The inaugural Catholic Men’s Gathering discussed the necessary role played by men in the Church and explored ways to counteract men’s gradually declining numbers within Australian parishes. Source: The Record.
Speaking at the virtual event on Saturday, Sydney Centre for Evangelisation director Daniel Ang said: “If we believe that the history of the world and the history of salvation passes through the family, the life and faith of men is integral to the future of a flourishing and faith-filled society of which the Church is called to be a real sign and sacramental presence”.
“With men’s participation and engagement in the life of our parishes in decline, we are deprived of an array of gifts, charisms and vocations that God offers to us. This is to the detriment of the whole People of God and its mission and living presence in the world.”
Mr Ang believes that for that potential to be fulfilled, we as a Church need to ask: “Why is the Church so important to the healthy functioning of our men and what are the implications of our lack of outreach to men?”.
Brisbane Archdiocese’s executive director of evangelisation Deacon Peter Pellicaan, another presenter at the conference, said this will take place when we facilitate a personal encounter with Jesus – something Pope Francis often speaks about.
“It is this encounter that brings the Mass to life, when you know and love the one whom you receive in the Mass, you won’t want to miss it,” Deacon Pellicaan said.
FULL STORY
Dealing with the demographic divide: 2020 Catholic Men’s Gathering (By Eric Martin, The Record)
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