Christians are Driving People Away from Church
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 22 พ.ค. 2024
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Depression and suicide are also record high. All though I’m Dutch (not american) I converted back to catholicism to escape the everlasting nihilism. If I was the last of ten people in my country to be Catholic I wouldn’t care. My soul is saved and my life is one of happiness while I see the world crumbling around me. It will not affect me because I stand on the rock of God.
I am a cradle American Catholic who didn't practice my Catholic Faith for many years. I was living a very secular, wordly life. My Catholic Faith (the way I was living it was very wordly, very Protestanty). My life was a complete and utter mess. By the grace of God (with help from our Blessed Mother Mary) I came back some years back. The closer I stay close to Our Lord and His Church, the happier and more at peace I am. The more I do what I want, what the world says is good, etc....the more problems arise.
@@marcihf217 Yes and it is better to have two faithful like you than to have two thousand of people who are there for other reasons than God.
@@fij715 Blessed are you, as a sibling in the Spirit, I pray for much peace and joy in your life!
@@marcihf217 I'm glad that you were called back and I pray for much peace and consolation for you and for steadfastness in the Spirit!
@@fij715 ❤❤❤
Father Casey, thank you so much for your channel. I recently re-embraced my faith and your videos have been a Godsend to me in learning how to come back to my walk with Christ. God bless you and keep up all the great and hard work you do, you are greatly appreciated!! ✝️
Father Casey. Thank you for your ministry. Making the church relatable and humble is needed to bring people back, and you do an excellent job.
Making Church relatable is exactly how the Church became irrelevant.
I love the Parables told by Jesus. They were meant for us too.
Well said!
I heard once that good preaching should comfort the afflicted and afflict the comfortable. This is a great video and with will comfort and afflict. Praying for you as you make bold stands.
That's a good one!
Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on us, who are sinners.
Just like biblical and historical evidence proves that jesus and his apostles were vegatarians biblical and historical evidence also proves that the trinity, atonement, original sin and hell are very late misinterpretations and are not supported by the early creed hence its not a part of Christianity I pray that Allah swt revives Christianity both inside and out preserves and protects it and makes its massage be witnessed by all people but at the right moment, place and time
The secred text of the Bible says ye shall know them by their fruits
So too that I say to my christian brothers and sisters be fruitful and multiply
Best regards from a Muslim ( line of ismail )
What about protecting us from clergy who are sinners? Molesters and embezzlers?
@@trevorleclerc602 What about that?
@@apalsnerg It demonstrates the priesthood is corrupt. They are the sinners and should look to themselves before claiming to look after their parishioners.
@@apalsnerg What about 2 Samuel 24?
Also - who, is the jeopardizer...
At root.
As for corrupt or inept priests... see also, Romans 13:1. And all cases of 'guided steps'.
Setting the table is not something solely done by humans. Nor perhaps... is misplaced cutlery.
4:49 I only experienced this one time when I went to a traditional Latin mass and I didn’t know how to read the misel, a young father with his wife and daughter helped me and I felt amazing. Felt like I was part of this community. We definitely need this
The traditional Latin Mass doesn't exist. It's the Missal of 1962. Yes, we need more community, but we need less experience chasing.
@@atrifle8364 This is equal parts untruthful and uncharitable, but in the context of this video, I'll give you high marks for irony.
The TLM community is one of the most welcoming I’ve ever experienced.
I'm really lucky to have mostly met Catholics living their faith authentically at my time going to Catholic high school, it was one of the reasons I decided to convert from protestantism, witness is really powerful!
Another elephant in the room: many Christians are low income service occupation workers who are one work shift away from homelessness.
I have had employers who have become punitive when they found out why I wanted time off. It is illegal but by the time a worker wins they are often left with very little to live on and in extreme situations,out of an a place to live.
I appreciate your points in this video. The LGBT part affects me deeply as someone from the acronym--I have had conversion therapy pushed at me, had people casually mention how "disgusting" LGBT people are in conversation incessantly, been told to keep quiet about it if I dare mention such--and I'm not even "acting on it"!! I don't even tell most Catholics I know because they can be so harsh and cruel about it--more ham-fisted rhetoric, less humanity. It's as if to be a "good queer" one must verbally self-flagellate whenever it comes up and either totally hide that side of oneself or use it to convince other queers to toe the line (ie blog about celibacy or whatever). It's exhausting! I just want to be as good as anyone else, that's all!
Every single one of us should be aiming to BE A SAINT. Settling for being less than that is a huge problem keeping people from the Church.
@@nathanielodell2575 I struggle to see where your point is a good faith reading of what I said? I am of *course* striving to BE A SAINT! (Aren't all of us Catholics?) That doesn't change that there are a great many Catholics that I've met who think that's not a thing I can do, merely because of things about me beyond my control. That is what I address in my comment when I say I appreciate what Father said.
I'm sorry if I sound annoyed. I am trying to see your point, but your comment isn't coming off friendly, just FYI
You and me both. I struggle to keep a balance between authentically living my faith and authentically living my identity. You aren't alone in this, and I'm probably stating the obvious in saying that. The hardest part is living a chaste life and that not being enough for far, *far* too many people in the Church - who don't seem to realize that we all, LGBT or het or ace, are called to live chaste lives according to our calling. Two authors have helped me out immensely: Eve Tushnet, who's written some excellent books on living an authentically Catholic and LGBT life (also some novels that would give Flannery O'Connor a run for her money, for the sheer weirdness of her characters and the situations their choices lead them into), and Dunstan Thompson, a poet in the last century who left the Church but returned and brought his partner, Philip Trowter, into the Church (I regularly ask them to intercede for me; I once even cried out to them "Can you guys be my gay Catholic dads??", whereupon, I sensed two friendly, slightly bemused presences and then felt a great peace and acceptance, as if they'd accompanied the Holy Spirit to comfort me).
