with God in the modern world? Do the saints have anything to offer you? Is Jesus still relevant?

2 Lesson 1 Theme: Grow in personal identity of what it is to be Catholic Pages: 7-19 Team guidelines Discussion group schedule and contact information Identify Catholic contributions to our world. Open your heart to the call of the mission. 1. Describe the moment in your life when you most enjoyed being Catholic. 2. Read aloud the story on pages How did this story change the way you think about Mass? What else did the story challenge you to reflect on? 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 struck you most in this section? Why? Share a truth you learned about Catholic contributions to society with someone this week. We live what we celebrate. During supper, thank God for one grace received that day. 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, what are you most concerned about? 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 imagination 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. What makes you proud to be Catholic today?

3 Lesson 2 Theme: Culture has influenced the way we all make decisions and see the world; we can choose to be guided by our Catholic faith instead Pages: How to pray a Gospel reflection You can find the above handout at Understand individualism (page 28-29), understand hedonism (pages 29-30), understand minimalism (pages 30-31) and identify their influence on your decisionmaking. Identify how you are hardwired to desire God. Resolve to cultivate one attribute from page 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 (page 28-29), hedonism (pages 29-30) and minimalism (pages 30-31)? Give examples. 3. On page 39-40, the author quotes the Catechism of the Catholic Church, The desire for God is written on the human heart. In what ways do you yearn for God? 4. Describe the relationship you and the person closest to you have. How would you describe your relationship with Jesus (friend, mentor, coach, role model, distant God, historical figure, etc.)? Where do you see opportunities for your relationship with Jesus to grow? Use the list of attributes on page 50 or the seven virtues of prudence, justice, fortitude, temperance, faith, hope and charity as an evening examination of conscience. As friends, remember to protect each other s good name. As family, decide to only speak well about what is sacred. View the short videos about the seven pillars at DynamicCatholic.com. We will be discussing these in the next few chapters. 5. How does embracing Catholicism as a way of life make you a better version of yourself (pages 47-50)? 6. In Chapter 5, the author discusses the identity crisis that we are struggling with as a Church. If a person is truly living a Catholic life, how could you tell? What would be the outward signs? We probably all have some of the traits discussed, but what is one trait you could improve upon? How can you make it part of your life today?

4 Lesson 3 Theme: Knowing and following the will of God Pages: Recommended books about the lives of the saints Recommended books about virtue List of local adoration chapels You can find the above handouts at Consider how to know God s will. Consider how to keep God s will. Consider how to motivate yourself and others. 1. When you are behaving in ways that are inauthentic, are you conscious of it at the time or do you only become aware of it later? How do you feel when you act authentically versus when you do not? 2. Is holiness possible for you? Why or why not? 3. Do you want to become a better version of yourself? What are some of your attitudes or beliefs about holiness which hinder your growth (pages 66-71)? What is one area in which you can improve that will help you become a better version of yourself? 4. In Chapter 8, the author offers short biographies of St. Francis of Assisi, Blessed Mother Theresa, St. John Vianney, St. Thomas More and Blessed John Paul II. a. Which biography inspired you the most? b. Which person did you know least about? c. How did the stories encourage, challenge or inspire you to live differently? d. Are any of these examples helpful in the area of growth you have identified? Identify one way to become a better version of yourself. Develop a plan which includes growth in knowledge in that area. Think about how you will get back on track should you find obstacles which keep you from growing or living the better version of yourself. If you live with children, read out loud to them the lives of the saints. Choose a saint and read that saint s biography or research that saint online. Visit a Catholic bookstore. 5. If you had to give yourself a score between 1 and 10 (10 being totally committed), how would you rate your commitment to doing the will of God in your life? 6. How do you identify God s will for you in your life?

5 Lesson 4 Theme: Look with new eyes at the pillars of our Catholic faith Pages: How to go to Confession Pew cards outlining parts of the Mass Book list on beginning to pray You can find the above handouts at Identify the goods of Confession (pages ). See how ancient practices are relevant for today. Place yourself in an experience of grace. Determine your most dominant thought. Seek God s will in everyday situations. 1. What is one thing that you learned about the seven pillars of Catholic spirituality? 2. What is your attitude toward Confession? What insight from this chapter challenged your attitude toward confession? 3. Daily Prayer: how do you imagine your life would improve if you were more consistent in your approach to daily prayer? 4. In the previous chapter, you identified an area of your life that you want to grow in. What virtue are you trying to cultivate? Have you asked for God s help in this? How did Jesus live this virtue? 5. The Mass: in reviewing the parts of the Mass (pages ), did any of the engage ideas challenge the way you currently participate at Mass? What did you think of the Mass journal idea? If you liked it, what do you need to do to make it happen? Request a free Mass journal at DynamicCatholic.com. 6. Share an experience of a time when knowing Catholic teaching gave you confidence in discussing a social issue. What could you do on a regular basis to increase your knowledge about the Catholic faith so that you will have more confidence in sharing with others?

