Rebuilt

Voracious reading is nearly impossible for me. My eyes get heavy after a little while even if I'm not tired. I want a bigger appetite for books, but practically I just don't fly through things like some people. However, I received Rebuilt in the mail yesterday and have either had it in hand or been thinking about it most of the last 24 hours.

The story is of a priest and staff member assigned to a diminishing parish in Baltimore who refused to maintain a failing ministry. They put forth all sorts of effort to a consumer-driven constituency only to find frustration. Attendance waned. Participation was limited. Giving--both monetary and personally--remained disappointingly low.

Only a complete overhaul of the culture would do, and many people comfortable with the way things were became increasingly and vocally upset. The comfortable were afflicted, and the afflicted (those on the outskirts or not affiliated with the parish) suddenly showed up and became comfortable in the new environment.

Their ideas are not revolutionary, just counter-cultural. They don't pander; they don't aim to please. Instead, they ask what the Lord wants of them. They look at churches that have what they desire, most of which are not Catholic. They flip the emphasis. They spend money differently. They spend time differently. They are authentic. People take notice.

I'm not far into the story, but I'm intrigued. The genius of Catholicism needs sharing. This is one instance of people undertaking evangelization in life-giving and life-changing ways. I long to see the results they saw--new parishioners, new life, new commitment, new gifts, and new eyes with which to grasp God's loving gift. As much as their story is about two individuals doing exceptional work, even more it is about the Holy Spirit's presence and power driving change and growth. We all should hope for a similar surge.