The only way to save the Church
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- čas přidán 12. 04. 2022
- The Church in the west is fading away. Fast. What can we do about it? Get back to our roots and focus on the basic keryga of faith: Jesus Christ, the Son of God, died for us to set us free.
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I was raised Protestant and I always felt something was missing, and I am happy to say I have finally found what was missing in the Catholic Church. I am 22 years old and I am taking my first communion this Easter, and I am so excited to fully be a part of God’s Church.
Congratulations and God bless. Have a blessed Triduum.
The Orthodox is the only true church. There is no Christianity outside it.
We welcome you. We will pray for you this Easter Vigil. 🙏
Awesome!
Welcome home!! Excited for you!!
Sometimes people asked me like this : "Why a young man like you want to become a priest? You won't get married" Well my answer is simple, "Marriage isn't the purpose of our life, God is our purpose"
I'm happy to live as a seminarian since 2017 until now
Thanks fr 🤗🤗
Amazing 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽
God bless you, man
Good for you Isak. I had the calling myself and even attended a pre-seminarial high school during summer recess (from my normal Catholic high school) and it was one of the best times of my life.
Unfortunately i lacked the courage and dedication of you, being introduced to big city life and experiencing all the distractions that seem like a dream life. By 30 as I hit spiritual bottom and have made my climb back, always regretful of not sticking it out, but also rich in hope.
You carry the weight of the World on your shoulders and I admire you so so much. Never waiver in your norms and mores, hang in there and God Bless
Congratulations Bro! Oops, I mean, Father! 😂 sorry about that I can't be so casual with my words in front of a priest.
Hi, Father Casey! I was born and baptized Catholic. At age 15, I was 1st year college. I fell in love at 15. Had an abortion at 17. Turned my back from God thereafter. Fell in love again and the cycle continued. Parents separated while in a medical school and almost did not graduate on time. Forgot confession until my 24th year. Confessed for almost 2 hours and was subsequently absolved. I became a physician at 25. Got married at 30. Became a mother at 33. All through out the darkest days of my life, I didn't realize God still walked with me. And, looking back, He carried me through. He was there with me. I'm a work in progress and hopefully, I would come home to His loving arms one day knowing I have given all what I have been given to this world for His glory. I continue to pray that my life be a good example to my daughter and that how I am living my life would be a testament of God's love and forgiveness. A life of seventy times seven.
God is merciful. Thank you for sharing Bee Bee. Please remember to pray for your unborn children too. 🙏
Wow!!! God bless you Sister in Christ
Praise the Lord ...
Wow this is truly inspiring!
God Bless you ❤️
The question is - one can realize God was/is present all along through thick & thin, yet still - we could be luke-warm & not fully embrace The Lord for whatever reason/s.
Luke-warm unfortunately, is unacceptable to The Lord, you are either fully with Him on the bandwagon OR not. If not - you will be spat out by Him - read your bible Bee Bee. 😒
I am a 21 year old man who is getting baptized this Saturday. While it may appear dark, Christ the light of the world will guide us through it.
Welcome home!!!
@@DavidRodriguez-cm2qg Thank you my brother in Christ
I’m in my mid-20s and plan on being baptized in the church Easter next year! After spending my youth deep in new-age occult, I owe a lot of my path to witnessing my boyfriend live a holy life! I saw him pray the rosary everyday, started praying it myself, and wouldn’t ya know. And of course the grace of God! The best evangelization I’ve seen is living a truly holy life following Jesus!
Welcome home! ❤
Praise God for the example of your saintly boyfriend
Congratulations, we need more men like your boyfriend regarding to the example that he gives.
What a wonderful man is he.
How come the rosary was the best evangelization for you?? I’ve been wanting to pray it but I feel like there’s something I’m missing 😅😅
Before I converted, I was a witch. I had access to real and terrible supernatural abilities and used them to get what I wanted from other people. I encountered -- while at the Dollar Store -- a woman surrounded by a strange glow. This didn't perplex me much, I had seen a lot of strange things leading up to that point, but what was strange was that something with her was repelling something I could sense was with me. I was working as a cashier, and--seemingly spurred by the presence with me--I stammered uncontrollably: "Cash or credit?" It was almost like a twitch. She looked kindly up at me.
She came back in after her transaction, and she mentioned off-hand that she was a Christian, I said,
" Oh, so you are Christian." She then said," Oh, can you see my glow?" This revealed that the thing I was perceiving around her was real, but then she told me it was the Holy Spirit that she had been given miraculously by God not too long ago.
Soon after this experience, I did some strangely quick mental math. If what was with her was good (Jesus), and something was with me that didn't like her, clearly we have opposing teams here. This shattered my conception of complete pantheistic unity, that all was one. And what was with her that was different than what was with me? Well, she has God with her-- so who was with me?... who doesn't like God? Bingo.
I started reading the Bible, I wept for my sins and I began instinctively purging my life of all the magic and other terrible things. I traversed through many different denominations. I almost became Mormon. But always, when I went into churches, there was a feeling of emptiness, like it was not the right one. When I stepped into a Catholic Mass after visiting RCIA, I realized intuitively the Real Presence existed in the Eucharist (I had read John 6 just a few days prior). I knew I had found what was missing. Someone handed me a rosary, and I began praying. My desire for deep spirituality which had manifested in my New Age-ism was now finding its fulfillment in the deep spiritual traditions and devotions of the church.
And with this story I also want to say something -- the largest group of people that are crying out for Jesus that I know of is the New Agers, practitioners of the Occult, Satanists, Witches, and Pagans. There are many of these people, though steeped in sin, who want God desperately. They are seeking spiritual fulfillment in the wrong places. Pew Research polls have shown the proportion of US citizens that are completely atheistic is actually very small, the largest group is the "nothing in particulars" a large proportion of which believe in God and practice varied forms of meditation-- these people are New Agers. Though these people may do things that set them at odds with the church (because occult practices bring about attachment to the demonic), there are many who, if touched by God, will become great warriors for Christ and His mother Mary. Take it from me.
I was a former witch too. The power of Christianity is in scripture, it isn't in man's ADDITION to scripture.
I’ll be joining the faith this Saturday night! Going through all the rites this vigil!
Yeah!!!
Just wonderful. God Bless you✝️
Congratulations!
Welcome!
@@tikkamassala4509 Thank you!
Fr Casey. I was a Protestant. Then I left it, 21 years ago. I thought “church” or been in a community is not important. Only me and God will do. In the desert, I reject all those “feel good theological”.
It was only last year, that I encounter your video and I ask God, if Catholicism is the path for me to walk on.
Is thru your video, your walk, that I join RCIA, would be proudly be accepting in the Catholic community this Easter.
And is thru your faith, I also join the 3rd Order. You have no ideas, that you and Fr Patrick, St Francis have inspired me so much.
Please continue to walk faithfully in your path.
Dang, that's beautiful.
Your life can be a testament to others, 2.
Safe travels to heaven.
I feel saved and redeemed. I came back to the Church after several years of not attending and I went to confession today after 8 years since my last one. I had examined my conscience all throughout the week, I had revised my list of sins three times and practiced reading it out loud all for me to end up breaking down crying and stuttering while in the confessional. It was kind of embarrassing, I'm sure others heard me too, but I have been feeling so much lighter and have been weeping tears of joy since I left. It feels good and freeing to be saved by Christ, especially after several years of being lost, depressed, lonely and focused on the standards of the world.
NEVER GIVE UP.
I have been through my own embarrassments and am now writing them all down in my life story.
Life has been kinda lonely, i definitely feel misfit. BUT i have never been abandoned by the holy family.
Keep going! We need you in the Church!! 😇👍👍👍
I'm very happy to hear your experience, Kristen! I can't imagine it was the easiest thing to do after 8 years, but the amount of joy and peace you feel now after your confession is pretty amazing, isn't it?
