Comments on: Christian Identity and Communities of Memory: Renewing the Public Life at the Parish Level (Final) http://vox-nova.com/2009/05/18/christian-identity-and-communities-of-memory-renewing-the-public-life-at-the-parish-level-final/ Catholic perspectives on culture, society, and politics Sat, 26 May 2012 03:15:44 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.com/ By: Nate Wildermuth http://vox-nova.com/2009/05/18/christian-identity-and-communities-of-memory-renewing-the-public-life-at-the-parish-level-final/#comment-56707 Fri, 29 May 2009 18:58:40 +0000 http://vox-nova.com/?p=7532#comment-56707 Great essay, Katerina!

Interesting idea about a civic ministry. I wonder if anyone would show up? I think that builds upon David’s point.

]]> By: David Raber http://vox-nova.com/2009/05/18/christian-identity-and-communities-of-memory-renewing-the-public-life-at-the-parish-level-final/#comment-56129 Wed, 20 May 2009 20:59:41 +0000 http://vox-nova.com/?p=7532#comment-56129 Lately at Mass we have had readings from the Acts of the Apostles, the story of how our Church came into being out of the apparently failed life of a charismatic young Jewish teacher and would-be prophet named Jesus. The book is rich in lessons about building a Christian community. Your paper perhaps assumes these lessons as a basis for putting into effect your suggestions, but it is worthwhile to recall what makes everything else possible when it comes to building up a parish that has an impact on its wider community and the world.

The Spirit has to be there, the fire, the deep commitment to following Jesus; the prophetic leadership has to be there on all levels; and we need to love one another, first of all within the community of believers as a basis for spreading that love outward.

And how do we get all that? By seeking to be ever closer and closer to God, by asking for and being willing to accept God’s grace. In short, everything starts with the “spirituality”–prayer and devotion at the individual and community level. My best practical suggestion is that the Church and the parish first do all it can to promote that–and soon we won’t be able to stop getting busy with all the rest of the stuff that comes out of that and goes with that.

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