Overview
This revised and updated edition of a classic in the area of pastoral studies was written in response to one of the most difficult issues facing the clergy and pastoral ministers today: marginal Catholics seeking the services of the Church. When an inactive Catholic seeks the sacraments there are many delicate and complex issues involved, each charged with emotional intensity. Aimed at those in parish life who wrestle with these delicate issues on a regular basis, The Marginal Catholic discusses reaching out to those who, for one reason or another, find themselves somewhat distant from the Church and shows how this can be done by citing biblical, legal, liturgical, psychological and theological examples. This book speaks to pastoral leaders who wish to communicate with forceful, persuasive clarity what the Church expects of its members without snuffing out the flickering flame of faith. In a treatment characterized by pastoral wisdom, Monsignor Champlin addresses such issues as how to respond to parents who seldom attend Mass, but who request the baptism of a child, or an inactive couple that seeks a Church wedding. He summarizes offical Church directives and provides practical, pastoral suggestions for resolving the concerns of all involved. "The goal," he explains, "is to challenge peripheral Catholics who seek a baptism or marriage in the Church, but not to crush them."Synopsis
This revised and updated edition of a classic in the area of pastoral studies was written in response to one of the most difficult issues facing the clergy and pastoral ministers today: marginal Catholics seeking the services of the Church. When an inactive Catholic seeks the sacraments there are many delicate and complex issues involved, each charged with emotional intensity. Aimed at those in parish life who wrestle with these delicate issues on a regular basis, The Marginal Catholic discusses reaching out to those who, for one reason or another, find themselves somewhat distant from the Church and shows how this can be done by citing biblical, legal, liturgical, psychological and theological examples. This book speaks to pastoral leaders who wish to communicate with forceful, persuasive clarity what the Church expects of its members without snuffing out the flickering flame of faith. In a treatment characterized by pastoral wisdom, Monsignor Champlin addresses such issues as how to respond to parents who seldom attend Mass, but who request the baptism of a child, or an inactive couple that seeks a Church wedding. He summarizes offical Church directives and provides practical, pastoral suggestions for resolving the concerns of all involved. "The goal," he explains, "is to challenge peripheral Catholics who seek a baptism or marriage in the Church, but not to crush them."