I feel for this person. I relate to it. I'm straight but I was always puzzled why there is such aversion for the lgbt. In the way that there is no compassion for them. I suffer from a mental illness that is very stigmatised and all I desire from the others is to not vilify me, but to show compassion at least. We each bear our crosses. And I feel like people forget that working towards your salvation is a process, a journey in which Christ changes you. I now reflect of on my Christian life and for example it took 3 years of giving up an idol in my life that had been so ingrained in my personality, that when I converted it had never been even on the table to hope to get rid of it. For i didn't even know it was so grave. And quietly, God worked inside and I gave it up by my own accord after 3 years. I look with hope towards the future because God is working to sanctify us. I give you hugs 🫂
Thank you, Father Casey. Spot on with #3 - Lack of Intimate Relationships. My mother passed away in July 2023. Not one person from my parish sent a card, nor called me to ask how I was doing, nor even dropped off a meal Not. One. It was painfully hurtful. I can't seem to convince my husband to leave and find a more loving parish. On #4 - the LBGT Issue. Spot on with the lack of compassion and mercy. During one homily the priest made the comment, "boys liking boys is wrong and God doesn't like it." And, people wonder why the LBGT community doesn't feel loved and cared about from those within the Church.
I had some cards, not many, maybe 3 or 4. As time progressed no one asked me, ‘hey Frank, let go to coffee, or Let’s do lunch or dinner. We are just adrift. Catholic are excellent with their devotions and and almost privatized Mass….I have been at my new parish 3 years. Maybe 5 people know me, I have tried to get involved in any ministry. But I just think catholics don’t know how to have real relationships with other people besides saying a “hi” on the way in to Mass. I go to Saturday vigil Mass and Sunday mornings I sometimes go to a Lutheran church just so I have community and a sense of fellowship…..after services we all go out to brunch. I can’t go often because of the distance. Nevertheless, Pleople stay in contact with me. A couple weeks ago the Pastor emailed me saying he missed seeing me was I okay. Catholics could learn a lot from Protestants. I would never leave the Church though…it is my home since birth….but like so many churches it is dysfunctional. Some places are trying to address this…hasn’t filtered down to my parish yet. I do my best and trust God…..and I have no qualms about finding community elsewhere …God made us for community and relationship.
@@frankdagostino9089 Thank you. I grew up Methodist and converted to Catholicism 21 years ago. I love my Church, but I do miss the community of my Methodist upbringing. It felt more like a family.
Part of this communitylessness thing is that our Parishes are generally larger AND we are more urban AND "Universal Church" kind of scuttles a bit of the selection bias that goes into community building. But I agree, it is awful. We are bad at being church to one another. I have no friends at my parish and know no one other than the priest by name. And this is a "suburban" neighborhood parish on Staten Island.
In y parish, the Church puts the family on a list. People bring food, comfort.
I've not watched your videos for a while. This has brought me back. Thank you for what you do.
I'm not a Catholic, but as someone who had doubts for many years, I wanted to say that watching your videos have strengthened my faith, led me to start my TH-cam channel, and truly have led me to have a closer relationship to Christ. While we may not be of the same denomination, we are both brothers in Christ. I just wanted you to know that YOU and your online ministry really do bring people to Christ. I thank God for you and pray for you every day. Bless you Father Casey.
Thank you so much for speaking out my daughter left the church for this reasons
I have some good news: We had 20 or more kids up on the dais last week getting their first Communion.
We are still growing, just slowly.
Still growing but at a rate where new believers do not compensate for the loss of believers.
AkA growing in a shrinking manner.
@@pipMcDohl Let us not discount the large numbers of converts and reverts.
I'm a convert myself, in fact.
St. John Neumann, Pray for Us!
Thank you for pointing to the problem of the epidemic of loneliness. I recall watching a few documentaries about that here on YT (one by the channel coldfusion is one that sticks to my mind) and was absolutely torn when footage was shown of people crying distraught about how they didn't have anyone to talk to and just wanted one(!) friend, and it's important to note that most of the clips shown where pre 2020, so that was something concerning even before lockdowns and had long been coming.
A solid, caring community in YOUR Church and solid sermons of a Priest connected to what's happening are critical. The church we go to is not the most convenient, nor the shortest, nor with the nicest church, but the community and the way that priest speaks and actually inspires is, to be blunt, why I stopped being a lapsed, indifferent Catholic and am happily here, never mind that it was through one of the ceremonies of Easter 2023 when I finally put 2 and 2 together and figured out I needed medicines for my mental health issues.
Sadly, the tools so far in social media I think have also not really done a lot, yes they allow jewels like these videos an more effective communication and sharing of ideas, but also allow for echo chambers, extremism, partisanship and a whole lot of unsavory things. I've said it before, and I maintain in that while I am Catholic here in Mexico, I find some Catholic spaces online, specifically English ones, revolting because they are so poisoned with a toxic degree of American partisanship and if I lived abroad I do not know if I would identify as Catholic. They are not helping The Church.
Thank you for these videos, and may God Bless.
With respect: I had a career dealing with such matters. There are not a few folk who se own children avoid them as they abuse them. They can be anti-social and destructive to community groups, churches, family. I use to lament colleges who suggested folk join clubs and community groups, attend mass. They only ruien such for other folk.
Relationships require work, love and empathy. Folk must do the work - fortunately there are skilled therapist and community services that can help.
But We just do the work.
I really wonder what you mean by “partisanship”.
I have a feeling it involves people not being down with gay marriage or abortion, and the “non-partisans” would be people who support such evil.
The part about homilies is very true. I find that the best preaching I hear is on youtube, your and Fr Mike Schmitz's channels are amazing.
Thanks for your content today, I think it's so relevant and so well thought out. We love watching your videos and they always inspire us to have meaningful discussions that help to challenge our 'status quo' walks. Looking forward to your next instalment ❤
When you said, act like him and people will come my body literally shivered in agreement.
Thank you for making this video. Very much needed, currently i'm looking into churches and have been siding with orthodoxy but watching your unbiased videos reminds to me always see all the sides. Pray for me, and God bless.
Thank you Father Casey, “no one is defined by their sin” I recently had a priest shame, scold me, and make me feel awful. It was priest not from my parish, and had no idea who I was and the struggles and journey I’ve been on returning back to my faith. I won’t let this one encounter detour me from my faith but I did think “no wonder people are leaving the faith” I appreciate your ministry, you compassion, and your gift of explaining the beliefs of the Catholic Church.
Please, all the teachings of the Catholic church, of the Saints are easily avaible on internet. Please everyone has to improve his knowledges of the Gospel and of the person of Jesus Christ. God bless You and yours
I've seen some Catholic priests and some Lutheran pastors shaming parishioners. They're are doing a very bad job!
There's not more details in your post, but shame is not wrong necessarily. Some people need to hear the truth about theirs sins so they repent and save their lives. People living in homosexuality and defining themselves as that category of sin, are not on a path to salvation.