(Don't worry-going to confession gets easier and won't be quite as intense as this one probably was.)
If you haven't received for Holy Communion after this confession, be prepared to feel a deep sense of peace. It may not be completely tangible as our senses often get distracted, but the Holy Eucharist is TRULY Jesus' body, blood, soul, and divinity. When we receive Him, we are being united to Jesus' death and resurrection-which is the single greatest gift God has given to humanity. He conquered sin and death itself, so that we may be able to find eternal life.
I'll be praying for you and those near and dear to you. May you have a very blessed Easter, and please know that God loves you infinitely! 🙏😊
You confessed to God, right (since no man has the power to forgive sins)?
My latest encounter with Christ was a few hours ago at mass. At the elevation of the Body of Christ, I felt so much love that I almost fall down ! It was such a great experience !
Holy Spirit moves in the Church, it's a beautiful thing to witness💙
Wow, that was wonderful!!!
The Holy Spirit worked on you that very moment…
However, you have to remember that our faith is not based solely on emotion but that in our very heart, mind and soul that we know that Jesus is very present in the Holy Eucharist: Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity…
God bless and keep the Faith!
No man can call down God upon an altar.
@@nightshade99, why...
@@voxangeli9205 Because Christ answers to no one upon demand/command.
Hello Father Casey, I've never been early enough to say that I love your videos and one of the many reasons I've made my move back to Christ's wonderful church. I am living a substance free life thanks to God and his willing to give when I asked for it. Thanks for everything you do!
Lol
I'm so glad you've found your way to God! Amen, and welcome home
@YAJUN YUAN I have been to a Sevent-day-Adventist services and its growth isn't with native born North Americans and western Europeans who he is mostly addressing in this video but people from the Carribean, the Philipines and Latin America.
@YAJUN YUAN Most Catholic churches are like that. Its white millenials like me and Fr. Casey who are the minority and SDA churches are no different.
Please don't give up, Fr. Casey! You yourself are evidence for continued hope--a young, believing, devoted guy searching for ways to help people understand and come to our Lord too.
We are going through a severe pruning process right now . . . But that implies much more fruit someday: 30, 60, 100-fold. The Catholic Church isn't going away. 🙏
Thank you Fr Casey. I do have a personal encounter with Christ in my heart. Even though I don't feel worthy of his loved he saved me 2 years ago. I'm grateful that he came searching for me a lost sheep and brought me back.
Dear Father Casey, I am looking back on a long life as a Catholic, 7 years as a youngster as an altar boy starting when Mass was still read in Latin. But never, believe me never I met a clergyman, Father or Bishop, who managed to touch my heart as you did. I am firmly convinced that if Church can survive it is thanks to people like you. Please don't give up 😊🙏
How beautiful.
That's why the scriptures say a good friend is a treasure.
Praying for you, bro.
@@DavidRodriguez-cm2qg Thank you so much 👌🏻😊🙏
Amen! As a Lutheran, hearing you say this makes my heart full.
My friend, I have been saying for months - although you are fully Catholic, you are also as much of an evangelical as I am. This video proves it. May our Lord continue to bless your ministry! - A retired evangelical minister
I wish the world knew how much my heart is broken due to the declining numbers of the church. It rocks me to my core. It makes me cry and makes me so sad. This pain has been with me for well over 15 years. Many times it’s unbearable. Jesus helped me personally and has helped me to help others. This is the only consoling thing as we all know. I want all to know Him, and to be in the safety of Christ in his kingdom.
One of the best (and luckiest) things I did was to go through a “Catholics Come Home” program in college. I had left the faith for a few years and, being a cradle Catholic, I wanted to understand my faith as an adult. That experience gave me insights that have carried me into middle-age, in part because it was mingled with the RCIA program.
I got to relive the experience about 10 years ago when my father converted (Southern Baptist his first 79 years). He had attended mass weekly with my family and participated in faith discussions when I was growing up. Discussing his new perspective thanks to those leading the RCIA program was renewing for my faith.
Although it is inflammatory to put it this way, sometimes one can't get the Gospel until he realizes that he and everybody else is a monkey-brained idiot, and God loves him quite regardless of that fact.
I mean that now. The universe is vast, and we hardly even have control of our own bodies much less any part of the universe. This is something the pagans knew for thousands of years. It's about time we started learning it again. Then we have the proper context for the love of Jesus Christ, the Incarnation, the passion, and the crucifixion.
I started going to other religions when I was in middle school all the way up to my kid years in college. I never really left the church but I was interested in other religions in the world. Until 2015 or 2016, I had my eyes on the world. Now I am going to Rcia classes for my confirmation. It is helping me relearn what I forgot about our Catholic faith.
You must not know scripture then.
@@nightshade99 I wonder... I am not trying to be confrontational. It takes time for me to understand things. Having a learning disability does not make it easy. I space out a fair bit. Does anyone want me to pray for them?
@@renkomon.8312 Do you have a particular question?
I'm in my late 20s and will be joining the Church this Easter Vigil. From personal experience, I think stronger catechesis should be made a priority. It wasn't until I learned Church history that I realized the Catholic church is the One True Church. Knowledge is power. With this and all of your excellent points, the Church can grow again.
Welcome home, sister!!! 😇📿🙏
If you have studied church history then you should know this church killed and burned thousands of heretics and WITCHES.
How do you know for sure that it is the one true church?
@@nightshade99 As someone who studied journalism in college, I was always taught that only the original source can be fully trusted. It's like the game "Whisper Down the Lane." The more people who retell the story, the more details get distorted, and eventually you end up with a version that is entirely untrue. The same rule applies to religion.
The Bible clearly says Saint Peter was given the keys to Heaven, which means the Catholic Church is the original source, and therefore the only church with the full truth.
"And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.” - Matthew 16:18
Jesus made Peter the first Pope, giving him the authority (keys of Heaven) to pass down Church teachings from generation to generation. Unlike protestants, Catholics follow Apostolic Succession. Every single Pope can be traced back to Saint Peter because we follow his successors, and the Church has proof of this line. Every other Christian denomination broke away and did their own thing. Sure, they have some parts of the truth. But their versions are distorted because they are not the original source.
@@shannonmaria22 YOU: As someone who studied journalism in college,......The same rule applies to religion.
ME: Hmmm. That's debatable, but I'll give you the benefit of the doubt
YOU: The Bible clearly says Saint Peter was given the keys to Heaven, which means the Catholic Church is the original source, and therefore the only church with the full truth.
ME: No, scripture is the original source which came before any church was established. The church can be exposed on 37 different heresies, so, NOT the truth.
This is the interpretation of Matthew 16:18
This verse is often misunderstood because it is often misused. As with other verses, this is partly due to translation. The words written in Greek show a relationship not so obvious in English. Here, Jesus is responding to Peter's declaration that He is the Christ, the Son of the Living God. He declared Peter blessed for understanding this and insisted this understanding was given to Peter by God the Father (Matthew 16:13-17).
Roman Catholics point to what Jesus says here as evidence that Jesus established Peter as the first holder of a special office in the church on earth. They believe Peter to have been the first Pope, that Jesus gave him a spiritual authority over the other disciples and all believers in this moment. According to that claim, the "rock" Jesus will build on is Peter, himself.
However, there is an element of wordplay involved here. As written in Greek, Peter's name is Petros, meaning "a rock" or "a stone," and the word Jesus uses for the foundation is petra, which means "rock" in the sense of a substance or material. Jesus does not say "you are Petros, and on this Petros I will build…" nor does He say, "you are petra, and on this petra I will build." Rather, He says "you are Petros [a stone], and on this petra [rock] I will build my church." The rock on which God will establish His church is in the confession Peter has just made: that Jesus is "the Christ, the Son of the living God" (Matthew 16:16).