6 Lesson 5 Theme: Choosing to live an intentionally Catholic life Pages: How to pray the Rosary List of online meditation resources List of recommended programs You can find the above handouts at Identify tools to grow in holiness. Find simple ways to incorporate them into your life. Understand their value and identify it in your life. 1. What are the seven pillars of Catholic spirituality (chapters in part 3)? 2. What did you learn about the pillars that you didn t know before? 3. Bible: what is your favorite story from the Bible? Why? 4. Fasting: what would be the hardest thing for you to fast from for one day each week? What could you consider giving up for one day each week? 5. Spiritual reading: do you read Catholic books? If so, what was the last one that really engaged you? If you read a great Catholic book for 15 minutes each day for the rest of your life, how would your life and spirituality improve? 6. The Rosary: when was the last time you prayed the Rosary? If it is not part of your spiritual routine, why don t you pray it more often? What gets in the way? a. The Rosary takes about 15 minutes to pray. Is it possible for you to find at least 3 minutes on your present schedule to pray one decade a day (during your commute, on your morning walk, etc.)? Select another book from those recommended on the book club page at. Make plans to continue meeting with your group and select another book or program of interest from the recommended lists at. Make a plan to pray at least one decade of the Rosary daily. Make a plan to fast once a week.

7 Lesson 6 Theme: Catholic leadership Pages: Rediscover event dates and locations Retreat times and dates in Archdiocese Information about how interested people can help in Rediscover efforts You can find the above handouts at Identify areas where you can contribute as a Catholic leader. Discern what you can do to create a more welcoming Catholic experience for others. Take concrete steps to grow in virtue. 1. Now that you have read Rediscover Catholicism and have participated in this group, in what ways has your life been changed? How do you feel called? 2. If the Church s future is going to be bigger than its past, it seems the key is education and evangelization. a. How can you continue to become better educated about Catholicism? b. What are some simple ways you can evangelize in your circle of influence? 3. It seems everybody wants the Church to change in some way or another. When you and I change for the better, the Church changes for the better. Are you willing to change? How would this affect those you live with and love? 4. In what areas of your life are you a leader? How did Chapter 20 challenge your leadership style? Why is Christ s model of leadership so powerful? Order free books for your friends at DynamicCatholic.com. Make plans to continue meeting with your group and select another book or program of interest from the recommended lists at. Invite others to join your Rediscover: Catholic Book Club or help them start their own group. As a team, participate in a half day retreat. 5. Jesus message throughout the Gospel is, Do not be afraid. What are you afraid of? How is that fear stopping you from being all God created you to be (the best version of yourself)? 6. If our lives genuinely improve only when we grow in virtue, what virtue do you sense God is calling you to grow in at this time in your life? 7. How many people do you know who need to read this book? How will you encourage them to read it?

8 Our theme for year 2 is PRAYER Upcoming FREE events in early no registration necessary! Two inspiring talks that highlight the beauty of prayer and offer insight on how to pray, gathered from two-thousand years of Church experience. Discover how your life can change and grow in new and powerful ways by building a personal friendship with Jesus Christ. February 3 & 10 Holy Name of Jesus, Wayzata February 4 & 11 St. John Neumann, Eagan February 24 & March 3 Our Lady of Grace, Edina February 25 & March 4 St. John the Baptist, New Brighton All Rediscover: faith 2014 Speakers Series talks begin at 7 p.m. and run 90 minutes, including hospitality time. These evenings are a unique opportunity to experience Cor Jesu, meaning "Heart of Jesus", as we worship Christ in community with the Church through Eucharistic adoration, confession, praise, benediction and fellowship. Attendees are invited to participate in whatever manner is most comfortable for them. March 11 Cathedral of Saint Paul, Saint Paul March 25 St. Hubert, Chanhassen April 8 All Saints, Lakeville All Rediscover: prayer evenings begin at 7 p.m. and end around 9 p.m. Check out for details on any of the above events!

9 Spring 2014: A Biblical Walk through The Mass by Edward Sri Discussion guide available by March 1 Discussion guides and other support materials available on the Rediscover: Catholic Book Club page of. SAVE THE DATE for the 2014 Rediscover: Catholic Celebration Friday evening and Saturday, October 3 & 4, 2014 at the Minneapolis Convention Center

10 RediscoverShare.org If you have experienced the beauty and peace of living in relationship with Jesus Christ and the Church He founded over 2,000 years ago, you have a story to tell that could change someone s life. Here s your chance to let people know how Jesus has positively touched your life and how life in the fullness of the Church has brought you peace, strength, hope, joy and love. Listen to The Rediscover: Hour Fridays at 9 a.m. Rebroadcast: Saturday 6 p.m. & Sunday 9 a.m. Listen to any archived show on click on Radio in the top navigation bar Download and share the Rediscover: app Mass finder, customizable My Faith Life journal, 100+ prayers, short articles and videos and more! For iphone, ipad and Android devices Download for free at Rediscoverapp.com