That was really thoughtful and hopeful. Thank you very much and God bless you! ❤️
I'm a convert to Catholicism I was brought in by the intellectual tradition from protestantism when I first went to a Catholic Mass everyone is very cold shoulder and not very welcoming it wasn't until I found a TLM Parish that I felt welcomed in the community
welcome home bro/sis, God bless
That's falling in love with the Missal of 1962, not the Church. Protestants are abnormally attracted to the "right thinking" found in Missal of 1962 communities. If you can't feel like you can join me at a ordinary Mass, then there is more spiritual work to do.
@@anthonytan7134- The Missal of 1962 is being restricted with good reasons. Home is the feeling of walking into any parish and loving God. It is not loving a modified missal from 1962.
@@atrifle8364 I found out about TLM back in 20/21 during covid, and frankly that's the greatest discovery in my life I would argue ( like the parable of hidden treasure, Mt 13 )...now at least I can understand the meaning of worship in a Mass, not a communal celebration of Eucharist in Protestant sense. God bless
@@atrifle8364 You're saying they're the problem for loving the Tridentine Mass? That's ridiculous. Imagine being against a much older and more traditional liturgy...
Anyways, why "fix" something that isn't broken? Why reinvent the wheel? The novus ordo is basically like downgrading from a beautiful cathedral to some sad looking commie block, and you're saying: "If you can't feel like you can join me in the commie block, then there is more spiritual work to do".
He CAN, but that's just self flagellation for no reason.
This is an outstanding video that touches on so many important points. Thank you Fr. Casey!
I went from attending my local parish weekly to just sometimes and attend the TLM instead because of some the points you talked about
It’s amazing how simple Jesus’ teaching was (for me, it’s basically love and forgive everyone), and how hard it is to put into practice. I ignore or struggle with it every day.
Excellent and relevant content, Fr. Casey! Your ministry through SM has assisted in my discerning the OFS, third order Franciscans. Whether I profess or not, your content is showing me a more clear path to a closer relationship with Christ. Thank you, young man!
Fr. Casey, speaking on the topic of relevant sermons, you just gave us an excellent standard with your presentation. Thank you for being willing to act as a lightning rod in exchange for presenting the splendor of truth. No matter who gets bothered.
Fr I live everything you have just said. When I was young I was all into building Parish community. I got involved in several initiatives and formed some beautiful friendships along the way. But the groups never lasted. I had hoped that the Holy Spirit would fan into flame our efforts, but that never seems to happen. I'll keep showing up a church, maybe God will let me into Heaven anyway.
If this retired evangelical minister can comment, let me say again: You nailed it Father Cole. I agree with everything you said.
However, let me suggest that Catholic Priests and Deacons could learn a lot from us, without changing their theology.
At the top of the list is preaching. 30+ years ago, when I was in school, I was literally taught how to preach as you outlined. Every sermon must ask and answer a question - and that question should be something the congregation is, or at least should be, asking. Every point should be an answer to the question the sermon is asking. The result is a clear. focused sermon. Does every evangelical minister use this method or one close to it? Of course not. Have I heard some great messages in Catholic churches. You bet. That said, I think that all in all, we are better at this than most priests and deacons.
As for getting people connected, this is a challenge for all of us. However, small groups, recovery groups, life groups, all started with Wesley and we have been doing this for a long time. It sure wouldn't hurt is a Catholic church having trouble in this department were to ask an evangelical church doing these things well for some help and advice.
Perhaps ask a question; were you answering it. A petty example I know, but there is no list of 10 Commandments in the Bible. How many times did you refer to 10 Commandments without clarifying that the are an amalgamation and redaction from various texts: and reassemble into 10 in a non-canonical Hebrew texts. Let alone explain the secular reason that supports the choice of these Commandants or more correctly, sayings. Did you ever mention that there are over 600 Commandments in the Bible that Christians churches wisely ignore or even reject based on human ethics and reflection.
Or did you lie by omission in the defence of your Faith.
Be honest here!
Great idea; we all should learn from each other!
Father Casey - this is a great observation, and as someone who is considering conversation (after many Pentecostal years) its a welcome comment ... I've been going along here in the UK to weekly Mass for a couple of months now, and our priests preaching (we have 3!) varies greatly, but I suspect the 'togetherness' is perhaps the most noticeable by its absence, and events to break down barriers that appear thin on the ground. Its not putting me off though, lol!
A couple turnoffs:
1) holier than thou Catholics. They vary in their presentation, but basically the ones who sit up front, hang out with the priest after mass, then cut you off leaving the parking lot.
Another variant, the TLM holier than thou types. They think they are somehow prioritized because they attend and push tlm.
2) people don’t even shake hands anymore. Ridiculous to be so scared after all these years(or ever to have been), plus, imho it shows a lack of faith or trust.
Some of us just never liked touching.
"Holier than thou" is a bit of a blanket term that gets thrown at most devout Catholics. There are some bad apples out there who fit your description but casting the "holier than thou" net inevitably catches some people who don't belong in that category.
Those who join the Catholic church mostly do so out of a desire to be challenged to grow. We must lean in to that. Standing by the teachings of the church, even when the world doesn't Iike it, will be the most fruitful method.
I completely agree with the TLM "holier than thou" crowd. Anyone that thinks they're automatically better just because they attend TLM is a HUGE red flag. Plus that pushes people away from wanting to attend TLM and ppl will keep attending Novus Ordo (which IS a legit form of mass, btw).
Pharisitical behavior is a massive turn-off, and it is unfortunately very prevalent in TLM parishes.
Don't be holier than thou; try being more knowledgable & truth tha thou If you are wondering about the question of whether your sexuality is a sin or not, I welcome you to consider the following thoughts for clarification. Let’s look at some basic fundamental facts based on extensive research & ongoing R&D. During fetal development a verity of biochemical agents are introduced which determine the total development of the fetus. Major agents such as testosterone & estrogen & a host of others agents determine size, weight, hair color, eye color & sexuality along with a host of other traits. Variations in the amount & timing of the introduction of these agents have a major effect in our development. The fetus is a passive participant & has no influence in these matters. Sexuality, for example, & all other secondary traits are thus given to us. Well, this begs the question, is homosexuality a sin. If your religion or belief system states that it is, then there can be no argument. These are the rules based on this system’s dogma. If you accept this system, you must accept the rules. This is your only choice which is condemnation.
