Rediscovering Catholicism: Journeying Toward Our Spiritual North Star
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Over the past ten years, Matthew Kelly has seen more of the world than most presidents and more of the Church than most bishops. Now, in this unique and timely book, he proposes that Catholicism is not a lifeless set of rules and regulations, but a way of life designed by God to help each person reach his or her full potential. With remarkable insight, Kelly dispels dozens of the myths that surround the practice and rejection of Catholicism today, and provides a profound and practical vision of what will lead the Catholic Church to thrive again in the future. "Holiness is to become the-best-version-of-yourself. Francis of Assisi spent his whole life trying to become the best-version-of-himself. Mother Teresa spent her whole life trying to become the-best-version-of-herself. God calls us all to holiness, because God wants each of us to be all we can be." "The goal of the Christian life is holiness," Kelly explains, "but somewhere along the way this term disappeared from most Catholic's vocabulary. Either because we thought it was an unattainable ideal or because we felt it lacked relevance in the modern context. Maybe we thought the idea of holiness made people feel guilty. Perhaps we just wanted to make it easier for people. Whatever the reason, the disappearance of this goal hasn't made it easier for modern Catholics; it's made it harder for them." "Have you ever tried to find your way to a place you have never been before with no directions, no map, and no clear description of the destination?" "The great confusion that is torturing the Church and weakening our faith surrounds one question. What is holiness? The falling attendance at church, the marginalization of the Church by our secular culture, and our failure to reach the youth are all caused by our inability to communicate clearly the answer to this question. What is holiness?" "Modern men and women have simply become disoriented. We have lost our way. By putting aside the goal of the Christian life -- this call to holiness -- we have lost sight of the great Spiritual North Star. The North Star is the only star in the sky that never moves; it remains constant, unwavering, and therefore is truly a guide. If we are to find our way, we must rediscover the great Spiritual North Star."
Part 1We Become What We CelebrateChapter 1Our Universal Hunger7Appearance vs. The AuthenticWhy Has Christianity Been Rejected?The Cry for HelpChapter 2The Prevailing Philosophy15IndividualismHedonismMinimalismChapter 3Is Jesus Still Relevant?23Our Quest for HappinessGod & HappinessThe Attitude of ChristThe Role of DisciplineJesus in HistoryChapter 4Searching for Identity35The MissionThe Adventure of SalvationCatholics TodayCatholicism is a LifestyleIdentity CrisisChapter 5What are We Celebrating?43The Future of CatholicismThe SolutionLet the Celebration BeginPart 2The Authentic LifeChapter 6What is the Authentic Life?57Fostering the Inner LifeModern DespairOur Essential PurposeWhat is Holiness?The-Best-Version-of-YourselfVatican IIThe DepressionChapter 7The Path is Well Trodden75In Search of ExcellenceThe SaintsCommon ObjectionsThe Pedestal SyndromeThe Rejection of DisciplineKeeping the Goal in SightChapter 8Even a Blind Man Knows...89Francis of AssisiMother TeresaThe Cure ArsThomas MoreJohn Paul IITaking the Gospel SeriouslyChapter 9What Sets Them Apart?121Singleness of PurposeThe Will of GodHow Would You Like Your Life to Change?Chapter 10Their Attraction & Influence133FriendshipSpiritual Friends & LonelinessFoster this SpiritBright LightsChapter 11Who Will Be Next?139To Whom Does the Future Belong?Shame on UsWhat Are You Willing to Give Your Life For?Finding Your PlaceWhere Do We Start?Part 3The Seven Pillars of Catholic SpiritualityChapter 12Reconciliation157Turning to GodI am a SinnerThe Drama of LifeThe Sacramental SettingCommon ObjectionsBehold the BeautySelf-KnowledgeA New HabitTemptationThe Touch of the Master's HandChapter 13Contemplation177OsmosisThought Determines ActionThe Classroom of SilenceA Starting PointThe Big QuestionAction Without PrayerGeography of PrayerBegin TodayChapter 14The Mass191Rediscovering the MassA Personal PrayerThe Prayers of the MassMy Favorite PrayerOur FatherOfferingEmbrace the GiftChapter 15The Bible203Where Did the Bible Come From?JesusThe Power of the WordStoriesQuestionsPrayers"Dad, if you really love me..."Chapter 16Fasting223The Death of DisciplineFasting in the ScripturesThe History of Christian FastingLenten FastingFasting and YouThe Universe and YouAlways a Means, Never an EndChapter 17Spiritual Reading243An Ancient TraditionWhat Should We Read?When, Where, & for How LongAdult EducationKeeping the Star in SightChapter 18The Rosary251Why Have We Abandoned the Rosary?BenefitsGrowth in VirtueFifteen LessonsMore than One WayMaryPart 4Now is Our TimeChapter 19Time for a Change269Are We Willing to Change?What Should We Focus On?EducationEvangelizationVocationsChapter 20Leadership293Paralyzed By FearCourageBold LeadershipServant LeadershipChapter 21Return to Virtue305The Role of VirtueThe World Needs the ChurchAbout this BookSomething Wonderful is About to Happen
