Dynamic Catholic: Be Bold. Be Catholic.
As a Catholic and the Catholic Studies librarian for the University, I am exposed to many Catholic resources that fill both the scholarly and spiritual needs of the Detroit Mercy community. In the past year I have become excited about a relatively new organization called Dynamic Catholic. Founded by Matthew Kelly in 2009, the mission of Dynamic Catholic is “to re-energize the Catholic Church in America by developing world-class resources that inspire people to rediscover the genius of Catholicism”.
According to the 2014 PEW Study of Religion in America, 20.8% of Americans consider themselves Catholic. Twenty percent of those attend mass either seldom or never and 28% do not believe the scriptures are the word of God. A 2015 PEW study found that 52% of U.S. adults raised Catholic have left the church. Some of those returned, but 40% had not.
From the Dynamic Catholic web site:
“Growing numbers of Catholics are disillusioned, questioning their faith, and filled with doubts about the modern relevance of Catholicism. Dwindling Mass attendance, scarcity of vocations, and Catholic school closures are just a few of the signs.
The sad truth is that most Catholics have never really been shown the genius of Catholicism and how it could animate their lives.
Business as usual will not turn the tide. In fact, business as usual will not even stem the tide. We need to start thinking on a whole new level. We need game-changers.”
Dynamic Catholic is providing the “game changers”. Kelly and the members of the Dynamic Catholic Institute take aim at the heart, soul and intellect (and yes, even the funny bone) of all Catholics in simple but profound and often humorous ways in order to re-engage, re-focus, and re-energize us into the life of the Church and reinvigorate the Church itself.
If you are interested in learning more about about the significance of Catholicism in today’s world or you feel your spiritual life is in need of resurrection, I invite you to come to the library and check out Matthew Kelly’s book Rediscover Catholicism: A Spiritual Guide to Living With Passion and Purpose. Or visit www.DynamicCatholic.com. Avail your self of the free resources. I highly recommend you pick up Matthew Kelly’s CD The Seven Pillars of Catholic Spirituality. It will expand your view of Catholicism, provide ways to make Catholicism more relevant for your life and make you laugh at the same time. Or sign up for Best Advent Ever 2016. From the first Sunday of Advent to Christmas Day, you will receive, by email, inspirational videos, tips and music to contribute to a meaningful holiday season.
Let’s face it. It’s tough to be Catholic in this day and age. It’s not popular. But I’m not Catholic because of what the Pope or the bishops or the priests or the mainstream media says or does. I’m Catholic because of what Christ said and did. Dynamic Catholic gets that and provides the resources to help all Catholics see Catholicism in a whole new light. You might even find yourself proud to admit your Catholic. You might find your home again.
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