If, however, you are in a belief system based on logic, reason, observation & common sense, & no reliance on spirituality, the conclusion is totally different. Replacing ancient religion & mythology with reason leads to another conclusion. Leaving religions that use condemnation & ridicule for control, can be the first step in becoming a true human being minus any imposed or fabricated guilt. There exist many variations of human sexual expression. When you leave various ancient religious beliefs behind & chose knowledge based in research, you can see & understand the true nature of humanity. You leave ignorance, hatred, & prejudice behind. In the book Gay Straight & the Reason Why by Simon Levay PhD, explanations regarding this aspect of humanity are clearly explained & is based on research. While I am not gay, I highly recommend this book. Being gay is no more of a sin than having red hair. They are both based on genetics & clearly not a sin. There is nothing wrong with you. This is the true choice. Peace
I do remember how cold and unwelcoming the church of my childhood was. Yes - It's very important to have community - a church "family" - with the priest or pastor being approachable and keeping in touch with each family in the congregation.
My first 25 years, I served as a staunch Catholic: I attended discernment but soon found out it wasn't' for me. Married as a Catholic with a tradition mass-wedding. Divorced 5-years later as a confused 'Christian'. For the next 10 years was a pseudo-Bible thumper - I gave that shot! Why not! Attended multiple Bible churches, was a touch interested in to pre-dispensation, 'gave my life to Christ' etc. You know the path of disillusionment and spiritual confusion? But once in a while I find myself attending mass. Ironically the last mass I attended was at a proper Catholic Church (of all places) Thailand! I haven't been a committed Catholic for 2 decades now. As I go forward, I somewhat feel... 'free'!
Keep going to Mass
Love your video and I could not agree more with everything you said. Let's control the things we can and help reduce the amount of people leaving the church.
Thank you, Fr. Casey, for your thoughtful and honest video. God bless you and your ministry.
With regards to the first point you brought up, in addition to cutting out gossip, one of the biggest ways I found to try and be more Christ-like is reminding myself to always give everyone the benefit of the doubt, and choose to believe that everyone is acting with the purest intentions until proven otherwise. That being said, I am never foolhardy when it comes to giving out too much trust. I give everyone the benefit of the doubt, but I still must be cautious, so as to prevent myself or others from being taken advantage of by someone who definitely does not have the best intentions, despite my hopes.
I do not assume that someone walking behind me on a dark street on a late night in the city is a mugger, but I recognize that I must still not put myself in a situation where if that person was a mugger I could get hurt.
Dear Brother Casey,
I am deeply grateful for your beautiful reflections. They really moved me. For a long time in my life, I stopped going to Mass. I experienced those suffocatingly boring liturgies. It was unbearable to hear empty words in church, cancelling out all meaning and inspiration. Thank you for pointing out this problem: I feel it's an acknowledgement of what I've been through.
Unfortunately, I turned my back on Christ, mea maxima culpa. This estrangement from the Mass, from the faith, had increasingly serious consequences on my life. At a certain point, the icy, despairing absurdity of agnosticism was such that I had to question myself. I found my way back to faith. Providence led me to a parish with priests who preached the Gospel with fervor and inspiration. Since then, order, meaning and purpose have returned and I feel buoyed up.
I won't comment on the rest of what you said, but I assure you it was all wonderfully relevant.
Thank you so much!
“This is not in question, and I have no interest in challenging it”
This pretty much sums up the reason the Catholic Church and Christianity in general is becoming quite irrelevant these days. The inability, or lack of willingness to challenge beliefs about God and what God “thinks” about a given topic is a stance that really has no place in a civilized society. As we learn more from science and become more rational human beings, and consequently less superstitious, this type of answer is simply unjustifiable.
Before we returned to the Catholic Church, we spent a few years with a Christian church that did an amazing job with points 2 and 3. Sermons were bible led and very relevant to modern lives, often breaking down each word and explaining what the original translator might have been trying to convey. The community was warm, welcoming and very involved with their church. This church continues to grow its membership, often through parishioners leaving the “older churches”. I often how the Catholic Church could replicate this type of energy without straying too far from its roots.
As always, on point! Every prayerful blessing, Father!
Thank you very much for such a brave video. In my humble opinion, at least from what I see with my family and friends, you are absolutely right. Hypocrisy is what drives people away from the church. We are expected to be some kind of beacon in society, but sometimes, with very little humility, we cloak ourselves in a moral superiority that we lack and do something that is forbidden to us: judge people (do not judge and you will not be judged) without considering 'the plank in our own eye.
On the other hand, sometimes I feel that we, as Catholics, get stuck halfway with some things. We focus on the death of Jesus when, in reality, the resurrection is the important moment ,we focus on sin and not on its forgiveness, on suffering and not on all the good things in life...we treat our Christianity as a burden and not as the gift that it is for us.
We have also turned Christianity into a ticket to heaven, like any other consumer product: follow the commandments and you buy a ticket to heaven. I don't think life can be approached that way. The correct way, I believe, is to be consistent with our ideas, go to Mass because we want to, not because it is a sin not to go, help others from the heart, not as a burden, thank God for all the good things that happen to us, but also be humble and accept the bad with dignity, pray to God to be stronger, not as if we were asking the genie of the lamp for wishes.
Best regards and thank you very much for your video, as always, inspiring.
Let knowledge drive out hypocrisy If you are wondering about the question of whether your sexuality is a sin or not, I welcome you to consider the following thoughts for clarification. Let’s look at some basic fundamental facts based on extensive research & ongoing R&D. During fetal development a verity of biochemical agents are introduced which determine the total development of the fetus. Major agents such as testosterone & estrogen & a host of others agents determine size, weight, hair color, eye color & sexuality along with a host of other traits. Variations in the amount & timing of the introduction of these agents have a major effect in our development. The fetus is a passive participant & has no influence in these matters. Sexuality, for example, & all other secondary traits are thus given to us. Well, this begs the question, is homosexuality a sin. If your religion or belief system states that it is, then there can be no argument. These are the rules based on this system’s dogma. If you accept this system, you must accept the rules. This is your only choice which is condemnation.
