Beacons of Light, implemented in the Archdiocese of Cincinnati in July of 2022, is an attempt to address difficult realities facing Catholics, realities like declining Mass attendance and growing priest shortages. A consolidation of parish churches into groupings called “Families” has ensued with the hope that shared resources might enable Catholics to move "from a mindset of maintenance to a mindset of mission." Despite its good intentions and its arguably necessary measures, Beacons has proven disruptive and often trying for many of the lay faithful.
Chad takes this BONUS opportunity to bring in three Mighty Catholic laymen (John Paul Slonkosky, Nick Rentz, and Jared Pottkotter), for a 4-mic Man-Talk, to discuss this episode’s title question. The four of them roundtable the challenges, the realizations, and the divisions brought on by Beacons. What has been the experience of Beacons “on the ground” by the average Catholic? How much of the difficulties during these first two years of Beacons has to do with parish consolidations, and how much has to do with younger priests moving toward more traditional liturgical celebrations? What is the future of Catholicism in Cincinnati, and (at the episode’s end) what advice would these four men give to lay men and women as we move forward together?
SHOW NOTES:
Beacons of Light Parish Families - Archdiocese of Cincinnati (catholicaoc.org)
Beacons of Light, implemented in the Archdiocese of Cincinnati in July of 2022, is an attempt to address difficult realities facing Catholics, realities like declining Mass attendance and growing priest shortages. A consolidation of parish churches into groupings called “Families” has ensued with the hope that shared resources might enable Catholics to move "from a mindset of maintenance to a mindset of mission." Despite its good intentions and its arguably necessary measures, Beacons has proven disruptive and often trying for many of the lay faithful.
Chad takes this BONUS opportunity to bring in three Mighty Catholic laymen (John Paul Slonkosky, Nick Rentz, and Jared Pottkotter), for a 4-mic Man-Talk, to discuss this episode’s title question. The four of them roundtable the challenges, the realizations, and the divisions brought on by Beacons. What has been the experience of Beacons “on the ground” by the average Catholic? How much of the difficulties during these first two years of Beacons has to do with parish consolidations, and how much has to do with younger priests moving toward more traditional liturgical celebrations? What is the future of Catholicism in Cincinnati, and (at the episode’s end) what advice would these four men give to lay men and women as we move forward together?
SHOW NOTES:
Beacons of Light Parish Families - Archdiocese of Cincinnati (catholicaoc.org)