May 9, 2012. (Romereports.com) For the last few years, people have been hearing the word 'crisis' quite often. It's usually linked to the economy, but the European Episcopal Conference is looking into another crisis....one that deals with faith.

FR. LUC MELLET
National Service for Catechesis and the Catechumenate (France)
“When it comes to the crisis of faith in Europe, there are problems, but also big hopes. One can say that the main factor is how to integrate God in the way we live in our society.”


During a four day congress, European cardinals, bishops and priests discussed this issue. Cardinal Peter Erdo, who serves as the Archbishop of Budapest says the best way to engage people in faith is the good old fashion way of talking with people directly, even in their home.

CARD. PETER ERDO
Archbishop of Esztergom-Budapest
“We have to help people to transit their faith. So how do we do this? Well, for example, this year our diocese has taken on a 'citizen's mission' project that's also being done in 12 European cities. In the program,  lay people visit Catholics in their home, which includes about 1.4 million people.”

With the direction of a local parish priests, lay members visit fellow Catholics so they can strengthen their religion within their own family.

CARD. PETER ERDO
Archbishop of Esztergom-Budapest
“So they look into how to pray together, how to spend time together. So basically it's all about giving them a hand so they can be re-introduced to their faith.”

The European Episcopal Conference knows it's a big challenge. It also understands that change won't happen overnight. But it hopes programs like these, will bring forth the New Evangelization, one family at a time.


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