At ninety-one years of age, Father Hater has seen a lot of changes in the Catholic Church, from the days prior to Vatican II until the present time with all of its cultural and technological challenges.  Despite these transitions, as he looks to the future of that same Church, Father Hater is optimistic about what is to come.  However, he is also quick to point out that such confidence is going to involve commitment and hard work on the part of those who are active Catholics today; this is why he wrote “The Changing Face of Catholicism: Building a Church for the Future.”  “Without a doubt,” he begins, “the future Church in the United States will be different from the past.  How different is largely up to us.” His book is divided into three sections and those sections are further divided into chapters.  In the first section, he discusses in detail some of the most important cultural influences that the Catholic Church faces today.  In the second, he talks about how to address these changes in such a manner that the way forward is a positive one.  In part three, he shares what he believes to be key elements of the Catholic Church of the future, which he contends will center around “a new awakening of faith in light of Jesus’s missionary mandate and evangelization.”  At the end of each of the chapters he includes a list of questions for discussion; this is a book meant to be used, not merely read, by the faithful.

 

 

This is not the first time the Church has encountered challenges to how it lives out its message.  Father Hater points to the move in the Middle Ages from a predominantly oral tradition to a written one with the advent of the Gutenberg Press, followed by the changes that came with the Industrial Revolution, and finally the current impact of digital technology on all of society, not just the Church.  In the midst of a world in which truth has become relative and materialism rules the day, it is important that the Church remain committed to the message and teaching of Jesus Christ.  While acknowledging the multiple issues confronting that message, the most important bulwark against negative influences that Father Hater cites again and again is the importance of the family.  “Today is has become progressively more important that Catholic parents are well-versed in Catholic teaching,” he says. “They benefit greatly if they learn what is happening in the Church and commit themselves to provide sound moral teaching to their children.” Father Hater builds on this when he moves into a discussion about the responsibility of parishes.  For many, this may mean a major shift in how parishes see themselves and what they choose to do in response to a changing society.  “For the faith to be revitalized,” he continues, “parish leaders and parishioners must be more concerned about supporting and fostering the faith than about parish finances and organization.”  People and their needs must take center stage, he insists, just as Jesus made them the foundation of His ministry.  Young people especially, he says, are more attracted to notions of service of the “poor and disenfranchised…Theology, advertising, or a return to traditional liturgical practices will not accomplish this goal.”  For those in charge of the parish, this begins by promoting an atmosphere of welcome as soon as people walk through the church door.

 

Although the Catholic Church in America may be smaller going forward, it can still be a vital reminder of what is truly needed for a happy and fulfilled life.  “In short,” Father Hater concludes, “the Church must renew her commitment to bring Jesus’ message of love to the secular society.” For parishes looking toward their own futures, this book would provide a very good place for meaningful discussions to begin.

 

Father Hater, a priest from the archdiocese of Cincinnati, is professor emeritus at the University of Dayton, Ohio. He has served as the archdiocesan director of religious education, university professor, parish priest, and more. He lectured internationally and is the author of thirty-seven books and the recipient of numerous awards, including the 2015 Distinguished Communicator of the Year Award; the Christian Educator of the 20th Century Award, Biola University; and the 1994 NCCL Catechetical Award.