Denver, Colo., Apr 2, 2020 / 05:00 pm (CNA).- What does a traveling evangelist do when a global pandemic keeps him at home? He goes online!
One Catholic evangelist said that lessons he’s learning about online evangelization during the coronavirus pandemic could make some Catholic ministries far more effective than they once were.
Chris Stefanick, who hosts EWTN’s “Real Life Catholic,” also travels the country, speaking to more than 80,000 people each year. His travels are the way he spreads the Word of God, and the way he makes a living.
Stefanick told CNA that preaching during the pandemic has meant a slew of personal and practical challenges. But he said those challenges could compel the Church to develop and refine effective use of technology for evangelization.
“This is not a time for the Church to slow down its ministry. It’s time to aggressively pivot and quickly pivot. This hasn’t changed what we do at that core,” Stefanick said.
In the past, even the recent past, Stefanick said, his evangelization work has focused mostly on events at which he speaks about how the Gospel, and the Church, have transformed his life and the lives of others.
His ministry has “able to leverage my gift for speaking with 40 parishes a year and that makes an impact,” he said.
But those events, however effective they are, have impact limited by attendance.
“Taking that same thing and doing it digitally,” Stefanick explained, broadens the reach of his ministry.
“If this succeeds, we can work with hundreds and hundreds of parishes. Whereas the events were limited by how many places I can get to.”
The pandemic will “make us more effective because this will strengthen the whole digital component of our ministry. So instead of being 75% about events, 25% digital, now it’s 100% digital. By the time we are out of this, we [will] strengthen that component,” he said.
Stefanick pointed to “I AM,” a virtual coaching program that was released by his ministry, Real Life Catholic, on Ash Wednesday. He said the initiative aims to help users replace negative self-thoughts with positive reflections on the Word of God. Drawing from struggles in his own life, he said, “I AM” is a program that is relevant to everyone, even non-Catholics.
“We have a 30-day coaching program and it’s [one] of the most effective ministr[ies] we’ve ever done, based on the responses of people [and] how it’s hitting their hearts. It’s a program about helping people rewire how they talk to themselves and replace self-talk with the uplifting Word of God,” he said.
“I’ve been with the Lord for a long time and I wrote some of this out of personal experience of the things that I struggle with negative self-talk.”
The coronavirus lockdown has changed Stefanick’s daily work schedule and brought about some own personal concerns, including worries about finances and the fragility of society. He said, though, it is also a blessing to spend so much time with family.
“I can perceive the good for me in that I haven’t been home this much in 10 years and it’s the Sabbath that’s made me relook at life. We’ll never get this chance again. God willing. We will never get the chance again to pause on so many of our activities,” he said.
“So it led to a lot of reflection, self-correction, repentance, prayer, silence and family time. Doing things like taking walks with kids, things I never did before that I regret not having done. Very simple things that you lose track of when life is going 300 miles an hour.”
Stefanick said the pandemic is also an opportunity to trust in the Lord.
“It also forces a real look, not theoretical, but a very real [look] at life and death,” he said. “We’re delusional in the Western world. We forget … how fragile the whole system is that insulates us from our need, from death, from everything,” Stefanick said.
“I found myself in moments of fear when going to the grocery store and seeing everything [going] totally nuts, “ he said. “[It’s ] forced me to come back to, ‘Lord, you are really my provider and whatever happens to me, your only motive is love.’ And that’s where my peace comes from. Not [from] having enough to pay bills and enough stuff out there to get what I need.”
Stefanick said the pandemic requires a different kind of courage than many people might have expected, adding that members of the Church are all called to a sort of monastic lifestyle at the moment. He said it would be potentially hazardous for people to break the quarantine, and should focus on an important work of mercy – prayer.
He pointed to a challenge from Pope Francis, who has offered a plenary indulgence to people suffering from COVID-19 and their caretakers, including healthcare workers, along with their benefactors in prayer.
The pandemic will lead to more death in the upcoming weeks and those in the hospitals need to know that prayers are being offered for them, Stefanick said..
