Why subscribe to Catholic on the Edge?

Hello,

Paula Flynn here. Thanks for looking over my Substack.

I am a lifelong Catholic. Wherever I’ve lived, I’ve been an active member of my local parish. I’ve led scripture studies, served on parish councils and committees, and taught the Faith to both children and adults. I’m also an avid reader of Catholic news, a student of Catholic history, and have had the benefit of 16+ years of Catholic education.

The Catholic Church is in trouble. Evidence of this is all around: in the emptiness of the pews at Mass; in the fact that our children and grandchildren have fallen away from the Faith; in annual surveys that show falling numbers and disengagement;

What can be done?

I’m a thinking, informed, practicing Catholic who cares about the Catholic Faith. But I also have questions and concerns, and expect you do as well. I’m sure we’ll have agreements and disagreements as I unpack some of the issues before us - like the Synod on Synodality, the role of the laity, how to bring our passion and reverence for life to other issues like poverty and the environment, etc. There is a lot to talk about. And we, by virtue of our Baptism, all have something to contribute.

One thing seems sure - change is coming. Will the Catholic Church as we’ve known it expand or shrink? I think our children, our parishes, our world needs a vibrant, inspiring, impactful Catholic Church. That is what I am hoping to foster through this conversation and why I hope you’ll subscribe to Catholic on the Edge.

Join the conversation. ++ Paula ++

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Am I still Catholic? It’s complicated. There are some things about the Faith that fill me with joy and comfort and hope, and other things that make me want to weep with frustration. This Substack, Catholic on the Edge, is where I work out that tension.

People

Paula Flynn

@paulaflynn

I grew up in the 60s and ‘70s as part of a large Roman Catholic, French-Canadian family. Although most of my family has drifted away from the Faith, something keeps me hanging on, not wanting to give up hope. But I have reservations too.