From Christendom to Apostolic Mission: Pastoral Strategies for an Apostolic Age

This is a great read for modern day Christians. It highlights the changing nature of the time and age that we find ourselves in. I was definitely able to relate to the modern, progressive worldview, and how that has been present throughout society, and in my own life. This book is helpful for starting to reject tired arguments of modern progressives and turning toward a more fulfilling Christian worldview.

A great read … at only 90 pages a great read for just about anyone that has ever wondered “what is going on?” - when contemplating their faith and the world that surrounds. Christendom is defined and discussed which explains a thing or two and then it has much encouragement for the present and future … it is worth a second read. And, most likely, the type of book you keep to get out again for a reread.

If you are seeking answers to, Where is God leading me and why? This book is for you!In a profoundly concise manner the author (?) puts our world into a big picture prospective! Your call to action will be clear at the end.

Msgr. Shea captures the essence of the time we are living in and reveals patterns throughout our human history, demonstrating this isn't new. He also points out the things that are unique to today, and how we are moving into an apostolic age. Msgr. Shea leaves you with a sense of hope and zeal to go out and share the Gospel in a new way.

Monsignor Shea tells us in this book that "the great apostolic task of our time is to gain a genuine conversion of mind and vision." He then lucidly lays before us the challenges and blessings of Life in Apostolic ages and in ages of Christendom. He shows us the message best suited to each time. He beautifully describes the Christian vision. Additionally he explains the modern progressive vision and shows us truths we become blind to and errors we fall into as we are caught in the currents of our time. For example he gives insights into freedom as envisioned by Christianity and the freedom envisioned by progressives this way: "to become free under the Christian mythic vision was to grow into a particular image, one given by the God who had created us and according to which we would find happiness and goodness" versus "The insistence on autonomy in the progressive vision has induced an intoxication with breaking things that are thought to stand in the way of personal freedom." Truly, which path would you rather walk?This book rises above the political, but is a perfect read for those discouraged by the political landscape. It is uplifting and encouraging and it shows you the grace and adventure of living in our particular time and place.

This book is by far an amazing work... truly the fruit of the Holy Spirit. It wastes no words, yet it doesn't read heavy. I wouldn't know where to annotate it, honestly, since the whole thing is a worthy read. The author clearly understands what Catholic education has become and has a ready solution to help in transitioning to what Catholicism faces in the present age.As a Catholic school theology teacher, I can attest to pretty much everything in the book. I cannot tell you how many times a parent has emailed me, telling me that their child is all but losing their faith despite the fact that they have been in a Catholic school their entire life... the apathy is thick.I could say more, but honestly, the author does a much better job laying out the issues, presenting the solutions and articulating the nuances necessary to understand our current world, the path forward and the many other ways that are almost certainly not going to work.EVERY priest, educator, and parent needs to read this work. Of course many others will profit from it, but at the least those 3 MUST read it.

Msgr. Shea’s book ought to be read by every priest, principal, catechist, parent, etc. This book articulates very well for the need for an apostolic age in the Church. If you have been frustrated with the lack of zeal for souls, poor liturgy, poor care Jesus, poor evangelization efforts, etc this book is a going to give you the vocabulary to clearly state your own authentic observations. This would be a great book to read with others over a period of time and then to be presented to a parish council or pastor of a parish to clearly state the need to for change and stop the fruitless efforts over the past 60 years immediately.If read with honest eyes and ears this book will help one honestly assess the situation 60 plus years of impoverished Catholicism in the world. The need to an apostolic mission is stated extremely well in this book. Due to very few people knowing the Christian vision the need for renewal is needed now more than ever to combat the progressive vision which lacks hope and true freedom.

This is an ideal read when trying to make sense of apostolic mission and evangelisation. Logical, pragmatic and well reasoned explanations on sharing the kerygma. Helpful in stepping me through the “Why?” of radical transformation, immensely helpful on a personal level in connecting with Christ in todays world. Excellent.

A practical look at what the New Evangelisation is going to entail. It would be good for all Catholics to read it and flesh out personally what that means for them.