Peter certainly becomes the leader of the disciples and first spokesman for Christ in the earliest days of the church. Under the power of the Holy Spirit, Peter preaches the initial sermon as the church is born and 3,000 people come to faith in Christ in a single day (Acts 2). Peter, though, is far from infallible and his faith falters on several occasions, both before Christ's death and resurrection (Matthew 16:23) and during the time of the apostles (Galatians 2:11-14).
However, the church-the collection of all people who come to faith in Christ as Savior--exists only because of the central truth that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of the living God. That is the power that keeps the gates of hell from overcoming those who are in Christ, His people, the church. Peter plays a vital role for a time, but eventually disappears even from the story of the church's beginnings after Acts 16. Just as was promised, the foundation of God's new covenant is not centered around any fallible person or place, but in the hearts and minds of each individual person (Hebrews 8:6-13).
YOU: Jesus made Peter the first Pope, Catholics follow Apostolic Succession. Every single Pope can be traced back to Saint Peter because we follow his successors, and the Church has proof of this line.
ME: No, Jesus did not. The RCC back-designated this office onto Peter. Bishops controlled the path of the church before this change.
YOU: giving him the authority (keys of Heaven) to pass down Church teachings from generation to generation.
ME: Every apostle had the authority with these keys
YOU: Unlike protestants,
ME: Why are you specifically mentioning THEM?
YOU: Every other Christian denomination broke away and did their own thing. Sure, they have some parts of the truth. But their versions are distorted because they are not the original source.
ME: This includes the RCC. They do not follow God's commandments; they invent their own.
Loved this video Fr. Casey. I am being baptized and confirmed on Saturday at the Easter Vigil. I’m a 20 year old in nursing school. The people at my parish keep telling me my next stop is discerning into the seminary. I guess it’s something I need to pray on and see if that’s God calling me.
Welcome!
Check the Camillian friars.
Welcome home! Are you familiar with Keith Nester's channel? He's a former Protestant pastor who converted in 2017. He brought his wife back to her Catholic roots too. I think his priest gave him very good advice when he told him to take a year to just "be Catholic" and take it all in, before discerning ministry of any kind. Keith has a wonderful ministry now.
When I was in my teens, my CCD instructor told us that there would be no need for Christmas if we didn't have Easter. Mr. Sheridan also told us that we wouldn't understand this now but would as we got older.
A very blessed Triduum and Easter, Fr. Casey.
Both are based on pagan holidays
Well said. Christ has shadowed me throughout my life, even in my darkest moments. Providence is real. I grew up in Catholic Church, Grade school, High School, and University. I left for the Evangelical Church for 13 years, before returning. It was all part of the process of understanding Christ is not up in the sky, but, exists in the center of my soul.
I myself am sixteen and, while I struggle at times, I am very much a child of God. I used to be someone who would, quite possibly, have turned into a faux intellectual relativist except for an experience I had at the Steubenville Youth Conference. At adoration there, I felt a wash of grace and realized then and there that God is real, loves all of us individually, and that we can acheive salvation through his son Jesus Christ. 3 years later and I've never lost that certainty.
Amen! Praise God. He is soo good. I pray you continue your walk with Christ . Good for
You experiencing this at such a young age and staying close to Jesus in the Eucharist
I highly encourage all Catholics to go to the veneration of the cross this week.
There is something very moving and personal about watching it come in and prostrating yourself in shame and glory to kiss it.
Father Casey says it better than I can, but there is so much healing in accepting our brokenness and laying it before the Savior.
How is that Christian?
@@nightshade99 How is that not Christian?
@@wilhufftarkin8543 I just never studied this kind of idol worship behavior in the Bible before and having people call it Christian.
Fr Casey 💯 And what you said at 5:00 is part of the issue. Now a days we are taught positive affirmations, so saying "we are not enough on our own" is practically off limits. People are walking around with social media accounts starring ME, ME, ME, and living in a bubble hyper-focussed on ourselves and our betterment. We are our own idols. How to make us see past this mirage, that we are NOTHING without the sacrifice of the cross, the grace of God. I just can't imagine a life without our church, without our Lord, without God's love. It's just so sad to know people are loosely giving this gift up! I am doing my best as a mother to catechize my kids properly so they know this wonderful selfless gift of love, which they deserve to understand and hopefully one day will fully grasp. Think that's the best I can do for the younger generation.
This is so true. Well said
You absolutely nailed it
Going to be one soul at a time. There's something in the air it feels. The hound of heaven is on the prowl. I've been transformed through watching all the false idols of my life fail one by one until there was only God. This coming Easter Vigil My son and I are being baptized, the start of the next phase of the journey and helping to rebuild Mother Church.
JRR Tolkien had said that history is one long defeat with glimpses of final victory. I've seen that victory, it's our Lord and Savior on the Cross.
Congratulations welcome to the church! I wish you luck in you and your son's faith journey.
Vanity of vanities all is vanity except to love God and serve him alone.
I know exactly what you mean. everything is a lie except for Jesus. they're all idols and they all fail.
Glad you're home
Congratulations and welcome home!!
Beautiful conclusion
The amazing thing is my husband and I just spent the last hour talking about this very thing. Thank you so much for model and wisdom.
No Catholic CZcams personality frustrates and angers me more than Fr Casey.
BUT I can't express how grateful I am for him. Keep challenging us in our faith.
I find he's a bit of fresh air with all the angry Catholic CZcams personalities. The Gospel is about good news and most of the conservative ones seldom have good news.
Why does the good looking priest frustrate and anger you?
I've been blessed enough to re-find my faith after carrying my cross thru the loss of my wife to mental illness and the pain of divorce. A weekend in an ACTS retreat, and another in a Cursillo retreat did wonders. Then, being on team brough even more blessings.
Happy Easter Father!
Sounds painful, sorry, bro.
At least the cross makes us stronger
I was Protestant for my entire life, and now at 21 years old, I have been confirmed in the cathloic church as of Easter Vigil ‘22. I am so much happier and feel so blessed to be a part of the family!
I'm so glad for you!! I pray you continue your walk with Christ in the amazing faith journey ahead of you. Welcome home, brother!
I'm no longer Catholic, and in fact haven't been practicing in any denomination in a while (though theologically, I'm Lutheran). But I just wanted to say this is such a powerful message. I heard a similar sermon in a Lutheran church on Good Friday in the deep south a few years ago. The pastor was talking about the tendency toward embracing a theology of glory among so many, and especially among southern evangelicals. But the reminder was that without the cross, there is not the glory of Easter. Without us admitting and embracing our brokenness, there is no opportunity for grace and salvation. Without Christ taking the brokennes of the world upon himself, there is no promise of eternal life.
Thanks for this, and for all you do.
You alleged ex catholics are weirdos why are you always stalking catholic spaces? Bad catholics that only want to feel good and want to follow man made feeling good religion leave and good people that want to really love G-d and be in his true come into the church
@@YiriUbic3793 that's a really weird way to be welcoming. If I were inclined to come back, attitudes like this would make me less likely to do so.
In fact, it was the negative attitudes and lack of welcome I encountered while working in a Catholic parish that drove me from the church. They wanted the parish to be a country club, with certain membership standards, most of which involved having money or at least appearing as though you did. Their kids all went to private school, they focused on status and power rather than the Gospel.
And I find wisdom from many sources within Christianity, including Roman Catholicism. If you've read the joint declarations between Lutherans and Catholics, you would see that we have more in common than what divides us.
@@sz7313 "More common that what divide us"?
Have you read original literature of Martin Luder?
@@sz7313 You only care about people and to feel good if you love Our Lord Jesus you wouldn't care what other do or say, you do because is all about you, the catholic church have lots churches if a suppose catholic don't like it they just find a catholic church that are living the truth gospel, Padre Pio was humiliate and the own clergy lie about him and he stay obedient and he became one of the most admire person until this days, still converting people and Our Lord making lots of miracle through his intercession, you Lutherans are all about money that is why your lord luther leave in the first place to satisfy the desire of his own flesh, interesting you protestants only see what is wrong with the catholic church but in your respective denomination people do worst thing but somehow you protestants never see it, I said in my first comment good people come in the church bad ones leave that is why you left, we already have to many bad catholics doing so much damage to the church we don't want more bad people, stay where you belong
Or I should say, "De servo arbitrio" calls christian God 'evil'. No joke - 'evil'.
