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Why is evangelization important?
Jesus commanded us to evangelize so that all people may come to know
and experience the power of God’s love in Jesus Christ. Evangelization
challenges each of us, through the power of the Holy Spirit, to continually turn
our minds and hearts to God and to follow Christ in the way of holiness,
compassion, justice, and everlasting peace.
 I am not a priest.
What role do I play?
As a member of the Body of Christ, you are
essential to every and any evangelization process! Through our baptismal
promises we are all — priests, sisters, brothers, and lay people — called to be
disciples of Christ, to live the good news of the gospel, to share this with
others, and to work to realize gospel values in our society.
I
have a hard
time talking about my faith. What can I do?
Always pray.
Prayer is what opens us to God’s wisdom and is where Jesus found the strength
for his ministry. Also, start talking with those people closest to you who you
trust, your family and friends, or explore a small bible study or faith sharing
group in your church.
Won’t people think I am forcing my religion
on them?
Evangelization is an invitation, ultimately in the hands of
the Holy Spirit. What we can do is to simply share our faith and the meaning it
gives our lives. Our stance must always be respectful and sensitive. Often, it
is the lived example of love and service and a simple invitation to Mass or
another church event that opens the door for many people.
Does
the
Church have any particular goals for evangelization?
In 1992 the
Catholic bishops of the United States approved a national plan and strategy for
Catholic evangelization in the United States: Go and Make Disciples. It
set forth a vision and three broad goals:
- To so increase the enthusiasm of
Catholics for their faith in Jesus that they want to share their faith with
others.
- To invite every person in the United States to come to know Jesus
in the fullness of our Catholic faith.
- To foster gospel values in our
society so that our faith will have an impact on our nation and continue to
transform it by the saving power of Jesus.
What are some
practical ways to evangelize?
Go and Make Disciples outlines many
practical suggestions for individuals, families, parishes, Catholic
institutions, and local, diocesan, and national organizations. Some ways: prayer
and faith-sharing groups, retreats, parish missions, special liturgies, youth
gatherings, eucharistic devotions, service projects, RCIA, home visits,
workshops for inactive Catholics, reconciliation services, multicultural
celebrations, Welcome Sundays.
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