If, however, you are in a belief system based on logic, reason, observation & common sense, & no reliance on spirituality, the conclusion is totally different. Replacing ancient religion & mythology with reason leads to another conclusion. Leaving religions that use condemnation & ridicule for control, can be the first step in becoming a true human being minus any imposed or fabricated guilt. There exist many variations of human sexual expression. When you leave various ancient religious beliefs behind & chose knowledge based in research, you can see & understand the true nature of humanity. You leave ignorance, hatred, & prejudice behind. In the book Gay Straight & the Reason Why by Simon Levay PhD, explanations regarding this aspect of humanity are clearly explained & is based on research. While I am not gay, I highly recommend this book. Being gay is no more of a sin than having red hair. They are both based on genetics & clearly not a sin. There is nothing wrong with you. This is the true choice. Peace
Well - -
I started a scathing comment after hearing the first part of your video, then I cut it, and decided to listen to rest of your comments.
I stand corrected.
I must say - the three Priests from Nigeria and one from Mexico in our Diocese are exactly what you are asking for. We are blessed in our poor state. Blessed be Good!
Ok, I got you....months looking for an answer and this has been the most clarifying 10 minutes of my last 3-4 years. The Holly Spirit is with you in every podcast (...or He led me towards you?). Please keep doing these videos. ¡Muchas gracias Padre Casey!
Hi father Casey, can you make a video explaining the difference between Catholicism and Orthodoxy?
Go to the average catholic church at night and see what happens, the doors will be locked and no one there. Imagine how a person in crisis would feel standing in front of a church with it's doors locked shut. That's just one of a million issues. That's my litmus test for a church, if im there at 1 AM and the doors are locked and no one there, that'll let me know everything i need to know.
Pardon my ignorance but who is supposed to be there at 1AM? Is there someone supposed to be living on the premises?
@@Murph_gaming It used to be very common for the priest to live in a clergy house that was adjacent to the actual church but now It's a mixed bag of some priests still doing that, some having private apts/houses and some living in parish apartments that could be close or could be far away from their church. So if It was 1am and you needed help, either just shelter or counseling, unless the priest was called by a hospital to perform last rites/confession to a dying person, you could just knock and he would be there, you'd probably wake him up and he might be a bit grumpy but at least he would be there to help you.
@@lxlylb We used to go to a small church but the pastor lived 15 miles away as there were no cheap rentals in the area. Only option was to build and apartment on the premises. Budget didn't allow it (Mission Church).
We have a chapel that’s open 24 hours. Everybody knows the door code too, so we can worship all day every day if we wanted.
My parish is small but our homilies are usually very good. I always try to complement the priest when the homily speaks to me.
I am sure your folks brought you up well. But as an aside: if my students don't react and challenge something I have said, I consider I have done poorly. I want them to think and express their ideals; not mine.
When the parish priest offers something challenging, I hope we thank them too.
I am confident that you would - a good example to us all
The duty of the church is to comfort the disturbed and to disturb the comfortable (Michael Ramsey)
The duty of the church is to do the will of God and get as many people to heaven as possible.
@@fij715 Not the Anglican Church, nor the Early Church that was once 🙂
afflicted
Anglicans don’t really get a say in what the duty of our church is, they left.
Awesome. God bless you Father Casey. 🙏🙏🙏🙏
Nice Observations
&
Awesome Suggestions
WoW! Beautifully articulated and could not agree more.
I agree so much with everything you say. I am a member of a parish in the inner city of a major metropolitan area. We have lots of homeless and addicted people. We also have lots of tourists who visit the city and attend Mass while visiting. I can tell that many people are put off by the homeless who sleep in the pews and sometimes make outbursts due to being high on substances or mental illness issues. I understand that people visiting an inner city church when coming from a church in suburbia with none of these issues can be unsettled. But I pray that they understand these are the people Christ ministered to in his day, and that the marginalized in society are just as precious to Christ as anyone else. While I agree that you have pointed out many of the main issues facing the Church today, I think you left one big one out. That is the pitiful lack of availability to partake in the sacrament of reconciliation (confession). I know that priests are busy and have many commitments. But I am sorry, it is not enough to have confession for a half hour to an hour before the anticipated Mass on Saturday. The sacrament of reconciliation is the primary driver of our growth as Christians in my view. It also helps form a bond between a priest and a member of the parish. I cannot tell you how I wish I had a close relationship with a priest who could take me by the hand and help me deal with my sin and proclivities to sin. I go to confession often, but it feels transactional and anonymous. That has to end. I think the appeal of protestantism is that people feel a deep connection to the officiant and feel a personal connection to that person. Of course, it is false doctrine, but I understand the appeal. How do we fix this?
After hearing this I am so fortunate to attend mass at two Catholic Churches with excellent priests. Their homilies make all the difference in the world and when I visit somewhere else I miss what I have at home. Church here in Michigan and then the virtual mass in Portlaoise, Ireland.
Thank you Father, one member of my family is contemplating leaving the church. It is a big problem world wide
I once tried to sit down at a sermon at my grandparents' church. Got up an left after what felt like twenty minutes of "You need to donate to the church. If you don't give us money god will make you crash your car and get your money that way." Paraphrased of course but pretty much what he was saying. It didn't leave me feeling terribly inspired.
yeah, i dont attend sermons or churches in person but i study theology and church sermons for fun sometimes, when i can stomach it, all the people i listen to preach have offended me in ways it's hard to get over and get excited about watching more of their content which i know sounds silly but i just can't get past it, when i try to watch them or listen to them again it just reoffends me. If i were there in person during such occasions they start tirades about money and ulterior motives besides talking about the scripture i wouldn't have any qualms about just getting up and leaving, i wouldn't care too much about how rude i would seem at that point, that's what i think everytime i turn off one of those bad sermons is yeah if i was there in person this would be the point i would be getting up to leave, i don't have to sit here and listen to this.
Gnarly
@@w33d533d , ask God to help you, the Church loves you ❤️
"Sermons for Sundays and Festivals"
Saint Anthony of Padua
Mystic
A lack of community, especially for those under 30 and not in college has been the hardest challenge for me since I converted two years ago.
I needed to hear this today. Thank you!
I can't believe what Father Patrick did, it really made me question who to trust in the church 😔
Remember that you don’t actually know what Fr. Patrick did. Don’t jump to conclusions.
Thank you for this video you've struck the nail on the head
What a good video! Thank you!
