Seized by Christ

They are experiencing Christianity as joy and hope, having thus become lovers of Christ.

Tag: news

  • Prosperity Is Not Normal

    And Neither Is Our Current Freedom

    Right now, many women in America enjoy more opportunities than at any time in history — good education, careers in almost any field, legal rights, safety, and personal choices. That feels normal to us. But it’s actually quite rare.

    America’s overall prosperity is also not the normal state of human history. Most societies across time and place have lived much closer to survival — with less safety, fewer choices, and more daily hardship for everyone.

    What Makes Today Different?

    Our current level of well-being comes from a long build-up of stable institutions, rule of law, innovation, and surplus (extra resources, security, and peace). These things create “room” for people — both men and women — to explore their abilities beyond basic survival.

    When societies are prosperous and secure, there is more space for individual talents to shine. When times get hard — with scarcity, conflict, or breakdown — life narrows back to survival, protection, and keeping families and communities going. History shows this pattern over and over.

    The Risk of Tearing Down What Works

    Some people today — whether radical socialists, strict Islamists, or others — want to fundamentally change or “bring down” the American system. They often speak as if America’s openness and wealth will always be there, no matter what.

    But prosperity is fragile. It is not the default. It is an achievement that depends on certain foundations: respect for individual rights, rule of law, honest work, delayed gratification, and cooperation that actually produces results.

    When those foundations weaken or are deliberately dismantled, societies don’t usually become a better version of what we have now. They tend to slide back toward what has been more common throughout history: more poverty, more tyranny or chaos, and fewer opportunities for personal flourishing.

    Real-world examples show this clearly:

    • Countries that tried extreme socialist systems (like Venezuela) went from relative wealth to severe shortages, poverty, and authoritarian control.
    • Places with very strict ideological rule (such as Taliban-controlled Afghanistan or post-1979 Iran) often see sharp limits on personal freedom, especially for women — reduced education, work, and movement.

    In much of the world today, the average level of development is lower, with more daily struggle and less room for individual expression. This isn’t about any one group of people — many individuals thrive when living within America’s framework. It’s about what different systems and ideas actually produce over time.

    A Gentle Reminder

    America’s current prosperity and freedoms are worth protecting and improving, not tearing down. They are not guaranteed. They are the result of choices and virtues that create surplus instead of scarcity.

    The “map” we’ve talked about before — the one shown in myths, faith, brain science, and real outcomes — reminds us that certain ways of living lead to peace and flourishing, while others lead to grief and chaos.

    Destroying the foundations that produce abundance doesn’t create a brighter future. It usually returns us to the older, harder defaults of human history.

    We do better when we recognize that prosperity is rare and precious — and work to preserve the habits, institutions, and values that make it possible for everyone.

    What do you think?

    Have you seen how fragile peace and opportunity can be? Or how different systems affect daily life? Share your thoughts gently below.

  • Building a Welcoming Parish: A Call to Action for the Knights

    How Knights of Columbus Can Strengthen Parish Community Through Outreach

    A strong parish is more than just a place of worship—it’s a spiritual home. Yet too often, new parishioners go unnoticed, never truly connecting with the faith community. As Knights of Columbus, we have a unique opportunity to change this by creating a more welcoming and engaged parish environment.

    The Problem: A Disconnected Parish

    Currently, our parish’s welcoming process is limited. Once new members are added to the collection envelope mailing list, there is little follow-up. Even our parish business director rarely sees their faces. Many new parishioners attend Mass but struggle to feel like they truly belong.

    As Knights, we are called to serve. By taking an active role in welcoming others, we can foster a sense of belonging and deepen the faith experience for all.

    A Vision for Parish Connection

    Imagine if every parishioner were part of a small group—similar to our Lenten study groups—but based on neighborhoods. New members would automatically be connected to a group near them, ensuring they find fellowship from the start. As groups grow, they would naturally divide, maintaining strong, personal connections.

    While the Church cannot share personal information without permission, there are still many ways we, as Knights, can integrate new members into the community.

    What We Can Do as Knights

    1. Be More Intentional in Greeting Others

    • Welcome parishioners at the church doors before and after Mass.
    • Engage in conversations at the donuts and coffee area after Mass.
    • Ask, “How long have you been part of the parish?” If they are new, introduce them to others.

    2. Help New Parishioners Connect

    • If someone has been a parishioner for over a year, ask if they’d be willing to help welcome and get to know new members.
    • Gather basic location information (such as neighborhood) to connect parishioners with nearby Catholic neighbors.
    • Encourage active members to invite newcomers into existing groups or ministries.

    3. Introduce New Members to Others

    • If a parishioner has been in the church for less than a year, personally introduce them to several people at the same Mass.
    • Make an effort to engage with them regularly—it takes about eight interactions with the between a person and the new parishioner over several months before he/she feels truly connected.
    • Learn about their work, hobbies, and background to foster genuine relationships.
    • When the time is right, ask if they’d like to meet other parishioners from their neighborhood and help facilitate those introductions.

    Next Steps

    • Identify Knights willing to take an active role in greeting and introducing parishioners.
    • Develop a simple system to track and connect new members to others in their area.
    • Work alongside parish leadership to enhance the overall welcoming strategy.

    Conclusion: A Parish Where Everyone Belongs

    By taking these small but meaningful steps, the Knights of Columbus can be the driving force behind a more connected and engaged parish. Welcoming new members is not just an act of kindness—it is an act of evangelization that strengthens the entire Church. When people feel seen, heard, and valued, they are more likely to deepen their faith and become active members of the community.

    Let’s step forward in our mission as Knights and make our parish a true spiritual home for all.

    Written in collaboration with ChatGPT (OpenAI, 2025).