Embracing the Evangelical Spirit of St. Francis Xavier

“Many, many people hereabouts are not becoming Christians for one reason only: There is nobody to make them Christians.” – St. Francis Xavier

St. Francis Xavier—cofounder of the Jesuits and one of the Church’s greatest missionaries—traveled throughout the world teaching about Christ. While historians say he baptized about 30,000 people, stories from that time put the number at closer to 100,000. Regardless of the exact number, his efforts to bring people to the Catholic faith far surpassed most of the people of his day and to this day as well.

I have thought a lot about that quote lately, especially in light of a survey conducted in my diocese. This past summer, parishioners throughout Tennessee’s Knoxville diocese were asked numerous questions about their faith. One encouraging statistic showed that 94% believe in the real presence of Christ in the Eucharist. While of course it should be 100%, this number shows that a vast majority of Catholics in this diocese understand one of the core beliefs of Catholicism.

However, two disturbing statistics showed that just 23% of the respondents felt that “their parish confidently equips them to answer questions about faith,” and only 31% said that “their parish forms them as a disciple.”

Those are definitely sad statistics.

St. Francis Xavier’s quote rings true, at least in this diocese, and I suspect in many others as well.

Our parish has numerous opportunities for adults to learn more about their faith. In fact, it’s more than I have seen at the other parishes I’ve been a part of throughout my life, and that is one of the things I love about my parish (aside from our incredible pastor).

But even when opportunities present themselves for adults to learn more about their faith, many adults fail to present themselves for these opportunities. They make excuses, such as “I’m too tired after work,” “The kids have too many after-school activities,” “There’s no one to watch my child while I attend,” or something else altogether. And while those are legitimate reasons, they cannot become barriers that prevent us from learning about our faith.

Education in faith has to be something that we do every day, and it has to be something we as adults seek on our own through books, podcasts, videos, etc. But each parish has a responsibility to encourage this learning—both inside and outside the church. Priests must constantly encourage participation in this education and start groups if they do not exist. Additionally, they must include in their sermons information about Church laws, history, abortion, euthanasia, the sanctity of marriage, the real presence of Christ in the Eucharist, and how to evangelize. They should never water down the faith, for in being bold, they encourage others to boldly proclaim their faith. Yet many stay away from these topics because they’re afraid people will leave the parish or the Church. But not speaking about these truths just creates a congregation of people who are ill-equipped to teach their kids and their friends and families about the truths of the faith.

And if parents can’t even teach their children, generation after generation loses what makes Catholicism—the Church founded by Jesus Christ Himself—so unique and integral for our salvation.

Further, not only must parishes provide opportunities for adults to learn, but they must teach them the importance of instructing their children at home. Every day. CCE programs that meet once a week are not enough. And many don’t teach pro-life truths and values—something that is so desperately needed today. That’s why the Culture of Life Studies Program—a pre-K-12th grade program for homes and schools—is so critical. It’s an easy way for parents to teach Catholic truths at home at their convenience.

This is crucial because the public school systems have a diabolical agenda when it comes to things like sexuality. A few recent examples illustrate this well. In Seattle, kids as young as kindergarten are read books about sexuality and “transitioning.” The Seattle Public School system website explains that kids in kindergarten are read a book called Introducing Teddy, which “introduces the youngest readers to understanding gender identity and transition in an accessible and heart-warming story about being true to yourself and being a good friend.”

Parents should be appalled. And if you think this is happening in just Seattle, you are sadly mistaken.

The Oregon Health Authority recently created a health survey, and in the demographic section asks 6th graders about their “gender identity and sexual orientation.” Its long list of choices includes “demigirl/demiboy,” “nonbinary,” “genderfluid,” “genderqueer,” “questioning,” “agender/no gender.”

And of course Planned Parenthood must dip its own hand into the gender identity pool, as it both infiltrates schools and offers online courses for kids, where kids of any age can sign up.

Schools and Planned Parenthood are working to destroy the innocence of children, and our kids face dangers to their emotional, physical, and spiritual health on a daily basis. That’s why parents must take seriously the job of teaching kids the truths of the faith and why we must give them the tools to combat these lies.

The Culture of Life Studies Program carries out St. Francis Xavier’s mission so that parents can do so as well. Its lesson booklets make it easy for you, as they include nearly everything you need (except craft supplies). From an informational narrative about each topic, to discussion questions and answers, to additional information to explore, these standalone booklets help you foster the moral courage your children need so that they can then go out and fulfill that role that St. Francis Xavier spoke of.

I urge you to seriously think about the reality our kids face every day and to formulate a plan to step in and take control—not only of their education, but of yours as well. Their futures and their souls depend on your leadership.