‘Lou Holtz gives Catholics a pep talk, encourages them to “come home”‘
The Washington Post
In a post for The Washington Post’s On Faith blog, Mathew Schmalz, associate professor of religious studies at the College of the Holy Cross, comments on the Catholics Come Home ad campaign, and in particular, the spot featuring retired football coach Lou Holtz, which aired during the BCS Championship game between Alabama and Notre Dame.
“The Lou Holtz piece was encouraging and optimistic. It drew upon strong and recognizable themes in American Catholic life. It was sincere and heart-felt” he wrote. “It was also inadequate to the challenges now facing the Catholic church.”
“I would not dismiss the efforts of Catholics Come Home, nor would I doubt the sincerity and good-will of those who have contributed to its work,” he continued. “But I do wish they would consider another spot. There would be a group of Catholics–laity, religious, and clergy. They would look into the camera and say: “We’ve heard that you’ve left home. Let us know why. We’re here to listen.”