God calls each of us to a life of goodness. Our yearnings to become more like God invite us to lifelong practices of conversion. The Sacrament of Confirmation is a pivotal moment anchoring a Catholic's commitment to God. But, do our current sacramental preparation programs really inspire candidates to turn towards the Lord?
Leonard J. DeLorenzo demonstrates how preparation for Confirmation can be a life-giving experience for candidates and those who accompany them. Candidates, sponsors, and parents will together foster a holistic formation of mind, heart, hands, and habits needed for transformation into a source of goodness in the world.
This book is ideal for use by RCIA sponsors and candidates, as well as parents and sponsors of younger Confirmation students. Parents and sponsors will be empowered to be primary formators for the candidate in their life, as they will benefit from discovering more about God as a source of goodness, but also seeing how to convey God's message to Confirmation candidates.
Contents
Preface: The Whole Thing xi
Part I: Power and Wisdom
1 The Way 3
2 Saul of Tarsus and the Witness of St. Stephen 8
3 The Conversion of St. Paul 12
4 St. Paul: The Source of Goodness 16
5 Paul, Apostle of Christ 21
6 The Life of Paul and the Love of Jesus 25
7 Who Is Jesus? The Son of the Father Drawn Near to Us 28
8 Who Is Jesus? I AM 36
9 Who Is Jesus? The Power and Wisdom of God 43
10 Who Is Jesus? The Gift of Beatitude 49
11 Advent: Prepare the Way of the Lord 53
12 Advent: Waiting for the Lord 59
13 Where We’ve Been, Where We’re Going 63
14 Who We Are Created to Be 66
15 Male and Female God Created Them 73
16 Sin and Its Effects 80
17 The Gifts of the Holy Spirit and the Strength of Virtue 87
18 Chastity of the Ears: Inclining Our Hearts 96
19 Chastity of the Tongue: Harnessing the Power of Words 104
20 Chastity of the Eyes: Risking the Joy of Encounter 110
21 The First and Perfect Disciple 115
22 The Mystery and Motherhood of the Church 122
23 Becoming Christ’s Body: Baptism, Confirmation, Eucharist 125
24 Healed as Members: Penance and Anointing of the Sick 132
25 At the Service of Communion: Marriage and Holy Orders 138
Epilogue The Keynote of Communion 143
Part II: Reflection and Practice Introduction: The Conditions of Formation 147
1 The Way 159
2 Saul of Tarsus and the Witness of St. Stephen 164
3 The Conversion of St. Paul 168
4 St. Paul: The Source of Goodness 172
5 Paul, Apostle of Christ 177
6 The Life of Paul and the Love of Jesus 178
7 Who Is Jesus? The Son of the Father Drawn Near to Us 181
8 Who Is Jesus? I AM 187
9 Who Is Jesus? The Power and Wisdom of God 192
10 Who Is Jesus? The Gift of Beatitude 197
11 Advent: Prepare the Way of the Lord 201
12 Advent: Waiting for the Lord 205
13 Where We’ve Been, Where We’re Going 210
14 Who We Are Created to Be 215
15 Male and Female God Created Them 219
16 Sin and Its Effects 225
17 The Gifts of the Holy Spirit and the Strength of Virtue 231
18 Chastity of the Ears: Inclining Our Hearts 237
19 Chastity of the Tongue: Harnessing the Power of Words 242
20 Chastity of the Eyes: Risking the Joy of Encounter 248
21 The First and Perfect Disciple 254
22 The Mystery and Motherhood of the Church 262
23 Becoming Christ’s Body: Baptism, Eucharist, Confirmation 267
24 Healed as Members: Penance and Anointing of the Sick 273
25 At the Service of Communion: Marriage and Holy Orders 279
Index 284
Leonard J. DeLorenzo, PhD, directs strategic planning for the McGrath Institute for Church Life, where he also directs the Sullivan Family Saints Initiative, with a concurrent teaching appointment in the Department of Theology.
"The Catholic faith, and the person of Jesus Christ who reveals it, is ever new and has the power to fascinate the mind as it sets a heart on fire with excitement about the promise of a life greater than we can imagine. DeLorenzo brings to life the striking beauty of the story of Jesus Christ and offers a method that empowers catechists to share this life-changing truth with young people. This book, firmly based in the principles of the new Directory of Catechesis, has the power to transform an ordinary confirmation program into a life-changing experience, because it helps the catechist become a witness to the transforming power of the Gospel."
The Most Reverend Andrew H. Cozzens, STD, DD, Auxiliary Bishop of St. Paul and Minneapolis "Leonard DeLorenzo's new book Turn to the Lord, is an encounter with the Body of Christ! I have often found myself to be without words when trying to explain the fullness of the Catholic faith. Describing beliefs or practices by themselves feel like scattering puzzle pieces. This book will be appreciated by catechists, youth ministers, parents, and anyone who loves the faith and longs to share it. By describing the themes of faith, DeLorenzo paints the big picture of what it means to be Catholic, and to be loved by our generous God."
Tom East, Director of the Center for Ministry Development and Project Coordinator for the Certificate in Youth Ministry Studies Program "The truth and beauty of Catholicism are best imparted not by a textbook but by a living witness. Lenny DeLorenzo offers in this beautiful book a reorientation of the way we think about and implement catechesis and faith formation. This book is a game-changer both in its unique, coherent presentation of the faith and in its provocative and compelling approach to forming others in the faith. This is a book that should be in the hands of every parent, pastor, catechist, and teacher."
Most Reverend Kevin C. Rhoades, Bishop of Fort Wayne-South Bend "Dr. Leonard DeLorenzo's book articulates a comprehensive approach to faith formation. From exhaustive catechetical content to real life conversational quips, this book is a delight. DeLorenzo possesses a quality of simple explanation of deep ideas found in C.S. Lewis and N.T. Wright. The book reads like an inspiring essay but sticks with you like an excellent keynote speech. It will become a tool on the shelf of anyone in faith formation and a gift for all who pursue a deeper understanding of Catholicism."
Doug Tooke, Vice President of Mission, ODB Films "Turn to The Lord by Dr. DeLorenzo, is a refreshing look at the catechism and our youth. Not only does the text provide important elements of the Catholic faith, but also provides a framework in which to share our rich faith with children and teens. Dr. DeLorenzo takes a modern approach to reach and teach today's generation of students."
Leslie Lipovski, PhD, assistant superintendent, Catholic Diocese of Arlington, Virginia
"I am grateful for Leonard DeLorenzo's new book Turn to the Lord which offers parents and catechists both a theological vision of the life of the Christian and a process for proposing it to others. It will be a great resource in our efforts to re-envision an evangelizing catechesis in our day."
Katie Dawson, Director of Parish Evangelization and Faith Formation, Diocese of Orange "For anyone interested in or responsible for religious instruction, faith formation or sacramental preparation this is a must read. DeLorenzo has designed a thorough and inspiring guide for this unique venture in faith formation."
Catholic Media Association
"An excellent resource for implementing a meaningful way to catechize young people."
Pastoral Liturgy