The apostolic itch

the long version

Surprisingly enough, of all the published material on the lay apostolate, very little has been written by laymen. We should have expected this in the early days of Catholic Action, for the laity could not write intelligently until they had experienced. Not so today, after a decade of intense development of the lay apostolate in the United States. The time is ripe for the laity to speak. Hence, The Apolstolic itch. For the past four years the author has kept in close contact with the growth of Catholic Action. His positon as editorial director of Fides Pusblisers, which is dedicated to serving the lay apostolate, has given him a unique vantage point. What follows is a group of reflections, from the lay point of view, on the lay apostolate, particularly the directions it should take in the years ahead. The first six chapters deal mostly with the search for a vocation within the Church on the part of the laity and the kind of spirituality which should accompany any personal apostolic dedication. The last four chapters inquire into the American environment for some of the great tasks which the laity must undertake. What are the points of contact with American culture where a Christian laity can give testimony? What are the potentialities of American Catholicism which must be developed, if ever the United States is to assume the spiritual leadership of the world? Chapter by chapter the book deals with The Apostolic Itch, lay spiritually, Christian Friendship, Poverty that gives, role of the laymen, role of the Christian journalist, Christian revolution, Catholics and Liberals, Catholicism and freedom, the great opportunity of American Catholics and Laity and Clergy relationships.