Thank you for being a vibrant example of what a good Catholic can be. The fact I found more outside of Catholic churches than in is the reason I no longer consider myself a Catholic nor do I go to church. I found a lot of partisanship, "our" group is holier vs another religion. When working with various churches to collaborate on social projects to (disabled, elderly, terminal patients and their family, migrants etc) people of a small town I had to continually subtly remind them that it was not about THEIR church, THEIR congregation but helping anyone in desperate need which I found shocking for priests, pastors and reverends, much lesser from non Christian religions. Refreshingly nuns were far more open-minded than the local priest. It led the way for followers to adopt the same attitude and use their help as a way to push conversion on most vulnerable people. So I have no idea how things are in the USA. I just know that staying OUTSIDE the 'church' has helped me apply the Gospel day to day in a deeper way. Spirituality is fine, religion is loosing its way. If that is not a crisis, I don't know what is.
Thank you for your frankness, Fr. Casey. You hit the nail on the head.
I am starting RCIA this summer, so our local parish of Church of Sacrament is getting one member bigger.😊
Fr. Casey! I totally agree with you 100%. Prayers up for the human race ! Praying for you Fr. Casey. You’re definitely making a difference in this world 🌎 🙏🏾
Lord have mercy on us. Glorify yourself in us and grant that we be neither Pharisees and fruit counters nor laxists and sons of Hell. Amen.
The straw that broke the camels back for me was the Church’s acquiescence to the CCP and giving them a veto over appointment of bishops in China.
What a shift from the Church’s important role in the fall of the USSR!
Father , my sister once told me she is hesitant to go to mass because the priests' homily is all about politics ..politics..politics never related to the gospel nor how to enriched her faith. 😢
She told me because of that , she listens to a different teachings of other Christian faith though she looks forward that one day she will be back attending the Roman catholic mass once she discovers a priest does not tackles about politics . I understand my sister very much because I myself is not interested to hear politics on a Sunday mass.
As Catholic Christians, today, more than ever, we have to know what we believe. Yes, indeed, we have to re-discover and learn the GOSPEL and the person of JESUS-CHRIST ! We have to clean our FAITH from all useless and false things that the world introduced in our minds! Let's be focus on FAITH, HOPE and CHARITY/LOVE, The Holy Mass, daily prayer and the teachings of the HOLY CHURCH
Thank you Fr, can't be said any better
fully agree with you here Father, only the part about bad homilies is one I don't understand. Since I returned to Church as a true believer in 2017, I heard sooo many homilies from so many priests, in person ( I go to daily Mass) and online. I can honestly say I have learned something deep and relevant from every single one, even from the one priest here in our parish whose homilies are mostly angry complaints against the congregation. It has made me realize that most priests, even most people, are so good, but nobody thanks them (well, thanks YOU guys) enough for doing so well, and yet if one person and especially one priest messes up, then all are considered bad. So, I dunno if I've just been very blessed with wise priests, but I can't understand that one point in the video
A clear and cogent argument, Father. When I am walking in the Spirit, I find all five things you list are only background noise. When I am walking in self, they irritate the hell out of me. 2 Thessalonians 2:1-3.
I would share here Psalm 25 :To You, O LORD, I lift up my soul; in You, my God, I trust. Do not let me be put to shame; do not let my enemies exult over me. Surely none who wait for You will be put to shame; but those who are faithless without cause will be disgraced. Show me Your ways, O LORD; teach me Your paths. Guide me in Your truth and teach me, for You are the God of my salvation; all day long I wait for You. Remember, O LORD, Your compassion and loving devotion, for they are from age to age. Remember not the sins of my youth, nor my rebellious acts; remember me according to Your loving devotion, because of Your goodness, O LORD. Good and upright is the LORD; therefore He shows sinners the way. He guides the humble in what is right and teaches them His way.
I suspect that deep down, many leave because there is some sin they want to keep, or some mistaken belief they won't abandon. In the past there was social pressure to pretend you still practiced, but that's gone now. The combination of a smorgasbord of communities willing to tell you want you want to hear and the social acceptance of not belonging to any religious community makes it really easy.
The bottom line is that people have been conditioned to seek a church based on the way they already are rather than what the objective truth is.
@michaelcenz That's not how any of this works.
@michaelcenz Yes, we will. But we've already been told on good authority: it is appointed unto men once to die, and then the judgement.
It is not hateful to tell people they are wrong. If the stakes are high enough, it is one of the more loving things one can do.
Community is huge; I’m a member of the Ordinariate of the Chair of St. Peter, and Sunday Dinner/Fellowship after Mass is one of our hallmarks.
One other thing that we’re known for, and where I will offer some constructive criticism, is liturgy. Fr., I didn’t hear you mention that, but the SSPX, Sedevecantists, and other more traditionalist groups outside the Church are swelling due to bad liturgy. The “conservatism” that you seem to be critical of is part of the backlash against bad liturgy. People would not leave the Church in droves if they believed that the Eucharist was truly Christ’s Body and Blood, and as they say, “lex orandi, lex credendi.” I’m not advocating for everyone to switch to the TLM or my own beloved Mass of Divine Worship, but if our liturgies look like a cheap knockoff of the Protestant Church down the road, people will go to there. Use the full 2,000 year history of liturgical music, not just stuff from 1970 onward (most of which, let’s face it, sounds dated and isn’t easy to sing) Give communion on the tongue at a communion rail, or at least have kneelers as an option. Chant the Mass, especially priests. It’s meant to be chanted. Wear vestments that don’t look like table cloths from the 1978 edition of some home magazine. Treat Mass like the Holy Sacrifice that it is.
A huge reason for people leaving churches is that chrches are primarily mere social institutions.
We don't require religion to participate in socially compassionate and empathic groups of like minded people.
Those who pretend to preach without solid inner spiritual experience to draw from aren't doing anything more than presenting a homework assignment, and are useless for spiritual inspiration.
People NEED genuine spiritual experience beyond the ordinary life experience.
Even well articulated mental descriptions of such experiences are not a meaningful substitute.
It's been two thousand years.
By now the RCC should have learned enough about the processes of spiritual development to facilitate the creation of Padre Pio level members alive at the same time in every country on every continent.
While you obviously can't arbitrarily choose a specific person to turn into a saint of Padre Pio's caliber, by now the RCC should have developed the mechanisms whereby such people can generally develop and flourish.
Bottom line:
¿You want more church attendance and membership?
Give thousands and thousands of Padre Pios spread throughout the world alive in EVERY generation.
