Changes

The '''Counter Reformation''' (about 1560 to around 1610 or as late as 1648 for some historians) was a partially successful effort by the [[Roman Catholic Church]] to roll back the [[Protestant Reformation]]. Using new agencies like the [[Jesuits]], and removing much of the corruption and complaints that had weakened the Church and given the Reformers many arguments, the Church managed to hold or reclaim most of Southern and Eastern Europe, including Spain, Italy, Austria and France, and large parts of Poland, Hungary and Germany.  By strengthening Catholic theology and reducing objectionable practices, it hoped to either reabsorb or neutralize the Protestant movement while renewing the faith of the Catholic Church.  Much attention was given the role of the parish priest who became much more important as he ministered to the social and cultural needs of the parish.

The '''Counter Reformation''' (about 1560 to around 1610 or as late as 1648 for some historians) was a partially successful effort by the [[Roman Catholic Church]] to roll back the [[Protestant Reformation]]. Using new agencies like the [[Jesuits]], and removing much of the corruption and complaints that had weakened the Church and given the Reformers many arguments, the Church managed to hold or reclaim most of Southern and Eastern Europe, including Spain, Italy, Austria and France, and large parts of Poland, Hungary and Germany.  By strengthening Catholic theology and reducing objectionable practices, it hoped to either reabsorb or neutralize the Protestant movement while renewing the faith of the Catholic Church.   

 

Much attention was given the role of the parish priest who became much more important as he ministered to the social and cultural needs of the parish. A modernized administrative system was designed to help the priest to get to know all his parishioners individually and support them. He became responsible for registering baptisms and marriages, house visits, annual Easter confession and communion, and intensive confirmation classes.

The Counter Reformation began in 1560 and end in 1648 with the conclusion of the [[Thirty Years' War]] between Catholic and Protestants.  Some defining moments were the creation of the [[Jesuits]] and the convening of the [[Council of Trent]].  In the end the Protestant break was permanent and positions adopted or reaffirmed by the Catholic Church had a tendency to define the differences, but did little to mend them.

The Counter Reformation began in 1560 and end in 1648 with the conclusion of the [[Thirty Years' War]] between Catholic and Protestants.  Some defining moments were the creation of the [[Jesuits]] and the convening of the [[Council of Trent]].  In the end the Protestant break was permanent and positions adopted or reaffirmed by the Catholic Church had a tendency to define the differences, but did little to mend them.