Pneumatic Correctives What is the Spirit Saying to the Church of the Twenty-first Century?

This work confronts the Catholic Church's need to be ecumenically sensitive and open to acculturation. The primary argument is that the Holy Spirit perennially illuminates reforms that give life to the Church, such as affirming the baptismal dignity of the laity and affording the laity their rightful voice in the Church's decision-making processes. Tkacik's and McGonigle's visions regarding the future of the Catholic Church require that the ministerial and hierarchical leaders, as well as laity, embrace new models of leadership and shared governance within the Church and with other Christian Traditions. This work's devotion to passionate calls for reforms are offered within the light of the Catholic Church's past and are an inspiring challenge to the Church to empty herself of mentalities, customs and practices that no longer give life to the faithful.

Michael J. Tkacik is Director of the Pastoral Studies Program and Associate Professor of Religious Studies at Saint Leo University.