Luder was pretty much gnostic, if not anti-theist.
Moreover, Luder publications was inspiring A. Hitler to make his own revolution. You could easily compare protestant revolution to any other, including bolshevic.
Protestants believed in ultimate predestination, catholics don't. Why that's matter? Well, north America was colonized by protestants, south by catholics. South colonies had its own slavery abolishment movements even before civil war. Also, not to mention, abortion is more prevelent in post protestant countries.
Connect the dots, tell me what's the picture.
Thank you again Fr. Casey. Coincidentally (or not) this is precisely where I am at on my spiritual path. There is nothing I can do to stop sinning altogether and everyday I realize more and more how truly fallen we are. We are so limited by our condition. Yet, I have come to realize that all is grace from Him that is leading me ever so gently on my path. Anything good I do is only as a reflection of His goodness. I try to cooperate with His grace but in the end, we are saved because He loves us and saved us on the cross. What a magnificent realization.
I grew up Baptist and was very conservative growing up. Like many, going to college changed me, but I don’t regret expanding my mind. I grew suspicious of right wing Evangelical Christianity and its idolization of certain politicians, and I let it poison me from the bigger picture. I thought I could live an ethical life on my own away from hateful people. Long story short, my life fell apart as I turned my back on God. My nature became sinful. I let failed relationships consume my sense of worth. I became depressed and at some points felt suicidal ideation.
I teach medieval lit, and I cover a lot of Catholic texts that worked on me over a period of years. After not stepping foot in a church for almost fifteen years, I felt an overwhelming compulsion recently to try the Catholic Church. I went to talk to our local parish priest and picked his brain on theology and philosophy. He fast tracked me through RCIA, and I’m coming home this Saturday. I’m the only Catholic in my family. I know I made the right decision after going through the Sacrament of Reconciliation. I believe the one true Church will always be here because its truth shined through to someone like me. I hope my testimony helps someone watching this video.
I have taught medieval history at secondary school level. C.S. Lewis could have referred more to its literature. For me, I am helped by "The Song of Roland" and "The Canterbury Tales" but not the Catholic texts relying on Thomas Aquinas not including qualitative equality with faith and reason being inseparable in his Summa. Pope Francis from 10 June 2021 or there about keeps this qualitative equality and inseparability as of eucharist and marriage in the cases of Cardinal Angelo Becciu + 9 and the Italian Parliament "Zan" bill.
That is so beautiful. Thanks your sharing.
Exceptional video!!! This is packed full of wisdom and hope. Action can be taken individually, little by little, changed hearts……Thank you, Fr. Casey🙏
Superb video. I think one way to make the Catholic Church more appealing, particularly for non-Christians and seekers, could be to show how applicable prayer and the wisdom teachings are. It could provide that first stepping stone toward God.
Church in Germany is going very strange ways at the moment. Yet I am more and more confident instead of losing confidence, as should be normal under these circumstances. Two reasons:
1. Jesus said that not even the gates of hell will overcome Church. (And on days where I am really cross [pun not intended] with German episcopate, I add, not even the gates of Church will.)
2. I experienced His love 39 years ago. 38 years ago I was baptized. 9 years ago, I had a rather amazing experience - briefly, I was suddenly aware that I am not the wonderful person I had thought to be... and for more than five years now, I go to Mass and Adoration every day, because He called me and I love Him.
My story isn't so singular. I'm 60 years old now, and I know quite a lot of people more or less my age who went similar paths. On the other hand, I know young people who are fervent catholics and who, in some respects, know more about faith than I will ever do because they grew up with it.
Mass and Adoration tell me every day that God is there, that His Cross is there to carry my cross and to free me.
Happy Holy Week, Fr. Casey! This is an excellent video that I couldn't agree with more. I'm entering the church this Easter Vigil, after months and months of guidance and love from a fantastic local parish who are doing just what you're recommending. It really does work. Religiosity without the joy and fruits of salvation, doesn't. Thanks and God bless.
Congratulations, I hope all goes well, and I wish you luck in the amazing faith journey ahead of you.
Welcome home!!
I'm a 22 year old returning Catholic (I stopped practicing shortly after my first communion when I was like 10) and this resonates with me. One of the reasons I decided to come back and resume my religious education was because I independently discovered the Biblical stories and was immediately attracted to the psychology/philosophy and wanted to learn more. To my dismay, however, the education I got in my confirmation classes focused on topics that I felt weren't particularly interesting or important (for example, archeological proof of the Biblical stories is not something that I think matters & yet I had an instructor who would constantly bring it up). I can't speak for everyone, but I feel that young people crave practical direction in our lives-direction that the Catholic Church certainly could and maybe should provide in an age where nihilistic thinking seems to be becoming the norm amongst people in my age group.
Thank you for a very articulate commentary on The RC Church in today’s word
Only Jesus can save in his own way
Start with the crucification of our Savior
Toronto Ontario Canada
Father Casey, thank you for all your content, and this includes the pre-order of your new book I just received last week! I've returned to the church this year after 20 or so years away, it's been a beautiful revolution for my soul, but I understand the enthusiasm issue. It's hard to be outwardly enthusiastic about the faith just yet, simply because I have more growth they needs to be done to prepare me for the pushback, my continued efforts and upcoming Confirmation should help with that. Here is the stumbling block I set before myself: I allowed an addiction into my life, and while the war I'm waging is seeing the turning of the tides, on the shameful occasion I fall into mortal sin, I know I've laid my soul to waste. Confession is a gut wrenching but beautiful experience. My goal is to become a Saint, but the fear of damnation due to addiction is hard to handle for the faithful, what is it to those who do not love Christ? I guess a neon sign pointing to a wide easy path. God bless you, and may the Holy Spirit move you always!
This is exactly what we talk about in our parish and diocese. We have weekends were people give their testimony, to inspire us, but also to show us that God works through every single one of us. The testimonies of my close friends are the ones that still make the most impact, because it tells me that God works through people of my age, my friends. We have to tell each other where we've encountered Jesus, it's incredibly important
The nuns are all but gone, the hospitals have disappeared, and the schools left are an afterthought. Those of us who grew up with the infallibility of the pope and what we thought was an incorruptible clergy have been left broken. The unholy chancellory priests have become bishops surrounded by priests without chests. All we have left is Christ. Thankfully, Christ is enough.
What a wonderful video, thank you Father Casey for addressing this. I have been Catholic since my baptism as an infant. I am 73 years old and my Catholic faith has been a wonderful instrument to keep Jesus ,central in my life. Like most lives there have been ups and downs but without my faith, I don’t know how I would have continued, especially with the tremendous heartbreaks, there was always Jesus Christ and His Cross. My husband and I wanted the same for our children throughout their life. We tried to live a Christian (Cross centered ) life. Now they are grown and have built good lives but not a Cross centered life as we had hoped. I am sure a lot of the burden is on us as imperfect humans but I agree with your homily that the Church must change back to making Jesus Christ the center of every single action it takes. I do believe if this was done, the people like my children would gradually come back. Your solution is simple but very difficult to accomplish. And yet it can be done. God bless you.
