I got an email recently from someone who’d read an interview of mine…
Hi Br. Guy, I just came across this 2017 article. Your quote, “More scientists who are church-goers need to make their science known to their parishioners” is something that I have contemplated over the years but wasn’t really sure about how to exactly go about it, do you have any suggestions?
Good question, actually. Here’s how I answered him:
Outreach can take you to strange and wonderful places! While giving talks in Cork, Ireland, in 2009 I got to hold a replica of Rory Gallagher‘s famous guitar. Can you tell that I had never held a guitar before in my life?
Great to hear from you! And good on you, to call my bluff about me saying what “somebody else” should be doing! So here are some thoughts off the top of my head…
Then I sent the following:
1. Read and spread the word about our two web sites, The Catholic Astronomer and our Faith and Science resource site.
2. Get involved with groups already in existence in your parish, such as
- the CCD classes
- the Knights of Columbus
- your local parish Mens’ club if one exists
Once you know them and they know you, volunteer to give a talk about how your faith and your science work together.
What I find works best for me (your mileage may vary) is to have a very short (10-15) summary of who you are and what you do, followed by questions and answers. You can find resources that might be useful at the above we sites or on our YouTube channel.
3. If there is a youth group, maybe organize a telescope night in the church parking lot… the local astronomy club might be able to help out as well with telescopes and folks eager to show them off.
Those are my three “dynamite” ideas – but dynamite only works when you set it off.
It occurs to me that the group-mind on this page might have some ideas of your own. So, here are mine. If you come up with other ideas, let us know in the comments!