“What’s being asked of us during this time is withdrawal, silence, and the life of a Carthusian monk … not the life of an evangelist missionary. So that’s a different kind of heroism and it’s no less difficult. Frankly. I think it would be easier for me if I knew I could go out and help people and risk my life going to Mass,” he said.
“We really have to pray for the world right now … We should be praying a lot for people who are facing death. It’s going to be a lot of bad news in the month ahead. A lot of people are gonna lose their lives and they need prayers.”
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Bishop Martin do you not know that Francis is no longer with us??? Talking about unity and conformity, the Latin Mass DELIVERS ON THIS!! If he hopes to show that he is in dialogue with one or two Mass offerings to the Latin Mass ahearents, his largess is frankly parsonmonius!
Really? Has it escaped the Bishop’s notice that Frances is dead and we have a new Pope? It is not yet apparent that Pope Leo will follow in the footsteps of the late Pope and stamp out the Latin Mass. It might be smarter to sit this one out for a bit. Maybe it has also escaped his attention that the bulk of vocations and conversions have been coming from those with a conservative life perspective. That would be something to encourage I believe. Indeed an excess of enthusiasm for Post Vatican II ideas is largely why the convents and seminaries are empty. Note to the Bishop: If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.
The Mass prayed reverently and respectfully (albeit not in Latin) is available at Ordinariate churches. For both laity and the priest celebrating the Holy Sacrifice the prayer of the Mass is said facing ‘ad orientem.’ I’m afraid, however, that the Church will have to suffer along with Bergoglian-appointed bishops for awhile.
I recommend to the Catholics living in Charlotte who have a preference for the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass prayed in Latin to give NO CONTRIBUTION AT ALL to their parish, diocese and Peter’s Pence, CCHD, CRS, CCUSA, etc. Instead, write a check to a reputable Catholic missionary (and if you don’t know one, I’ll be glad to send you a priest’s name in Guatemala and his bank number to wire money to.)
To seminarians for the Diocese of Charlotte, I’d recommend you give serious consideration to transferring to an orthodox religious order like the Dominicans.
I live in a state where two archbishops in adjoining dioceses “allow” the TLM. I have FOUR beautiful, beautiful churches where I can attend, all in easy driving distance.
It is so cruel and unfair that by the mere chance of geography, Catholics are deprived of the Mass that for centuries every saint, every attendee at Vatican II, etc. went to as if it were something shameful.
Pope Leo has put two modernized “sisters” (one with a degree in psychology) in charge of ALL the orders of monks, brothers, priests, sisters and nuns of the whole planet. Not a good start. If he doesn’t do something about the irrational limiting of the TLM (while not limiting ANY other form, such as the Anglican or Dominican), then my “cautiously optimistic” will turn to something much sadder.
What will the Bishop say when there are crowds of people outside the Chapel who want to get in but can’t because there is no room, while there is PLENTY of room at a Novus Ordo Church?
This is beyond evil. Shame on him
Why now?
I am under the impression that Pope Leo was chosen in large part because he is seen as someone who will restore unity to the Church.
Get with the program, folks!
And he will restore unity to the church by forcing out the conservatives and trads. That was Francis’ idea, and Leo has pledged to advance Francis’ agenda right down the line.
I thought the same thing…why now? Maybe he’s new? Trying to establish himself? Any way it goes, Pope Leo needs to address this issue sooner than later.
My thought, too…why now? Is he new? trying to establish or assert himself? Pope Leo needs to do something about this sooner than later or things will only get worse. What’s wrong with providing both forms of the Mass? So much for unity. I
Here comes the Latin, here comes the Latin. There are no empty pews so why cling to the tried and true practices of past… Hint: watering down the brand can be a mistake.
I hear what other posters are thinking and saying, but…we’re not in Charlotte, and we don’t know what has prompted this. I know that some will assume that the Bishop just “hates the Latin Mass” or perhaps he’s just “on a power trip.”