Otherwise all you have is Jesus & Mary fan clubs.
Fr. Casey, not sure how much you read the comments but I was hoping you could help me with this. One of my biggest oppositions is some of the written word. Deuteronomy 22:28-29 is just one, where it mentions that r*pe of a virgin woman is responded to by the offender paying 50 sheckles of silver to the father and marrying his victim for life. This just doesn’t sit right with me and when I come across passages like this, I feel as if I cannot find my way back. Any advice or thoughts?
the Bible is the Word of God, yes, but it is always filtered through the language and culture of the people that were hearing it. We must be able to parcel out the difference between God's Word and human words. As strange as it may sound, this passage is an act of justice. In a culture where women had no protection whatsoever and their "worth" diminished after they lost their virginity, it would have been impossible to marry her after being raped. This law served as a deterrent for rape and a consolation for the woman who would have otherwise been alone the rest of her life. It is not an eternal law that stands today, but the underlying truth of it, that the weak need to be protected from being discarded just because they are "damaged" stands true today.
@@BreakingInTheHabitoh I feel the cultural relativity argument is such a cope out.
want some good advice???? than read on If you are wondering about the question of whether your sexuality is a sin or not, I welcome you to consider the following thoughts for clarification. Let’s look at some basic fundamental facts based on extensive research & ongoing R&D. During fetal development a verity of biochemical agents are introduced which determine the total development of the fetus. Major agents such as testosterone & estrogen & a host of others agents determine size, weight, hair color, eye color & sexuality along with a host of other traits. Variations in the amount & timing of the introduction of these agents have a major effect in our development. The fetus is a passive participant & has no influence in these matters. Sexuality, for example, & all other secondary traits are thus given to us. Well, this begs the question, is homosexuality a sin. If your religion or belief system states that it is, then there can be no argument. These are the rules based on this system’s dogma. If you accept this system, you must accept the rules. This is your only choice which is condemnation.
If, however, you are in a belief system based on logic, reason, observation & common sense, & no reliance on spirituality, the conclusion is totally different. Replacing ancient religion & mythology with reason leads to another conclusion. Leaving religions that use condemnation & ridicule for control, can be the first step in becoming a true human being minus any imposed or fabricated guilt. There exist many variations of human sexual expression. When you leave various ancient religious beliefs behind & chose knowledge based in research, you can see & understand the true nature of humanity. You leave ignorance, hatred, & prejudice behind. In the book Gay Straight & the Reason Why by Simon Levay PhD, explanations regarding this aspect of humanity are clearly explained & is based on research. While I am not gay, I highly recommend this book. Being gay is no more of a sin than having red hair. They are both based on genetics & clearly not a sin. There is nothing wrong with you. This is the true choice. Peace
As a Protestant Pastor I will say we are all responsible. We stand and fall together.
My problem with Christianity is that you call yourself a protestant yet preach keep some of the doctrines and traditions such as the trinity and Eucharist that came from the early catholic church fathers, if I were catholic and believed that Christ found the catholic church and is his embodiment then I couldn't stand with a protestant because you are practicing out of disobedience to God, because you know the truth but decide to be outside of the body and preach your own interpretation via sola-scriputra, Catholicism is 100% Christianity
This my outside perspective of a non christian myself
i used to despair over declining mass attendance, but now i dont. why? because upon this rock jesus built his church. for as long as we dont give in to despair, the gates of hell will not prevail. for there are already signs of growth and revival, such as increased baptisms in france for the fourth year in a row since 2020, and record breaking attendance at easter in the uk
Thank you Fr Casey 🙏🏼
The true solution is rekindle the holy spirit in the Church. Not by our strength but by the power of God.
Stay strong and keep teaching us. Bless your ministry as you try to always point to God's mercy as you educate us.
i am old now. When i was in Grade School, the Sisters told us many good things. One of them was the importance of giving a good example. All my life, i have known many Catholics, including priests and Bishops, who do not do that. Some of them do not even come close.
I think the question that is not being asked is... what is more important? The number of people who call themselves Christian, or the number of people who believe in and live for Christ.
There has been many years now in the West where being "Christian" was simply the default. It was what you were and what you did, but it also bread a hollow faith. Today being an open and strong Christian is unpopular and even shunned. This has indeed led to a loss in numbers of the church. But this CAN be (if handled properly) a time of renewal and growth (in REAL Christian faith).
It is sad to see so many people "leave the church" but the question actually should be, were they ever actually a part of the church or just there as it was easy and what you were "supposed to do"
My point? The goal shouldn't be to focus on how many people come or are "driven away." Preach the Gospel, speak the truth, do not compromise on values, and those who come and remain in the church are those who are true believers. People will seek Truth. If you aren't speaking it, they won't come to you.
The response will inevitably be "but we want everyone to come to the church." The answer? Even Christ knew people would reject him. Our job isn't to pad the numbers. The Holy Spirit will do its work, our job is to be there when it does, to who it does.
Just to add for thought.
If you were in a church with 500 people in 1990 and only 100 of them were truly on fire for Christ, that same church in 2024 now has 150 people, ALL of them on fire for Christ. Has your church grown or shrank? I would argue its grown and been improved, though numerically (and often financially) its shrank.
@@ChancyC hmmm, interesting point, sir!
exactly. appearances can be deceiving and bureaucracy doesn't prove anything @@ChancyC
I feel like a lot of novus ordo parishes are still filled by people who attend without faith, and these numbers are shrinking, I also think it is quite hard to become real christian here. That is why, I think, despite the restrictions, TLM is growing, and there won't go people who don't believe, why would they?
For me it is sad that pole Francis is so uninformed that he keeps restricting it.
TLM restrictions might not be main factor of church attendance dropping but in the video everything else was mentioned, except this
@@VojtechFortThere is a desire for liturgy that is more “high church” than “low church”. In the Catholic church in the U.S. the only high church option is TLM. There is no reason that the NO can’t be done more high church. “Anglo- catholic” parishes in the Anglican have been doing it that way for hundreds of years - a beautiful and traditional liturgy in the style similar to the NO. Of course, the sacraments aren’t recognized by the Roman Catholic church, but we can learn from them how to make our NO liturgy much more rich and formal.
No 2 is definitely true. I have seen this first-hand. We had a Parish Priest that had not good and long homilies with less meaning with time people attended less even I went to another Church Mass instead of My Parish Church Mass because of our Parish Priest. Then our Parish Priest got changed and new Priest came. With time people started coming back and now people come to our Church Mass from other Parishes.
