Why the New Evangelization Needs a Focus on Fathers
by Steve Wood
The New Evangelization may be a disappointment when it comes to evangelizing families if it neglects a focus on fathers. The call for a New Evangelization is a desperately needed initiative especially when it is directed at baptized Catholics who are secularized and distant from the Faith. A serious hemorrhage of Catholics, especially youth and young adults, is due to what St. John Paul II termed an “invasive secularism.”
Key to the long-term success of an evangelistic effort that results in widespread cultural transformation is the targeting of specific “people-groups” (a term used in missions and in evangelistic planning) that are keys for the conversion of others. In other words, instead of trying to evangelize everyone, the focus is put upon those who in turn will be instrumental in the conversions and reversions of others. As far as I can tell, the key “people-group” for the New Evangelization of families has yet to be identified, namely fathers.
Editor’s Note: Today, we are pleased to introduce Greg and Julie Alexander. Greg and Julie
are co-founders and co-directors of The Alexander House Apostolate, a Catholic, lay apostolate – based in San Antonio –
dedicated to proclaiming the beauty, goodness and truth of God’s plan for marriage. They’ve helped thousands of
couples heal and restore […]
Guard Your Mouth to a Happier Marriage When we say I do we should also say, I won’t—I won’t use my
words to hurt my spouse. Infidelity, addictions, and other major destructive behaviors can inflict mortal wounds on a
marriage. But perhaps the greatest sources of damage on relationships are the seemingly less harmful ones, […]
