Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/445772
National Catholic Forester
2
An effective NCSF Mission.
As many of you know, my husband Larry
recently completed five years of formation and
was ordained a permanent deacon in July.
Because of those years of study, we have a
lot of books in our house! One of
those books is Forming Intentional
Disciples by Sherry A. Weddell. In
the opening chapters the author
includes data that can be useful
as we find ways for NCSF to grow
and be effective in our mission to
serve Catholic families and the
communities where those families
live their faith.
In order to be effective, we
have to be realistic about the
characteristics of the audience
we want to reach and the people
we serve. Even if the data seems
a bit gloomy these days, the data
will help us target our efforts.
Outdated member drives?
So often, we NCSF members think
of sharing our message through
our parishes. "Donut Sundays"
can be opportunities for NCSF
membership drives and bulletin
announcements are a typical way
we notify parishioners about our court activities.
Catholic schools sometimes include information
about our Start Smart insurance plan and the
potential for tuition assistance it provides for our
members.
But, Ms. Weddell's book includes data that over
50% of Catholic adults are in the 18-46 age
bracket, and yet in that age group only 10-13%
attend Mass weekly. Data like this can help us
know that we have to find new ways to reach
this group, find out what they need, and create
ways to address those needs.
Her data also notes that only 6% of Catholic
parishes stated that spreading the faith was a
high priority. It seems to me that if a majority
of our parishioners are not placing a high
priority on spreading the faith,
they also are unlikely to share
their enthusiasm for NCSF as a
faith-based society.
What can we do?
You yourselves can be effective
ambassadors for NCSF. Because
Pope Francis and the Catholic
Church are frequently in the
news these days, this can open
up opportunities for discussion
about things that are important to
Catholics.
Outreach. Outreach efforts, the
works of mercy, serving God
through service to others –
these are all important Catholic
values that can be brought into
discussions about a Catholic
perspective on life. And,
membership in NCSF provides an
excellent way for active Catholics
to expand their options for serving
their communities. So, talk about
our faith and all the ways we are
encouraged to extend the love of God to others.
Mention that NCSF is a Catholic company that
funnels its profits back into serving community
needs. Tell people that NCSF is careful to
have "moral" investments so that the society's
investments are not with companies whose
business endeavors are contrary to Catholic
teaching.
Product knowledge = Serenity Solutions.
Encourage people to inquire about NCSF
products as you talk about the practical side
of life. As we "boomers" age, we will be having
conversations about end of life issues, talking
National President's Message
Dear Members of the National Catholic Society of Foresters,
DID YOU
KNOW?
Serenity
Solutions
is 3 groups of
life insurance
products
designed for
each stage in
your life:
Prelude
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