Often, as members of the Church, we can experience confusion when it comes to doctrine. It is also clear that many of those in our parishes are unfamiliar with Church teaching or view the truths of our faith to be suggestions. As Catholic Christians, we know that God has revealed everything that is necessary for our salvation through the Church and our shared faith. In the words of the Catechism of the Catholic Church, “To obey in faith is to submit freely to the word that has been heard, because its truth is guaranteed by God, who is Truth itself” (144). 

Today, it is easy for us to be swept up in the moral, political and cultural “trends” of our time. Human error is not unique to our time, but it would be remiss not to say that Christianity is viewed as restrictive by the secular world, while the opposite is true. Again from the Catechism, “The more one does what is good, the freer one becomes. There is no true freedom except in the service of what is good and just” (1733).

The Catholic Church is the oldest institution in the world, and for over 2,000 years, it has continued to expound upon its teachings, enlightened by sacred Scripture, sacred Tradition, the Church Fathers, the living priesthood and the constancy of the laity, and also learned from its human errors.

Especially in recent history, Christianity has often been demoted to a cultural symbol in society. This is an insufficient understanding of our faith. Generations of saints have witnessed to Jesus’ birth, death and resurrection and have expounded on the great mysteries of the incarnation. Many martyrs heroically gave their lives rather than abandoning or misstating the positions of the Catholic Church. We are called to share the same level of zeal and burning love for all the members of Christ’s faithful.

Growing in understanding

As we build on the theme from the Year of Evangelization in 2025, I invite the faithful to make a concerted effort to grow through studying and meditating on Scripture, the writing of the Church fathers, the Catechism and liturgy of the Catholic Church. Since we have begun Via Fidelis, there has been an increase of people reaching out to our parishes to learn more about Christ and the Church.

We recall from the Catechism, “Parents have the first responsibility for the education of their children. They bear witness to this responsibility first by creating a home where tenderness, forgiveness, respect, fidelity, and disinterested service are the rule. The home is well suited for education in the virtues” (2223). Our primary focus will be to empower families to grow in knowledge of the faith. This is the foundation of all our endeavors in 2026. 

We will also rely on our catechists and all responsible to transmit the faith, and those who play vital roles in equipping future generations of the faithful with knowledge and love of the Church. We all need to be refreshed, renewed and reminded of the great wisdom contained in the Church’s teaching. This year will be an opportunity for us all to grow deeper in that wisdom. This revitalization will include both the formation of children, young people and adults. 

Parish Scripture studies

St. Jerome once said, “Ignorance of Scripture is ignorance of Christ.” And our Holy Father, Pope Leo XIV said, “The gravest form of poverty is to not know God.” How can we ask ourselves what Jesus would do in a situation if we are not well-versed in the story of his life? As we invite the people in the pews to volunteer and become more involved in their communities, we ask that parishes appoint younger members of the community to host weekly Bible studies, evangelization and catechetical circles, and use technology in the endeavor to bring the faith to other young people. 

A refresh on the Catechism  

The Catechism of the Catholic Church is an important reference point for the faithful, especially when it comes to contemporary and “controversial” issues in our modern society. It acts as a roadmap by which we can form our consciences to best align with the practical and moral teachings of the Church. 

There are four parts: the Profession of Faith, the Celebration of the Christian Ministry, Life in Christ and Christian Prayer. We are so fortunate to have access to the central doctrines of our faith contained in one place! The first edition was promulgated by St. John Paul II in 1992. It is a summation of what we believe, but it needs to be read in light of Scripture and the living traditions of our faith. With both the Bible and the Catechism, it is important to call on the Holy Spirit for guidance and understanding.  

Today, it is more important than ever to be well-versed in the Catechism. With a holistic approach, we can grow as a community to unify in our public actions as the institution of the Church on earth. Without it, we will grapple with the ongoing difficulties of division. 

Inviting others to OCIA 

Many of us have friends and family members who do not share our faith. When they inevitably ask questions about our beliefs, or express interest in learning more, I encourage you to gently suggest that they attend a class on the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA) with you. Don’t ask them to go alone: go and learn with them! 

OCIA was established in 1965 during the Second Vatican Council. The Magisterium of the Church understood the importance of revitalizing the catechumenate, which had become stale in many parishes and schools in the modern era. In continuity with the teaching endeavors of the Church hierarchy, and to further emphasize the Universal Call to Holiness, bishops around the world implemented this model, which is a highly effective environment for both evangelization and learning.

All adult converts are required to attend this process, and it is something that all cradle Catholics should attend at some point in their lives to bolster their knowledge of the professed truths of Catholicism.

Our collective efforts to engage in parish life, participate in educational programs and invite others to explore the faith will strengthen our community and restore it under the kingship of Christ. Together, let us remain steadfast in our commitment to live out the Gospel, drawing inspiration from the timeless truths of our faith and the enduring example of Christ.

I invite you all to join me as we continue our walk together along The Faithful Way, the Via Fidelis.

In Christ’s love, 

Most Rev. Jacques Fabre-Jeune, CS 

Bishop of Charleston