But for all we know, this Latin Mass could be having some negative effect on Charlotte Catholics; e.g., it’s draining good and orthodox Novus Ordo parishes of members, volunteers, and monies, or even more serious, it’s “dividing the Church” into two camps who oppose each other rather than working together to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Division is dangerous for Catholics and may drive them away from “church” entirely.
It could also be driving less traditionally-minded Catholics into the Protestant non-denominational churches that have dynamic preaching (not necessarily deep or “correct” but at least it’s in American English!) and contemporary music, a lively and active youth group, great children’s ministries and clubs, and many opportunities for the members to serve God in various community charitable outreaches.
Just some thoughts, and since I’m not in Charlotte, I could be way wrong about all of them. But I still don’t think we should try to draw conclusions until we know “the full story” from those who live there and know “the rest of the story.”
Mrs. Whitlock – my comment disappeared so I am trying again – apologies if it is duplicated. But I DO know people there. It is a vibrant community and has been for a long time. None of what you say is true.
1) TLM homilies ARE in ENGLISH – just saying otherwise makes the rest of your “speculations” suspect.
2) I go to a Novus Ordo church mostly, but my TLM church has all kinds of clubs, ministries, charitable outreach, and a vibrant youth group.
3) Absolutely NO ONE is being “driven” to a Protestant church because a TLM mass exists, as there are FAR FAR more Novus Ordo churches EVERYWHERE. Why on earth would you say that?
4) Contemporary music is a sticking point. My kids and their friends specifically said they felt “patronized” by having to listen watered down 70s elevator music and pop tunes. They can hear that everywhere, day and night, but the only chance to hear the HUGE variety of beauty handed down through the ages, from medieval chant to Renaissance to Baroque to modern, from Palestrina and de Victoria to the 20th century and Messiaen and more, has been at a TLM.
I am sorry, but these “speculations” are disingenuous.
Benay,
Your Item No. 4 exemplifies my experience. My introduction to the NO was as a young ‘tween.’ All us youngsters were keen at the idea and looked forward with excitement to this new Mass.
Well. Without doubt, we felt ‘played.’ We were embarrassed, chagrined, somehow betrayed, definitely uncomfortable, and we snickered. Row after row of teens in the pews were glancing sideways at one the new row, and snickering. It seemed as if the church, the adults, were trying so very hard to become teens. And FAILING. If you’ve ever seen a middle-aged mother flirting with her teen daughter’s boyfriend, you get the notion.
Yes, some speculations are disingenuous, inane, vapid, boring, stultifying, and downright stunning, reflecting a sad form of stupid.
Protestants don’t have the Eucharist, so if current CINO don’t believe and want more entertainment let them leave (and I’m not judging them in the least) It’s not surprising considering the surveys on what Catholics actually believe. In spirit, they may have already left the church.
There’s also a cease and desist in Detroit: Archdiocese of Detroit: Parishes must cease Traditional Latin Mass celebrations by July 1
Will there be any faith when He returns?
Mrs. Sharon, I have such great respect for your always reasonable presence on these CWR comment pages.
But I feel obliged to remind you that we are talking about the Catholic Mass here.
This is the same Mass that Pope Leo celebrated in Rome upon his election as pope.
The same Mass that’s been said for nearly two thousand years.
Ask yourself: Who could possibly be in favor of suppressing the Catholic Mass?
Answering that question will give you some insight into the spirit that animated the Bergoglian papacy.
Oh, please…if he had more to say, he’d have said it. He explained himself and that’s all he’s going to say and all we need to know.
Have you ever attended a Latin Mass? The homilies are in English. Missals are bilingual. The Lectionary readings are read in both Latin and in English. Occasionally the Recessional song is in English.
You say that the Latin Mass could be having a negative effect on Catholics in Charlotte. Seriously, do you expect us to believe that? Do you not believe that a Mass is a Mass is a Mass? HOW, exactly can a Latin Mass be harmful or hurt anyone? The Latin Mass was the dominant form of Catholic worship for over 400 years. You would argue against that history as bearing any fruit?
