Rev. Richard Kelly
Pastor St. Aloysius, Jersey City
May 2006

============

What a gift "Why Catholic?" is to St. Paul's. Our gathering through Lent to begin our study of the Creed gave us a deeper appreciation of the faith we professed at the Easter Vigil and of the people with whom we made that profession.

As pastor, I am grateful to Renew for offering us this wonderful means of revitalizing our "Community of Faith" and aiding us in our efforts to bring the Good News to all.

Rev. Bob Antczak
Pastor St. Paul the Apostle
Jersey City

============

We had 179 participants in 18 different groups. It was a good experience for the parish. Most of the people cited "the Trinity," or the "Holy Spirit" as significant teachings that impressed them. Others were a bit more general in saying how much it helped to deepen their understanding and their appreciation of the faith; some felt that they learned a great deal from the discussion with other participants. There was also a feeling that the "assigned" weekly readings in the Catechism of the Catholic Church were a bit long and, perhaps a little ambitious for beginning this process. Overall, the experience seems to have been very fruitful. We hope to have a like response when we continue in the fall.

Msgr. Tom McCarthy
Our Lady of Good Counsel
Washington Twp.
May 2006

============

We, the Catholic Community of St. Cecilia, are happy to announce that the “Why Catholic” program has been a great success. We had 20 groups for a total of 280 people. These people responded to a call to deepen their faith and wish to continue the program in the fall.

What makes St. Cecilia a special place is that there are three languages spoken, English, Portuguese, and Spanish; therefore, we accommodated all parishioners who wished to participate in their native language and with the help of God, this program was a fulfilling experience for all involved. I also believe one particular characteristic that played an important role in this program was that our staff volunteered during their lunch hour, enjoying it as spiritual nourishment. I am grateful to everyone who helped make this possible at St. Cecilia, especially our pastor, Father Michael Ward.

Father Yuvan Alvarez
St. Cecilia’s Kearny
“Why Catholic” Coordinator
May 2006

============

I am very pleased with the response to Why Catholic? at Immaculate Conception, Montclair. We had 15 groups in the initial season, and the reaction has been uniformly positive. People appreciate both the content and the community-building dynamics, the apparent potential for which was the deciding factor in my selecting the Why Catholic? option. We will be having an all-groups feedback session and 'celebration' of our Why Catholic? experience on June 12.

Msgr. Timothy Shugrue
Immaculate Conception, Montclair
May 2006

============

“I’m very proud to be a Catholic now, together we can change the world.”

“I was baptized Catholic but didn’t understand my faith until now.”

“I feel renewed by this experience.”

“My family sees a change in me for the better.”

“I had not received the sacrament of reconciliation since I was preparing for my first communion, I recently received the sacrament because I learned its importance and have experienced the grace of forgiveness. Forgiveness purifies the soul.”

“My small community leaders are true witnesses of the Catholic faith.”

“We have deepened in our knowledge of what it means to be Catholic.”