WM40 – Journey of Faith – Why it Matters: An Exploration of Faith with Archbishop George Lucas Podcast

Episode 40 – Journey of Faith  – Why it Matters: An Exploration of Faith with Archbishop George Lucas

Archbishop Lucas and Kris McGregor discuss the “Journey of Faith”, a new way to bring together parishes within the Archdiocese, helping to meet the challenges and new reality facing parish life. While this is primarily discussing what is going on within the Archdiocese of Omaha, Archbishop Lucas’ words can be of great benefit to other Dioceses across the country facing similar challenges as well.

From the Archdiocese of Omaha’s Website:

Families of Parishes: A Modern Day Answer in Our Journey of Faith

Why does this Journey of Faith matter so much right now? Think about how you have experienced or struggled in your own journey of faith. As one church, we must respond to changes in our Catholic community and the world around us.

Our Current Realities Call for New Directions in Parish Life
It’s not one but rather a series of changes over decades which challenge our diocese today. To come to grips with our current reality, it’s important that we share the data openly and honestly. With clear understanding, we can responsibly move forward in sustainable and new directions.

A Growing Disconnect
Within our own parish communities, the majority of Catholics no longer participate in the life of the church.

• Weekly mass attendance is under 1 in 4
• Parish activities attract only a small percentage of parishioners
•  Fewer young adults identify as Catholics or members of a parish

Source: Archdiocese of Omaha census

Facing Priestly Limits
Over the next ten years, the number of available priests will drop steadily. For parish communities to have vibrant ministries, we must see the conditions which limit our priests:

• Growing stress from unmanageable workload
• More retirements than replacements
• Aging, underutilized structures

Current Realities, priesthood
“The challenge is to see this as an opportunity, to have a deeper experience in the activity of the Holy Spirit, and to respond really in faith, and to trust God.” – Archbishop George Lucas

For more episodes in this series, visit the

Why it Matters: An Exploration of Faith with Archbishop George Lucas Podcast page For more teachings and information about Archbishop George J. Lucas of the Archdiocese of Omaha, visit:   archomaha.org

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