“e.g., it’s draining good and orthodox Novus Ordo parishes of members, volunteers, and monies,”
So? Then have the Latin Mass offered at those parishes as well.
“It could also be driving less traditionally-minded Catholics into the Protestant non-denominational churches that have dynamic preaching (not necessarily deep or “correct” but at least it’s in American English!)”
The homily is in the vernacular even at Latin Messes. And anybody who would leave the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass for shallow and incorrect preaching has a lot more problems than Latin.
“and contemporary music,”
Ah, yes, contemporary music, also known as nauseating tripe.
“a lively and active youth group, great children’s ministries and clubs, and many opportunities for the members to serve God in various community charitable outreaches.”
None of those have anything to do with whether the Mass is in Latin or not.
This makes perfect sense.
An untimely bishop invokes a deceased pope as he suppresses the Catholic Mass.
The Bergoglian legacy is here to stay.
This difference of wanting the Latin mass and leaving the true everlasting church of all ages, the Mystical Body of Christ, to offer up and labor in the eternal Church to build her up, or to leave Christ’s body to join those who CONDEMN and SLANDER the true church and are not in unity with Holy Church. We are called to gather and labor in the Church, not to scatter, and the Holy Spirit flees, YOU ARE NOT TO CONDEMN THE CHURCH AND YOUR BROTHERS, you lack all charity. There is one Christ and one Church now and forever. Do they want the mass in Latin or separate themselves, accepting all the lies there, “only the priest can touch the holy host but you munch it and eat it all up (That is not touching it?). Thank you Lord, you gave us a holy Pope and we will have unity because you are a merciful GOD! Without love you will not enter the Kingdom!
The pope said at the time that he was saddened that the celebration of the extraordinary form was characterized by a rejection of the Second Vatican Council and its liturgical reforms. To doubt the Council, he said, is “to doubt the Holy Spirit himself who guides the Church.”
Aside from the blasphemous premise, the charge was and is unsubstantiated. Bergoglio claimed to have surveyed the bishops, but never released the results, almost certainly because he didn’t find the sort of widespread episcopal opposition he was looking for.
The 1962 Missal should no longer be used. Vatican II mandated that the liturgical books be revised. The bishop made the correct decision. Roman Catholic parishes should be unified in liturgical form: the post-conciliar liturgical form. The new Mass can be celebrated in Latin with Gregorian chant. There is no need for the pre-conciliar Mass, whose ritual expression of post-conciliar ecclesiology is deficient. It should be phased out and eventually discontinued and then formally abrogated.
I guess the Bishop of Charlotte doesn’t consider the Eastern Catholics to be one with us. Not only is his decision foolish, it is vindictive. And I suspect he wants to show Pope Leo that more diocese have implemented Bergoglio’s restrictions, embarrassed as Roche, Cupich et al are that only a minority had done so until now. Oh, the games we play. It’s sad that he made this move after the pope started his papacy with a call to unity. Shame on him.
More outright evil by our lying bishops. They are angry that their illegal immigration money scam is in danger, and now they are lashing out at faithful Catholics wherever they can find them.
I don’t see Pope Leo continuing the suppression of the TLM.
I do see him treading carefully so he doesn’t appear to be the anti-Francis.
I’m sorry , but this entire issue is beyond ridiculous.
Bergoglio said that the different religions throughout the world are all paths to God, in the way different languages are different ways of speaking the truth.
He said it is God’s will that the different religions exist.
And yet he couldn’t tolerate the Catholic Mass as it’s been said for some 1,900 years?
How does that make sense?
And how does the Latin Mass cause anyone to disdain Vatican II? If we want people to see the good in Vatican II, we should have parishes sponsor Vatican II appreciation seminars.
Promoting Vatican II by suppressing the Catholic Mass is like getting people to floss regularly by limiting their ability to watch TV.
Insane.