Thank you Fr. Casey. This has been on my mind for the last several months as I look at the assembly and think, this is not good. And for those who say, "God will take care of this." Yes...This is such a complex topic, and we must pray to God to ask him to help us on how to lead the way to bring people back to Jesus and Him. Yes, I have found personal testimonies very helpful. I don't mean to beat a dead horse, but the sexual abuse crisis has not helped, women leadership, LGBTQI and so forth. It doesn’t help when some priests are highly clerical. I was raised along with my three brothers in Catholic schools. Why did they fall away, and I didn’t? Granted, they still believe in God. We have people who don't know for sure or say no way. Why is that the case with other families as well? Put Christ at the center, I get it. HOW do people do that who don’t know how to do that? It’s one thing to say it, but we need practical ways. I met with my spiritual director this week and he said he believes that we may be in real trouble if we aren't already. God isn't abandoning us, paraphrasing my SD, but God's message is "You want to do it alone, see how that works for you. I'm here - all you need to do is come to me."
Have you ever thought about offering a 1 hour live webinar once a month to discuss these topics? You have the following to do so. Something to pray about. Maybe have a special guest each month who is an expert on the topic at hand. I realize it's one more thing to add to your full plate but there is something about it live, we the chat room. If I had the gift of the knowledge you hold, I would do it! Blessings on you and the work you do.
Padre Casey, there is no question about your faith and sincerity. As an Episcopalian I so love your videos. Some people are nervous about attending church service, particularly Sunday mornings. I believe we need an easy, comfortable segway, without judgement, to bring them into the Church or at least some type of community activity.
Bendiciones en esta semana santa.
John, I'm sorry, but I have to disagree with you about the "easy, comfortable segway" into the Church, and by that I mean the One True Faith which is Catholism, known as the Catholic Church. I do not see any easy segway in the Passion and Crucifixion of Jesus. He asks and expects much from we His followers. It is Not easy, but is well worth the struggle when you truly understand what awaits you in Heaven for Eternity. Jesus will help you if you ask Him, and His Holy Mother will obtain the graces you need to persevere. The Holy Rosary, which so many people are afraid of, or have a total disdain for, is actually the highest form of Prayer, second only to the Holy Mass. It is a meditative prayer, where you reflect on all the mysteries in the lives of Jesus and Mary. We're all a work in progress and the Catholic Church offers so many ways to become holy, as we are all called to. I do see how living your faith seriously in this time in history is very difficult, especially for those who were not raised in the Catholic Church. The world is in chaos and a constant state of confusion. Those are hallmarks of the devil. The teachings and devotions one finds in the Catholic Church will protect you from the world. God bless you. May you and your friends find your way into the Catholic Church that will protect you here on Earth and eternally in Heaven. ✝️💕📿✝️
@@brigidomalley4035 WOW! first off thank you for the many words, and for enlightening me on Catholicism(The correct way to spell it)101. Are you that arrogant and prideful to believe that Catholicism (the correct way to spell) is the only way to Heaven? Do we not serve the same God? You should really take a good look at yourself, and your beliefs, and not judge other denominations. Also really need to read my post again to understand what I meant because you are way off. I never said that being a Christian is easy. I get the feeling that you are just now starting to get into the faith and may I give you a piece of advice, you should really understand what someone is meaning before you try and school a person. If you choose to respond there ARE two questions in this paragraph.
This is something that has been on my mind lately. Trying to keep my son who will be 20 next year in the Faith and bringing my stepDaughter back in. I am hoping I can get him to go to Christ Renews His Parish at our former church and maybe Cursillo. I think if he experiences that deep and meaningful experience with Christ he will know that his life can be built on firm foundation. Our daughter is more like what you spoke in the beginning of the video despondent and separate of organized faith in general and Catholicism specifically because like many its the same song and dance of past mistakes. My straight edge responses have not made bringing her back easy. But I believe in them as a person who has felt and still feels the saving power of Christ as he pulled me out of depression, alcoholism and drug addiction. But things have improved. She and our Priest have given us the opportunity, and consent, to raise our grandsons in the Faith with our daughter's consent. But I still worry what the Church will look like a few generations from now Parents in my age group still live for themselves and raise children in the same vain. But I have Faith that God knows the path and the ultimate state of His Church in spite of our given Free Will. God bless Padre thank you for all you do. Have a joyous Triduum and Happy Easter.
i married a cradle Catholic (as I am) but he would not go to church with me. For ten years I did not go but having a child and he was 3 at the time I realized his soul was in my hands. That fact alone made me go back and bringing him with me. Today he is active in the church. Many prayers and rosaries help too.
Amen!! 25 year old here who has came back from leaving the church but hitting rock bottom brought me back. I have never suffered this much in my life but I’ve also never felt Gods love so much in my life. GOD IS GOOD!
Do you read scripture?
Thanks for this Fr Casey. I am a relatively new member of the Church, having been a strident atheist for 50 years. I came to the faith by what I experienced during a long trip to the UK and Europe. I repeatedly felt a sense of the divine when I entered a church with a red light and a tabernacle. I don't claim a theophany here but I came to just know that to genuflect is not just an empty gesture but it is a mark of respect, love and adoration for someone who is THERE. I contrast this with entering any protestant church which, however beautiful seemed to be just a museum or a meeting room.
I then went on to explore doctrine by reading and exploring on the net ( your channel was one that helped). That is the happy part of my comment; the sad part is that in the 3 years since I was confirmed I have seen my chosen parish progressively shrink.... just as you say.
I agree. My brother is an atheist, and he often asks me why I persist in believing when I have no proof of God's existence. I always tell him that I have experienced God's presence, I know He is real, and I cannot deny His existence. I am often skeptical of churches, on what and how they teach God to others, but I have no doubt that God is there, loving us, watching over us. I will follow God all the days of my life, and that didn't come from a good sermon or singing psalms, though I do find comfort in fellowship with other believers. Ultimately, though, it is my personal relationship with God that gives me my strength to continue in my faith when the world keeps telling me to stop. If you can help people achieve that oneness with the Lord, you are doing all you can to minister to their souls. We need that connection. Happy Holy Week! :)
A brief scroll in the comment section and what I'm seeing at my local parish... cradle catholics who were never properly formed appear to be the ones leaving the church. Some return later on in life after much soul searching. The people entering the Church are adults. Some were non religious, some non Christians and some Protestants. We see the problems in the Church, but we've been outside of the Church. We know what this world has to offer and we reject it. Christ plucked us out of the world and brought us into His Church. There was an intimate encounter, a moment of conversion, a saving moment we can all testify to. We won't leave. We know who we are without the Church, we know the spiritual battles we are fighting, and we will stand with the Church in her battles. As St. Peter said "To whom shall we go?"
Fr. Casey - I think you hit on a very valid point. But I also think there is one more aspect that is currently missing--the sense of BELONGING--that we belong to God's family, that we are heirs to his kingdom, that we MUST treat each other as brothers and sisters in a family led by our loving and caring Savior. You said (and I wholeheartedly agree) that few people see any relevance in the church any more. I think THAT is the reason why. They don't feel welcomed, wanted, cared about, or loved.
Yes! The aspect of belonging with brothers and sisters in our churches is something we should work to refine. I know it's not the easiest task in the world to solve, but having a community to talk to, relax with, do things together in service and/or for fun, can really help solidify a home for people to keep returning to.
Now you have a new best video. Thanks Padre. That’s the Synodal answer! Doesn’t need to go to much deeper than that. The Cross, The Cross, The Cross.
Casey, I never thought I would hear a catholic priest saying this, my heart is beating fast with joy as I listen to you, YES! without the Cross there is nothing , he gave us salvation in the Cross and the moment we realise this, we are saved and born to a new life in Christ (Gal 2:20) the way, the truth and the life- (John 14:16). There’s nothing that can beat that.
So so so excited that you are sending this message to the catholic world and beyond. God bless you much and thank you.
with a resounding exclamation of praise .....a protestant says AMEN!!!! Christ truly is the answer....God bless
God bless you Fr. Casey 🙏🏻❤️✝️ thank you for this truth.
Well done Father.. You are right.. Let us never lose our faith in God's care for us though.. He will show us the way forward as He always has done through the ages.
