WHY Catholic? is a highly-acclaimed spiritual renewal, evangelization, and adult faith formation process developed by RENEW International.

Many Catholics have inherited the Catholic faith without knowing why they are Catholic.  They many not have been exposed to a solid faith formation.  Although many consider themselves Catholic, they would welcome renewing a clear Catholic identity that appreciates the unique basis, content, richness, and joy of our faith.  This, in turn, would help them become more comfortable in reaching out to others as everyday evangelizers. WHY Catholic? aims to help people better know Jesus Christ and his saving love for us.  It is for those who want to know more about their faith and share time with others deepening that faith.

The WHY Catholic? process is designed to balance prayer, sharing on Scripture, and reflection on the teachings of our faith, providing a full and fruitful faith-sharing experience for participants.  While a prayerful listening to and reflection on Scripture is an integral part of each session, Why Catholic?  is not meant to be Scripture study.

The process has been designed to help participants discover and embrace their own personal faith story.  It is founded on encouraging us to live the reasons why we are Catholic, and so lead us to a faith that is lived more authentically, connecting us more deeply and meaningfully to God, and to others.

Beginning in October 2011, the Cathedral will continue the WHY  Catholic? experience with Lifting Up Our Hearts - Praying with the Third Edition of the Roman Missal.  We will gather for prayerful reflection on the new responses, their foundation in Sacred Scripture, and how participation in liturgy impacts our daily lives. 

The new texts are a most privileged means for the Church to express the faith, to embrace the faith, and to pass on the faith.  The texts, the liturgical rites, the liturgical year, the Scriptural readings, the preaching: the entire liturgy should stimulate our own continued conversion and growth in faith.  The new translation has the potential to enrich spiritual lives and lead us to more active participation in the liturgical celebration.

"Join us as we reclaim the extraordinary in what we say in the liturgy."   - Fr. Jeff Nicolas

WHY Catholic? is a product of RENEW International.  Their mission is to "foster spiritual renewal in the Catholic tradition by empowering individuals and communities to encounter God in everyday life, deepen and share faith, and connect faith with action."  To read more about WHY Catholic ?, visit www.renewintl.org.

Comments from Cathedral parishioners

"We came from different experiences in our faith journeys - but all drawn by that same faith - we were guided by the Holy Spirit to come together in prayer-to share-to grow."

"I enjoyed the camaraderie that formed over the weeks."

"Everyone participated!  The class exposed the challenges Catholic Christians have with learning their own faith."

"I enjoyed the opportunity to meet other parishioners ... without Why Catholic, I certainly wouldn't have the opportunity to witness their inner faith."