Blog Stop: DOCAT - What To Do? Study Guide

Young Adults … here’s an idea that has your name written all over it!! Teens and ‘more seasoned’ adults – listen in too!

Small group faith sharing is my passion! It is how God drew me closer to him and the Catholic faith in 2005; and it is how he continues to keep me close over 10 years later. First as a shy, even overwhelmed attendee, and now as a enthusiastic facilitator! Small group community is a gift! There is accountability – which is so important in keeping us regularly connected to God, His Word and Church. How easy to get wrapped up in the day to day and forget to we are also spiritual creatures. In addition, shared experiences of faith help us not to feel alone; and not only bond the group but empower it to go beyond ourselves to serve God in his people. God has given us so much – what are we to do with all of it?

In a message given in preparation for 2016 World Youth Day in Poland – Pope Francis shared about one of the greatest models for young adults of giving of ourselves in the service of others (and he also happens to be super cute! #CatholicEyeCandy) – Bl Pier Giorgio Frassati. Pope Francis said, “Pier Giorgio was a young man who understood what it means to have a merciful heart that responds to those most in need. He gave them far more than material goods. He gave himself by giving his time, his words and his capacity to listen. He served the poor very quietly and unassumingly. He truly did what the Gospel tells us: “When you give alms, do not let your left hand know what your right is doing, so that your almsgiving may be secret” (Mt 6:3-4).”

The new DOCAT (The Social Teaching of the Catholic Church) out now from the Ignatius Press – the same publisher that brought us the incredibly readable and engaging YOUCAT (Youth Catechism of the Catholic Church), draws on “Scripture, YOUCAT, the Catechism, and the Compendium of Catholic Social Teaching, DOCAT shows young people how to work toward building a “civilization of love“. After being blessed with a copy from Ignatius Press to review; I was immediately excited to consider the wonderful opportunity the DOCAT along with the fantabulous Study Guide provides for Young Adults seeking rich material to come together with. As I speak with many young adults in my ministry; it is clear there is no lack of desire to meet and serve. What seems to be a stumbling block is what to offer. DOCAT study groups can be the answer – and not just for 20 and 30 somethings; this rich resource can be inspiration for Confirmation; RCIA and Parish Study Groups as well!

Some examples of why I think you’ll love the DOCAT and the DOCAT Study Guide (available now):

“Based on the Catechism of the Catholic Church and other important Church documents, DOCAT is written in a style and format just for you. Through probing questions and thought-provoking exercises, DOCAT teaches how to understand and joyfully live according to the principles of truth, justice, and charity set forth in the social doctrine of the Church.” ~ Intro DOCAT Study Guide
Format – so engaging and easy to use. Read; Respond; Reflect — then jump into the Scriptures; Chat and BE CHALLENGED!
New Media – this stuff is super relevant. **See DOCAT App info below!
Look inward, “Is there something causing you suffering in your life right now?” as well as make a gift of yourself outward, “REACH OUT: Who do you know who might be feeling isolated or excluded? Find a way to reach out to them to acknowledge their dignity and help them find an experience of community”. ~ from DO Challenge section 0f the DOCAT Study Guide
Includes other important documents – such as Pope Francis encyclical Laudato Si
Plenty of room for notes and lots of great ideas on what to contemplate in those notes!

TheDOCAT Study Guide offers 12 parts with many topics – your group will have enough material to fuel conversation and ministry outreach ideas for months (and maybe even years) to come! What a gift! My prayer is that we do make Pope Francis’ dream come true, “to have a million young Christians who will make the world a better place.”

*The DOCAT and DOCAT Study Guide were provided at no cost to me for a fair and honest review**