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The '''Counter Reformation''' (from about 1560 to around 1610 or as late as 1648, according to some historians) was a partially successful effort by the [[Roman Catholic Church]] to roll back the [[Protestant Reformation]]. Using new religious orders like the Society of Jesus (the[[Jesuits]]), which worked among the people rather than retreating from the world in the manner of monks, and addressing 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. The terrirories involved included Spain, Italy, Austria, France, and large parts of Poland, Hungary and Germany.  By clarifying Catholic theology and reducing objectionable practices, it hoped to either reabsorb or neutralize the Protestant movement while renewing the faith of the Catholic Church.   

The '''Counter Reformation''' (from about 1560 to around 1610 or as late as 1648, according to some historians) was a partially successful effort by the [[Roman Catholic Church]] to roll back the [[Protestant Reformation]]. Using new religious orders like the Society of Jesus (the [[Jesuits]]), which worked among the people rather than retreating from the world in the manner of monks, and addressing 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. The terrirories involved included Spain, Italy, Austria, France, and large parts of Poland, Hungary and Germany.  By clarifying Catholic theology and reducing objectionable practices, it hoped to either reabsorb or neutralize the Protestant movement while renewing the faith of the Catholic Church.   

The Counter Reformation began in 1560 and ended in 1648 with the conclusion of the [[Thirty Years' War]] between Catholics 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 ended in 1648 with the conclusion of the [[Thirty Years' War]] between Catholics 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.

===Local impact==

==Local impact==

The Roman Catholic Church paid renewed attention to the role of the parish priest who was directed to become much more involved in ministering 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, making house visits, delivering sermons, attending to annual Easter confession and communion, and conducting intensive confirmation classes.

The Roman Catholic Church paid renewed attention to the role of the parish priest who was directed to become much more involved in ministering 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, making house visits, delivering sermons, attending to annual Easter confession and communion, and conducting intensive confirmation classes.

===Jesuits===

===Jesuits===

The Jesuits fostered traditional beliefs and practices associated with saints, relics, and sacramentals and used exorcisms and visions for didactic and proselytizing purposes. They tried to purge popular piety of its "superstitious" elements. Unlike most religious orders, the Jesuits were not adverse to involving themselves in political matters, which led ultimately to them being expelled from a number of European countries.

The Jesuits fostered traditional beliefs and practices associated with saints, relics, and sacramentals and used exorcisms and visions for didactic and proselytizing purposes. They tried to purge popular piety of its "superstitious" elements. Unlike most religious orders, the Jesuits were not adverse to involving themselves in political matters, which tactic led ultimately to the order's expulsion from a number of European countries.

===Excommunication===

===Excommunication===