PASTORAL ASSOCIATE FOR Evangelization

“Evangelization” is a word that does not seem attractive to some of us. Perhaps we think of TV evangelists, or being button-holed by zealots who try to talk us into believing something we don’t like. But in Catholic faith, evangelization is a very esteemed idea. Pope Paul VI wrote an encyclical about it to help us understand both how to evangelize, and how this work fulfills the mandate of Jesus: “Go into the whole world and tell the Good News.” The Good News in its fullest sense is the Person of Jesus Christ. Evangelization is the effort to bring the Good News who is Jesus into every area of our lives and our society. We do this by the way we live, the decisions we make, the way we worship, the way we express the faith, hope and love that are Catholic virtues pointing us straight to God.

Home Visits - The purpose of these home visits was and is to bring the church to the people and to tell them for sure that they are important to us. I still make “spot” visits to homes to affirm and thank all those who have cooperated with me as volunteers in many areas; to visit the sick; to offer a listening heart to folks who are enduring trials; to share my own faith story with those who are lukewarm; and to pray with and to encourage those who may have been lax and who want to find a way to return.

This brings me to Re-Membering Church, a process I introduced to help Catholics who have been away for any reason, for any length of time. They are helped to remember their Baptism and Communion, and to grow in their desire to live their Catholic faith so as to be re-membered in this community of believers. It is a totally non-judgmental process
and without pressure. We meet every 2nd and 4th Tuesday, sometimes with a small group who may themselves have experienced the process, or one-on-one with me.

At present, we have concluded the 2nd year of “Why Catholic?” This takes place in host homes with a small group of participants. Janet Glasner and I are co-directors. “Why Catholic?” explores the Catholic Catechism for Adults. It meets every six weeks, usually in spring and fall. On January 12, 2008, we will sponsor a half-day retreat (9:30 to 1:30 including light refreshments). The topic, “The Eucharist,” is one that goes to the heart of Catholic life and worship. This retreat is open to all the parish. Maybe you will make a New Year resolution to attend?

Then, we have the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults, a similar process to Re-Membering Church but for those who have never been baptized, or who are not practicing another religious tradition. In an informal setting, I, together with a small team, help candidates to understand the teachings and practice of Catholic faith. We meet each Sunday morning at 9:15, but are always willing to adjust the schedule to meet the need of participants.

About ten years ago, one of our parishioners asked about attending a Bible Study program in a Protestant Church. I said, “Would you like Bible Study in our Catholic Church?” The answer was a resounding “yes.” So, every 2nd and 4th Wednesday at 7:30 pm, we have Bible Study with prayer and reflection. Ninety minutes twice a month to savor the story of God’s actions in our human history. All are welcome to share coffee and break open the Living Word with us.

Women’s Spirituality Café is an outgrowth of the Women’s Cornerstone retreats held here for about 18 years. We meet the 1st Tuesday of each month to hear tapes, watch videos, or whatever, and to share our thoughts on various topics. Regardless of the topic, we wrap all our intentions for loved ones in our prayer time.

In between, I continue with a small Renew Faith Community formed in 1996. Then, there is telephone ministry, visits in my office, or to funeral homes, nursing homes, and hospital rooms. I borrow a phrase: “I have loved this people.” Indeed, I find my ministry here at OLGC a lovable gift from God. As it also said: “I am here for you.” I thank you for all the ways you have inspired me, and/or joined with me in this evangelizing ministry. May the Good News who is Jesus Christ live in your hearts and lives forever.

Back to Top