Apologetics
“Sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts. Always be ready to give an explanation to anyone who asks you for a reason for your hope, but do it with gentleness and respect.”
—1 Peter 3:15
Purpose:
To help you better understand your faith and explain it to others.
The term apologetics comes from the Greek word apologia (απολογία), which means in defense of Catholic apologetics aims to present a rational basis for the Catholic faith, defend the faith against objections, and expose the perceived flaws of other world views. Apologetic has its roots in St. Paul and early church fathers including St. Justin Martyr, St. Irenaeus, Tertullian, St. Jerome, and St. Augustine. It was carried forth by many Church theologians such as St. Thomas Aquinas and in more contemporary times by John Henry Newman and G. K. Chesterton. In every age and place there have been objections to the truth of Catholic teaching. The study of apologetics can not only equip us to respond to the questions of our time and place, but helps us deepen our own understanding of the truth of Christ and helps us bring a new vitality to the Church.
Catholic Faith & Reason
Founded in 1999, this is an association of lay Catholics faithful to the Holy Father and the Catholic Church who are dedicated to evangelization and apologetics in the Kansas City area. Their goal is to present the truths of the Catholic faith through prayer, evangelistic activities and the ongoing witness of the lives of its members. Members hope to be a tool in the hands of the diocesan clergy, supporting them in their apostolic work. They seek to serve the Lord in the follow areas:
For more information, contact Claude Sasso, 741-2859, sasso@diocesekcsj.org.
—1 Peter 3:15
Purpose:
To help you better understand your faith and explain it to others.
The term apologetics comes from the Greek word apologia (απολογία), which means in defense of Catholic apologetics aims to present a rational basis for the Catholic faith, defend the faith against objections, and expose the perceived flaws of other world views. Apologetic has its roots in St. Paul and early church fathers including St. Justin Martyr, St. Irenaeus, Tertullian, St. Jerome, and St. Augustine. It was carried forth by many Church theologians such as St. Thomas Aquinas and in more contemporary times by John Henry Newman and G. K. Chesterton. In every age and place there have been objections to the truth of Catholic teaching. The study of apologetics can not only equip us to respond to the questions of our time and place, but helps us deepen our own understanding of the truth of Christ and helps us bring a new vitality to the Church.
Catholic Faith & Reason
Founded in 1999, this is an association of lay Catholics faithful to the Holy Father and the Catholic Church who are dedicated to evangelization and apologetics in the Kansas City area. Their goal is to present the truths of the Catholic faith through prayer, evangelistic activities and the ongoing witness of the lives of its members. Members hope to be a tool in the hands of the diocesan clergy, supporting them in their apostolic work. They seek to serve the Lord in the follow areas:
- Catholic Education – Twice monthly apologetics and evangelization formation classes are offered by members of the association and invited guest speakers. The object is to better prepare association members to spread the truth of the Catholic faith within and outside of the Catholic community. These classes are currently held at Our Lady of Good Counsel Parish in Westport at 39th & Washington. St. Peter said, “Always be prepared to make a defense to any one who calls you to account for the hope that is you, yet do it with gentleness and reverence; and keep your conscience clear . . . “ (1 Peter 3:15).
- Catholic Radio – Catholic Faith and Reason has been active in bringing Catholic radio to Kansas City and we fully support the efforts of our station, KEXS 1090 AM, especially during the phone-a-thon and in fundraising endeavors.
- Christ-like service to the Catholic community with an outreach program closely coordinated with pastors. This may include, but not be necessarily limited to the following:
- An internet website for the Association stressing the truth of the Catholic faith with Scriptural, patristic and historical articles, sources and links available to the public around the globe: http://www.catholicfaithandreason.org. We offer audio tapes as well on a non-profit basis.
- Offering programs for people interested in learning about the Catholic faith.
- Organize and conduct Apologetic-Evangelization Weekends (eg. Patrick Madrid, Fr. Mitch Pacwa, Fr. Benedict Groeschel, and Scott Hahn) or apologetics courses at parishes.
- Prayer is a strong component of our goal of spreading the Truth and the richness of the deposit of faith. We pray at all our meetings and encourage prayer to the Holy Spirit and Eucharistic Adoration outside of our meetings. Calling upon the Holy Spirit in prayer to aid our work is an integral part of what we stand for.
For more information, contact Claude Sasso, 741-2859, sasso@diocesekcsj.org.