Fr. Casey, one of the biggest issues I wonder about is when I watch old movies people always seem to have had a personal connection with their priests. We're about the same age, I think, and even though I went to Catholic school and was involved in that community I think I met my priest twice outside of Mass.
Part of the problem is that over the past 60 years the number of Catholics has gone up and the number of priests has gone way down. We are stretched way too thin and can't be as present to everyone anymore.
@@BreakingInTheHabit Yeah, I know but I'm going through premarital right now and have yet to meet with our priest. This is at a relatively small parish where there might be three couples going through at any given time. I know you guys are stretched but that feels a little off.
The new priest at my local parish told me to find a different church. That drove me away from attending church.
I used to be atheist until my late 20s. I’m 31 now and thinking of joining the Catholic Church. I was baptized in a Lutheran church I think. I hope I can still be a part of the community going forward. I’m simply looking for structure and something to hold me accountable for my bad actions because living alone has allowed me to make a lot of bad sinful choices.
If you can, find a Traditional Latin Mass parish and talk to the priest. He will give you sound instruction and you will be received much quicker.
God bless you
@@carolynkimberly4021why not Novus Ordo?
@@carolynkimberly4021- That is converting people to the Missal of 1962, not the faith. The restrictions are there for good reason. Loving Holy Mother Church means more than loving an older Mass form.
@@andrirublov- There is nothing wrong with the current missal. In especially the United States there is a rebellion focused on the Missal of 1962. Those communities abnormally attract Protestants and people rejecting Vatican I and II. The "TLM" as people imagine exists simply doesn't and is being restricted for the best of reasons.
If you want to convert to Catholicism find the best parish you can locally. There are plenty of orthodox priests using the current missal. Just look for pro-life events etc
Thank you, Father Casey, for reminding us that acting in accordance with Christ's wishes and trying to embody his virtues is a far more effective tool to bring and retain people in our Church than offering polemic in theological matters, political activism, or sermonizing endlessly to someone.
I'm not even a Catholic but I couldn't agree with you more. Especially on the last point about politics: I stopped attending a church that I really liked after we got a new rector and started getting politics out of the pulpit. And it wasn't even so much the brand as the mere presence.
Hay quick question, what is going on with upon fr review?
I think it got taken down because of copyright reasons. Such a shame
It's because Fr. Tuttle has been removed from the ministry for allegations against him...
@@Itakepicturesofthesun The investigations against Friar Tuttle have concluded and he has been removed from duty.
@@DayleDiamond oh, man I didn't even know about this. My goodness Tuttle has been removed.
I've even got called out as stupid by protestants, too saying that "ah, youre catholic...that expülains your interpretation"
it felt beyond contemptuous. It also hurt me deeply since it wasn't what I read in the words that Jesus spoke. In my humble opinion he just tried to unite people of faith...yet every denomination of faith tries to differentiate themselves for no reason. It just doesn't make sense. It is no wonder that he doesn't want to come back yet. There is more division on a daily basis than there is love in the entire world in a year.
I love your clarity and compassion ❣️ You remain in my prayers Fr Casey🙏🏾🙏🏾
Thank you-this was beautiful ❤
As a 71 year old Catholic, I stopped going to church several years ago for 2 main reasons. Reason one was the priest complaining about the need for more money from the pulpit each and every Sunday. Then there was my parish priest's support for Trump and how Biden is evil and should be excommunicated from the Church. He too made this point clear to the congregation. Can we go to mass on Sunday and not be forced to hear the political opinions of the priest, regardless of whether he is a conservative or a liberal? The pulpit is not the place to engage in political discussion. Nor is it the place to be constantly complaining about money.
Yeah, ok. But what about your faith? What about the EUCHARIST ?
So equally for you and the priest... What does scripture say about idols?... DO NOT HAVE IDOLS.... for me I am republican but I even know that politics is a equally an Idol!
My church takes $1.8 million a year to operate. If you can’t make enough to run the building and pay it’s bills but rely on donations either you need more donors or for existing ones to give more. Otherwise the church has to get help from another parish to stay alive. The priest has to ask.
In the end all will feel compelled to explain to Christ why they didn’t go every week …. Some may even lose faith for not going and end up being so shamed that they turn away from God at their time of review of their lives.
None of that should matter … it’s the Eucharist and it’s healing properties that should compel us to go. The internal reflection over the liturgy. The remembrance that in spite of the pain in his death that Christ died on that cross for every bad thing you have ever done on this world and that it’s each of you who put him there.
@@arthurgouvet9606 I believe that my faith is good and I try to live a good Christian life even though I no longer attend church. As for the Eucharist, I do receive it when my younger brother who is a Catholic priest and I get together. Maybe I will return going to church if my parish priest is either transferred or dies. But not before that. If you are wondering why I just do not attend another Catholic Church, the answer is simple. The nearest one to where I live is a good hour’s drive time.
But why not simply looking for another parish?
Absolutely! This is me speaking. I was a loyal believer until many people who thought they were better demotivated me. Of course, there are a bunch of horrible things that I won't say here.
Fr. Cole, thank you for this food for my body and soul.
Adding some Protestant insight here, but it's not just the Catholic Church having these issues, it's Christianity as a whole. There's been a major shift in American culture in the last 30 years towards secularism (and other places in the world no doubt). I'm almost 30 and I'm the youngest person in my Methodist congregation, and I was the first one baptized here in years from what my pastor was telling me. God bless you, Fr. Casey for your amazing work!
I am not Catholic, but this video is very applicable to Evangelical Christians, as well. Thank you for clearly articulating what we have all been experiencing.
Best that Christians not denigrate other Christians: I grew up where protestants lads threw stones at the Papist after school. I'm relieved that my children experience none of that. Life is far better now that religious institutions have less sway on social life. Eg, the parish priest doesn't care how many times I've been married - too many for my own liking. But life takes us where it will. They were all lovely and wonderful women. I've been most fortunate
Amen. Thank you Father, Blessings!
I remember listening to a woman say she left Catholicism and faith after the first Sunday after 9-11. She wanted to hear something touching on what has happened…she was left wanting.
Teach the Catholic Cathchism in schools to nourish the true faith. This will give a foundational spiritual structure to children and by the time they leave school, they will know the faith well.