Many times I have gave myself the excuse that I don't have time for that. But I have found, if you give God the time everything else will fall into place
This is like one of those moments where the answer was right in front of us all along; it always has to be centered on the real person of Jesus and what He did to save us and be with us. After all, it's the core of what the apostles first proclaimed, "But we preach Christ crucified" (1 Cor 1:23) "For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures." (1 Cor 15:3-4) Thank you Fr. Casey.
Blessings in Jesus and Mary Fr Casey,
From br Louis in Australia,a conventual Friar. I totally agree with your message of the Cross.
Pace Bene
Mary can help! She keeps me connected every day through the rosary.
Please Stay with us Fr Casey , we are praying for you to have the strength to continue with your mission of enlightening us about our Catholic faith .
Watching priests (French and American) on youtube has been my thing since the beginning of lent. So many things to discover and grow in faith. Soyez béni Father Casey
I am middle aged. Definitely burnt out. I wish, hope and pray every day that God will bring me a spouse. You are also so right about these agendas that mainstream media pushes which are totally different than what is the actual truth. Realistically, just listening to young people and the elderly is important. Pope Francis wrote about this. But you said it very well. Also, I like that you speak of testimony. I know that I have a truth about God's grace in my life. My kids have told me to speak it and write it. Maybe I will, especially because of this encouraging word, Father. Everyone truly does have their own story, and life to lay down at the feet of Jesus.
Dawn Lapka, Does this cheer you up for Easter?
Simultaneously the Cross and the Resurrection?
On or about 10 June 2021, Pope Francis simultaneously authorised applications by his Vatican State Secretariat of State of observation measurement terms for the Cross in eucharist - Cardinal Angelo Becciu and nine others allegedly embezzling procreation gift, eucharistic charity donations within the family - and for the Resurrection in Marriage - a protest note to the Italian Government against an alleged risk of fraud on identities of family members' need of union in valid and proper marriages by the "Zan" anti-homophobia bill.
The civil trial at the Vatican of Becciu plus nine is proceeding presently.
The "Zan" bill was defeated in the Italian Senate in early November 2021.
Are marriage and eucharist qualitatively equal as well as inseparable?
@@oliverclark5604 indeed, yes. The Eucharistic Presence of the Lord is equal to a solid marital life. Both THE CROSS AND HIS RESURRECTION. For me and Cesar, this equals transformation and being able to go to Heaven because of redemption.
First of all I got your book. I'm enjoying reading it. Thanks again. The cross is where I always start, when asked how Jesus helps. 🙂👍🙏
Your book arrived today! I am so excited to read it. God bless you Fr Casey, you teach me so many things I didn’t know before
I do like your humility and your ability to cut through the noise. You make very good points.
Hi Father Casey, I just wanted to say that you are truly doing God's work. You are bridging gaps between people, encouraging a new life in the church, and getting the word and ministry of God onto the Internet. God bless you Father Casey!
He's a bit of fresh air amongst all the angry conservative catholic media.
For me as a young adult Catholic I found that pilgrimages really grew my faith. Particularly after a family pilgrimage to Rome and Vatican City.
How does that grow faith? Do you know scripture?
Amen! Just what I needed to hear today. As a Catechist it has reminded me the importance of being a witness to what God does for us with his Live and Mercy💜
I was raised a non-denominational protestant, and I am in RICA classes.
Fr. Casey, please rest assured that those who are called to faith in Christ will find him.
Wow. Best video you have ever done! May God Bless your work Fr. Casey.
I really really loved this one! Thanks Fr Casey!
Thank Fr Casey! Much food for thought in this video. Also, I was one of the lucky winners of your new book. I'm reading it now, slowly, a few pages a night so I can soak it in. Thanks again for all you do.
Thank you Fr Casey. We just love you for the sacrifices you have made. God bless you We are with you in this... 🎉
I agree with you, Fr. Casey, and have a concrete and very Franciscan proposition that would help people to have the encounter with Christ you speak of-namely, my solution is to foster community. In my experience, Catholics are very weak at building community, a feeling that is so greatly needed in these times of isolation and overturning of traditions and norms. At Mass, half the congregation stands alone, apart and ignorant of those around them. At Mass, the liturgies are entirely focused on praising God and adhering strictly to commentary on the readings. We don’t hear sermons about current events, and thus feel that the Church is as removed from the world as we are from one another. But I persisted in my search for community and have found it among my brothers and sisters in the Order of Franciscan Seculars. While the OFS is wonderful for many, I’m sure that any fellowship-fostering sociability that supplements Mass would greatly help to stem the bleed out. It’s through the listening to and being vulnerable with our brothers and sisters that we can channel Trinitarian love and encounter the salvation of the Cross. This is what Church should be, and I feel that the hierarchy must prioritize this more grounded and communal experience of it as highly as it does the dedicated worship of God we attend on Sundays.
You are correct. We need community building.
Robert Fallon, In Christ with you as formed in Ecumenism in the Focolare (work of Mary) Movement since 1975. I am struck by St Francis of Assisi's individualism. Pope Francis I believe demonstrates the 'balance' as inseparable and qualitatively equal of individual and group as follows:
Simultaneously the Cross and the Resurrection?
On or about 10 June 2021, Pope Francis simultaneously authorised applications by his Vatican State Secretariat of State of observation measurement terms for the Cross in eucharist - Cardinal Angelo Becciu and nine others allegedly embezzling procreation gift, eucharistic charity donations within the family - and for the Resurrection in Marriage - a protest note to the Italian Government against an alleged risk of fraud on identities of family members' need of union in valid and proper marriages by the "Zan" anti-homophobia bill.
The civil trial at the Vatican of Becciu plus nine is proceeding presently.
The "Zan" bill was defeated in the Italian Senate in early November 2021.
Are marriage as group and eucharist as individual qualitatively equal as well as inseparable?
Forgive me, Oliver, I’m not qualified to respond to your interesting question. The Franciscan charism is very strongly to live in relationship-with Christ, with Mary, with one another, with all of Creation. It may not be quite as individualistic as you appear to suppose it to be. It certainly respects idiosyncrasy, but values the love of God being expressed through love of others, as Jesus taught.
@@RobertFallon Robert, I respect the keeping of unity by you in the wording of your reply to me.
To “live in relationship”; that is, in unity as prayed for by Christ at John 17:21 requires to not refuse sharing in governance with the Pope.
This sharing is in the exercise of an absolute power of authorisation in keeping the inseparability and qualitative equality of one’s family member identity and one’s helper of the family roles.
In Pope Francis’ case this was from or about 10 June 2021 in his two roles as head of both Vatican State and Vatican Church in the cases of Cardinal Angelo Becciu plus 9 others of charity donations and the "Zan" anti-homophobia bill before the Italian Parliament.
In a report in La Croix 26 March 2022 by Robert Mickens, this sharing in roles of governance and responsibility is allowed in Pope Francis’ new Apostolic Constitution, Praedicate Evangelium, reforming his Curia from 5 June 2022 (Pentecost Sunday) to roman catholic male and female lay faithful on the reference point of anglo-catholic accredited catechists of roman catholic religion, my wife and I, from 25 February 1991 on eucharist and 24 January 1995 on marriage.
This marriage of my wife and I was on the reference point of the inter-church in roman catholic - anglo-catholic roles' marriage from at least 1946 of my parents, Colin and Marjorie Clark.
This reference point, through both advice and example, was evident in 1964 in the simultaneous authorising by my father within his inter-church roman catholic - anglo-catholic marriage of the Pope’s Commission on Population and the UNO Food and Agricultural Organisation.
These authorisations by the marriage of my parents and by the marriage of my wife and I were with an absolute power of authorisation in these marriages keeping or allowing the inseparability and qualitative equality of ensuring eucharist and insuring marriage.
