Rebuilt Faith: A Handbook for Skeptical Catholics

Michael White · Tom Corcoran

Sep 2023 · Ave Maria Press

About this ebook

Do you question whether God really exists? Have you considered walking away from your faith because you’ve been hurt by someone in the Church or because you struggle with some of its teachings? Or maybe you’ve already left? Are you carrying around guilt for something you’ve done and don’t feel you are worthy of God’s love?

Rebuilt Faith, written by Fr. Michael White and Tom Corcoran—authors of the bestselling book Rebuilt—proposes five simple steps to learn (or relearn) more about your Catholic faith and deepen your relationship with God.

In Rebuilt Faith, you will learn that rebuilding and renewing your faith starts with a nagging feeling that you want something more—more connectedness, more community, and more purpose. That’s the spark that leads to a flame that burns brightly around Jesus, the foundation of living and growing in faith.

The steps in Rebuilt Faith can be done in just ten minutes a day over forty days during your morning coffee, at lunchtime, or when you are relaxing in the evening. Each one includes a quotation from a saint, a reflection, questions to ponder, a prayer, and a scripture verse.

White and Corcoran organize the book around five steps that build on different aspects of Catholicism and are meant to be repeated:

• serve—serve others and develop a servant’s heart;
• give—giving reflects the character of God;
• engage in Christian community—we need friends of faith to become more like Jesus;
• practice prayer and the sacraments—by praying consistently and continually taking part in the sacraments, you will better connect with God; and
• share your faith—having a heart for people who do not know Jesus and helping them in their faith journey will strengthen your own faith.

 

White and Corcoran have watched thousands of people in their parish in Timonium, Maryland, take these five steps and grow from seeing God primarily as an abstract idea into knowing him as a deeply loved partner who provides a far greater sense of purpose for living than they had ever known before.

Invest in yourself by taking your faith to the next level and allowing God to help you come to know his grace, favor, and loving kindness in a new and personal way. Not only will you strengthen your own connection to God but also the connection between him and the entire Body of Christ.

About the author

Fr. Michael White is a priest of the Archdiocese of Baltimore, pastor of Church of the Nativity in Timonium, Maryland, and cofounder of Rebuilt—an organization designed to rebuild parishes for growth and health. White is the coauthor of the bestselling book Rebuilt—which narrates the story of Nativity’s rebirth—Tools for Rebuilding, Rebuilding Your Message, The Rebuilt Field Guide, and ChurchMoney. He is also coauthor of Seriously, God? and the bestselling Messages series for Advent and Lent. During White’s tenure as pastor at Church of the Nativity, the church has almost tripled in weekend attendance. More importantly, commitment to the mission of the Church has grown, demonstrated by the significant increase of giving, service in ministry, and much evidence of genuine spiritual renewal. White earned his bachelor’s degree from Loyola University Maryland and his graduate degrees in sacred theology and ecclesiology from the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome. In 2023, White and his lay associate, Tom Corcoran, were honored by Pope Francis with the Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice Award for outstanding service to Church and Pope.

Tom Corcoran has served Church of the Nativity in Timonium, Maryland, in a variety of roles that give him a unique perspective on parish ministry and leadership. First hired as a youth minister, Corcoran has also served as coordinator of children’s ministry and director of small groups. He is lay associate to the pastor and is responsible for weekend message development, strategic planning, and staff development. Corcoran also is the president of Rebuilt—an organization designed to rebuild parishes for growth and health. Corcoran is the coauthor of bestselling book Rebuilt—which narrates the story of Nativity’s rebirth—Tools for Rebuilding, Rebuilding Your Message, The Rebuilt Field Guide, and ChurchMoney. He is also coauthor of Seriously, God? and the bestselling Messages series for Advent and Lent. In 2023, Corcoran and Fr. Michael White were honored by Pope Francis with the Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice Award for outstanding service to Church and Pope.

Bishop Adam J. Parker is auxiliary bishop of the Archdiocese of Baltimore.