The Four Signs of a Dynamic Catholic

By Matthew Kelly

Transforming people one at time is at the heart of God’s plan for the world. It is also essential to developing dynamic marriages, loving families, vibrant parish communities, thriving economies, and extraordinary nations. Every time you become a-better-version-of-yourself, the consequences of your transformation echo through your marriage, family, parish, nation and beyond… It is God who does the transforming but only to the extent that we cooperate.

Does the 80/20 principle hold true for Catholic parishes? Not even close. After studying a series of parishes from coast to coast, Matthew Kelly found that:

• 6.4% of parishioners contributed 80% of the volunteer hours

• 6.8% donate 80% of financial contributions

• There is an 84% overlap between the two groups

Only about 7% of Catholic parishioners are doing almost everything in their faith community and pay almost entirely for the maintenance and mission of the parish.

At first this might seem discouraging. But, it might be the best news the Catholic Church has received in decades. Why? Think about the tremendous contribution that the Catholic Church makes every day. Every single day we serve Catholics and non-Catholics around the world by feeding more people, housing more people, clothing more people, caring for more sick people, visiting more prisoners, and educating more students than any other institution on the planet. All with less than 7% of our capability. That is good news.

What’s the difference between engaged Catholics and disengaged Catholics?

The things we do repeatedly determine our character and destiny. This is equally true for an athlete, a business leader, a parent or a Catholic. Life-giving habits are what set the 7% apart.

There are four defining attributes and behaviors that the 7% have in common - the four Signs of a Dynamic Catholic. If we work intentionally to develop a vibrant spirituality through these four signs, we will see incredible things happen in our lives and in the life of the Church.

These signs are not only a model to reengage disengaged Catholics but also a model of continuous renewal for even the most highly engaged among us. The fours signs are:

• Prayer

• Study

• Generosity

• Evangelization

#1 – Prayer – Dynamic Catholics have a daily commitment to prayer

God is not a distant force but rather a personal friend and adviser. They believe that doing God’s will is the only path that leads to lasting happiness. This is not to say that the other 93% don’t pray. But prayer tends to be more spontaneous and inconsistent. Dynamic Catholics have a daily commitment to prayer. It is a priority for them. They have a time, a place, and way to pray every day.

#2 – Study – Dynamic Catholics are continuous learners in the faith

On average, Dynamic Catholics spend 14 minutes each day learning about the faith. They see themselves as students of Christ and his Church. Jesus doesn’t just want followers, he wants disciples. To be a Christian disciple, begins by sitting at the feet of Jesus to learn. They believe that Jesus teaches them through the Scriptures, Christian Tradition and the Church. They have a position of humility toward the teachings of the Church. If they disagree with a Church teaching, they approach the issue with a humble spirit and a willingness to learn.

# 3 – Generosity – Dynamic Catholics are generous

They are generous not just with their money and time, but with their love, appreciation, praise, virtue and encouragement. They see generosity as the heart of Christianity and the proof that the teachings of Christ have taken root in their lives.

#4 – Evangelization – Dynamic Catholics invite others to grow spiritually by sharing the love of God with them

Dynamic Catholics regularly do and say things to share a Catholic perspective with the people who cross their paths. They don’t consider themselves to be actively evangelizing, but they are constantly trying to help people develop vibrant spiritual lives by discovering the genius and beauty of Catholicism.

Whether we consider ourselves part of the 7% or not, that was yesterday. What matters is what we do next. If we are part of the 93%, incredible possibilities lay ahead for us. If we are part of the 7%, we can do even more to grow in faith and attract and engage the rest of our fellow Christians.

So what next…small steps

Could you spend one minute each day for the next week in focused conversation with God?

The following week, could you read one page from a Catholic book each day?

The following week, perhaps you could commit to practicing one intentional act of generosity each day

The following week, perhaps you could pass on a Catholic book you have been reading to someone else

Questions for Reflection & Discussion:

• Which of the 4 signs do you think you are best at? How might you be able to build upon that strength?

• Which of the 4 signs do you think you would want to work the most on? What effect do you think it would have on your life? your family?

• What is your biggest obstacle to having a closer relationship with Christ? What one thing would help you begin to overcome this obstacle?