The disease is uncontrollable “oscillation between persistent forms of regressive 'familyism' on the one hand and an affirmation of radical individualism on the other that, in destroying the family reverses the progress of humanisation, heedless of the long-term consequences of so doing.” (from the address of Cardinal Vincenzo Paglia as Pope Francis’ delegate as President of his Council for the Family, 15 May 2014, at the UNO HQ on the UNO designated “The International Day of the Family”).
I understand St Francis kept unity with Pope Innocent 111 in their agreement on the statutes/rule of the Franciscan Order.
Robert, a stone carved statue of St Joseph who I believe entrusted his custody of the child Jesus to the Holy Family of the Holy Spirit, Mary and Jesus is kept by a member of my family.
It was carved by Fr Hubert Van Zeller osb of the Downside Roman Catholic Benedictine Abbey and School (that I attended from 1960-65) monks community, UK.
It has me in mind of your vocation, including in the Order of Franciscan Seculars.
I see my vocation as to exercise an absolute power of authorisation in my keeping or allowing covenant, non-presumed reciprocity; that is, inseparability and qualitative equality of marriage and eucharist between my identity as a family member of two valid and proper marriages in need of union of their identities and my roles in procreation gift ensuring within the family.
Humanae Vitae 1968, 12 only had “Two inseparable aspects: union and procreation”. I believe that Pope Francis de facto included “qualitatively equal” on or about 10 June 2021.
From June 5, 2022, governance and responsibility by the Pope and his Curia is reported by La Croix (25/3/22) shared with men and women lay faithful.
I believe on documentary evidence and direct testimony to me that this sharing results from Anglican-Roman Catholic International Commission (ARCIC) ecumenical dialogue arising from Vatican Council 2, 1962-65.
In this dialogue wife to be (married in 1979) and I shared from 15 February 1964.
This followed a vision reported to me in 1990 by my mother of St Teresa of Avilla to my mother in 1946 prior to my conception in April-May 1946 or just earlier.
My mother reported to me that St Teresa encouraged her to be open to conceiving further children after six children and I was the next conception.
I ask for your objective social confirmation of my judgement on my own capabilities and my own conceptions on this issue raised by your Franciscan colleague, Fr Casey.
In keeping this unity, Oliver Clark
Recently shifted back from being a non-practicing catholic to moving back into the church. In today's society religion has been weaponized and vilified, and people view it more as inconvenient than necessary.
The problem is that the RCC teaches a false dogma.
This is well said! I see growing aspects of the church, both traditional and more modern, the mercy aspect is spot on, we must have Devine Mercy. May God bless you in your work.
Your voice is one of the most important ones out there - thank you and please keep going 🙏🏻
Gracias Padre Casey.. thanks a lot.. inspiring. Excellent... you were really inspired by the Holy Spirit..Happy Easter!!!
The Church is thriving in sub-Saharan Africa. Perhaps one day missionaries from Africa will come over to re-evangelise us. We have several African families who worship here in St Leonards.
I live in GB, became a Catholic in 1978 at the age of 19, after being a fairly observant Anglican from the age of 14. it is not just the catholic Church that has lost members, the Anglicans and other mainstream protestants have as well.
One day: missionaries from Sub Sahara Africa have been coming to Australia for decades. Many Roman Catholic priests are from Africa.
We are a multicultural society so this is no big deal.
Thanks Father for revisiting that earlier effort and coming up with the focus of re-emphasizing the Cross. Excellent! Without the basics of the cost it is hard to measure the value of the Faith.
Love you father. Love your insight. Thank you for taking the time to do these videos. Happy Easter! He is risen hallelujah!
We need to do what Jesus did: speak and live the truth. Compromise and corruption has got us to where we are. Truth and charity will make it happen.
Amen!
So true the cross was and still is our salvation . During this time of lent all People especially Catholics should feel the passion of Christ and be a little better for it.
Fr Casey, I enjoy everything you talk about our faith etc. please continue to enlighten us with our belief.
I think the most attractive thing about the church during this time is the community a church offers. People are lonely, from broken families and depressed. A church service with a hug and good message is really powerfull.
I wrote this before the end of the video, thankfull how your reply includes my thought as well. We can't do it ourselves, the world will fall apart.
Here in the UK, there is no evangelisation. Even the JW's don't seem to door knock anymore! Churches are more like clubs, when you go in people look at you as an outsider and not in their club.
The last church I went to, was full of elderly people, and not wanting to sound like the elderly are a bad thing, but it was just so bland, more like a meet up for bingo and tea and biscuits after the service than about the actual worship of God.
No matter the church, it's the same (In my experience)
Newcomes seem to not be welcome, ageing churches that feel damp, and dingy, and it seems like even the people are there simply out of habit rather than wanting to be there.
I'd like to go to a Catholic mass again, but the one time I did, I had no clue what was going on, and it seemed way too much trouble for people to actually explain anything. (Apart from one lady who said I could go up and be blessed but not eat comunion as I am not baptised, so to cross my arms when the priest gets to me)
The issue is, the Church sits back and expects people to go to them, and do nothing to reach out to people.
I looked into becoming Catholic. The RCIA process was impossible for me to do because of meeting times, and a good friend who went through it the previous year felt it was designed to put people off rather than encourage.
A lot of it is cultural though. Fr. Casey's idea of sharing personal experiences is an American take which might not be so appropriate to English people here. When I lived in Italy and Poland, churches were almost like "mass factories" with up to 10 masses a day and many hundreds coming through the door - no expectation of community or welcome there because people are either Catholic or not, and joining is unusual.
I understand your perceptive but you should also remember the hostility towards Christianity nowadays. Have u not been hearing of pastors being arrested ,attacked?? Things aren’t so free as before so you must understand and do what you can to ginger others to be confident in faith
@@samacw This is EXACTLY why the Lutheran Church is something I HAVE and AM seriously considering. Their way of explaining THE CROSS, SCRIPTURE, CHRIST'S PROMISES OF SALVATION, BAPTISM (I experience it's REALITY everyday that I live), HOLY COMMUNION (they believe in the Real Presence in semi RC manner) forgives sin as does
the ABSOLUTION proclaimed by the Pastor at the start of EVERY Divine Liturgy. And in terms of Scripture, in order to be ordained, the seminarian must be able to read HEBREW and GREEK as fluently as he reads the newspaper!!
Now THAT'S being trained for teaching the BIBLE.
@@samacw I feel like you are either born into it, or you are an outsider, and for an outsider to join with no guidance is very hard to do.
@@johnnyg.5499 Wow, that sounds really amazing! I have very few churches near me, and Luteran is one I can't attend as, well there is none near me.
I think sadly many Christians are to blame. So many have preferred to sling mud and fight the culture war or create horrible Pure Flix movies than love people.
I agree. We need to love our brothers and sisters, not fight them. Let us pray so that our ties with our families & community may be restored, and that politics does not become a false god in our lives.
Thank you Father! I'm happy to see you acknowledge this situation. So many of my extended family who were raised Catholic have left the Church. I think maybe it's too easy not to be Catholic.People tend to seek the easy way or the popular way. My faith is my greatest possession and there is nothing more important to me. The Lord has helped me so many times in my life that I have absolutely no doubt in Jesus! I wish I could do more to help the situation. I'll pray for you Father and our Church.
Yes! It’s all about how we encounter Christ in our lives… and in our churches. Touching hearts, transformation, moving us to be more Christ like. Preaching the Gospel that our Catholic Church has preserved.
Never forget brothers and sisters we have the sacraments to celebrate! The more we understand scripture, the greater the case for Our sacraments. It’s worth keeping and cherishing. 🙏🏼
I'm going to be Catholic tomorrow night!
Great video as allways Father Casey. Even though I'm a lutheran i really enjoy your videos and I think you're doing great work evangelizing, it's been really helpful for me who's been very anti religion my whole life. You're probably right in relation to the Catholic church, I'd just like to say that for me what kept me away for a long time was this overly personal perspective that you see in a lot of protestantism, so I think it's a bit more complex. It can be really alienating and jarring when people hyperfocus on the personal. That's kinda why I like the catholic church (even though I'm not a member because of other disagreements) because there is a sense that the personal is just that. Fundamentally I think we need both, but in my experience the type of overly personal preaching you often see with for example evangelical charismatic protestants can work just as much to the negative.
Thanks very much Fr.Casey! Recognising that we have been saved by Christ on the Cross, that He gave His Life for us so that we won't feel lost, abandoned, hopeless, is what being Christians is all about. It means following a Leader, a crowned King, crowned yes, but with thorns! The answers are there at the feet of the Cross. I remember years ago, I was going through a terrible time, lost the person I loved, I felt hopeless, I was desperate and crying during a sleepless night in Osaka ( I was there for business). I had a small crucifix with me, and my tears were shedding and I turned to Him and asked Him why, why all that pain and suffering why, why me? And than the answer came just as I was watching Him on the Cross. How could it possibly be different if I accepted to be his disciple, his follower? I embraced a spiritual path, following Christ to the Golgota! Was I more than my Lord and Master? No! I understood that He had already redeemed that pain and suffering on the Cross! Happy Holy week and thank you for your videos. Pray for me as I am for you and all those in need!🙏❤
HOMOPAPA FRANCIS IS ASHAMED OF THE CROSS OF OUR LORD... BERGOGLIO THE HYPOCRIT REMOVED & HID THE CROSS SO AS NOT TO OFFEND THE MUSLIMS. INSTEAD OF CROSS AS BACKDROP, IT WAS GARBAGE BEHIND HIM, GARBAGE LIKE HIS FAITH... GARBAGE LIKE HIS ATTITTUDE. IT IS FITTING FOR HIM, IT IS NOT???
I'm a fresh revert to the Church.
Let me tell you, my ego got utterly destructed. And when time and time again I had to face my helplessness, when the illusion of control I had over my life shattered again and again...
That was when I started to look for God again.
There have been many amazing moments since then. One of them was before a statue our mother Mary: the sense of overwhelming peace. And the certainity, that my time of trial is over. And I passed. Well done.
Still crying when remembering that.
My work has only just begun, but my own little way of passion is over.
And it has brought me back and I'm finally starting to heal.
He saved me. He truly did, and I will be forever thankful for all he did and does
I'm from an old (dutch)Catholic family, i even had an ancestor who was an Papal Zouave. I think that the Catholic church now suffers from the consequences of their own mismanagement/actions for the last 125+ years. One of the reasons i signed out of the faith 12 years ago, was because the local catholic church refused to bury a 17 year old boy because he committed suicide. I still love to learn about the Catholic faith(and other faiths), but the church is reaping the seeds from it's own mismanagement. Not to start about the s*xual child abuse and other terrible things. Even in the 1950's the local pastor was a joke because he told everyone not to eat meat on friday, but he himself had the local shop bring him expensive fish every friday. I really appreciate this channel and your way of spreading the faith and love of Christ. But the mess the church is in, is not your fault/younger generations fault.
You can't leave or hate jesus for the sins of Judas . Similarly you cannot leave the church for the sins of some of the pastors
@@christiansunited-avemaria I'm still religious. i did not leave faith, i left 'the management'. And it's not about some pastors, if only that were the case.
@@ellen2339 well as for the fish incident, your Priest did nothing wrong, per what I’ve learnt so far , your not supposed to eat land animals on lent. That being said. I still think you should come back. We need people standing strong pushing for change. Help resurrect Christ’s Church
@@ellen2339 no excuse for leaving the only true church founded by Jesus himself. Jesus gave the keys to Peter not to you then y are you worried about the sins of the priest ? Your choice, either you are with Christ (through the church) or aginst Christ .
Nah,, I would say the last 70 years and suppression of “certain” practices have also made people leave the church.
The Vatican has to do better at practicing what they preach, when it comes to Mercy.
*I'm an evangelist and have massive success with the youth. I think the biggest things they need to know are...*
1. God is real. This can be demonstraited well enough if you walk in the Holy Spirit and know how to manifest the power of the Kingdom.
2. That they know that God loves them, He does not hate them, He's not at war with them, and He has a plan, purpose and a destiny for their lives.
3. That you present the Gospel to them on their cultural level, reflect their interests, for example, the genres of music they listen to, without compromising the Gospel message or Truth. Tell your musical friend to start working on some Christian reggae or something of that nature.
4. Be real. Don't for one second be plastic or fake about anything you do. They can smell it from a mile away. Check your soul for authenticity. Do you love God and want them to know Him for His sake alone? Or do you and just have an agenda to get them to join your religious organization? People can smell authenticity and genuine love a mile away. If you don't got it now adays, you won't get anywhere with young people.
5. Don't over extend your message about God's wrath and under extend your message about God's grace and mercy. Bad evangelism. That drum continues to ineffectively bang. It's perfectly fine to maintain our fundemental values against sin, while presenting the Gospel lovingly and graciously. Young people are confused more then ever and need alot of Grace when being pointed to Jesus Christ.
Just some advice
"advice" and example? Does Pope Francis demonstrate keeping their inseparability and qualitative equality?
Simultaneously the Cross and the Resurrection?
On or about 10 June 2021, Pope Francis simultaneously authorised applications by his Vatican State Secretariat of State of observation measurement terms for the Cross in eucharist - Cardinal Angelo Becciu and nine others allegedly embezzling procreation gift, eucharistic charity donations within the family - and for the Resurrection in Marriage - a protest note to the Italian Government against an alleged risk of fraud on identities of family members' need of union in valid and proper marriages by the "Zan" anti-homophobia bill.
The civil trial at the Vatican of Becciu plus nine is proceeding presently.
The "Zan" bill was defeated in the Italian Senate in early November 2021.
Are marriage and eucharist qualitatively equal as well as inseparable?
As a cradle catholic with a community where Sunday mass is a regular thing and attending catholic schools a matter of pride and enabling good education . I owe my parents family and my school and it's teachers for the faith I have ... I am an obgyn now who practises being pro life and it is very hard to explain my stand but that is my faith.... As a youth with faith, I see so many youth and children at church and it is good to watch them grow in faith like I did .... :)
Fr. Casey, I appreciate this video. It shows growth of character and a continuing journey towards God. A few years can make a big difference. My thoughts are quite similar.
We are saved if we choose to live our life of faith. We need pray regularly and daily. When we focus on the Mass, Eucharist and Sacraments., we will find our loving and merciful Jesus. The Bible and stories about the Saints should help us come to know and appreciate what Jesus did for His by teaching, death and Resurrection. A deep love and devotion to Our Lady especially through the Rosary will draw us into a relationship with Jesus. Jesus told us if we loved His we must keep His Commandments. If we are calling ourselves Catholic, we cannot be prochoice, live and/or support the LGBTQ lifestyle and agenda, practice artificial contraception or be Communist. We need to attend Mass faithfully on Sunday and Holy Days, practicing the workshop of Mercy. We do these things because we love Jesus. When we fall short through sin, He waits for us in the Confessional. The message and devotion to Jesus's Divine Mercy are an excellent way to get closer to Him. Devotion to His Sacred Heart is another great way. Making the Stations of the Cross helps us see what Jesus did. The Church will be fine. Jesus promised us that. Jesus I Trust in You!
And people with such attitude keeps wondering and blaming others leaving (eye rolling)
@@icyhugs So what do you suggest? The Gospel is a loving call to believe in God, repent and convert. God loves us all and wants us to come to Him. He will forgive us when we fall. Jesus told us that but we need to give up sin, repent and convert. We need to pray, and if Catholic go to Mass and Communion, go to Confession regularly especially if we sin mortally. We need to ask for God's mercy, be merciful to others by following the Works of Mercy and Completely Trust in God's Mercy. We need to do this if we want to get to Heaven.