March 2019

Greetings!

Lenten greetings from Washington.

Pope Francis has given us examples of the kerygma—the Good News we proclaim. This month I explore how elements of Pope Francis’ summary of faith can become an outline for helping Catholics articulate the faith for themselves. Although the faith is often deeply embedded in practicing Catholics, words do not come that easily… so here’s a way to exercise that.

We are happy to present ideas from Marcel LeJeune giving four reasons why it’s hard for us to communicate with younger generations. Many leaders have been warning us that communication has to begin with listening; this piece helps us reflect on ways to build bridges to 21st Century young people. We also have a recap of Jane Angha’s articles on being a welcoming community.

If you are in Los Angeles later this week, be sure to visit us at booth 172. And also check out the book Catholic Discipleship — which many are finding very helpful in leading Catholics to insights about their lives as missionary disciples. We also offer a variety of our evangelization products at a deep discount!

In Christ,

Frank DeSiano, CSP

Reaching out in faith: witnessing and proclaiming as a missionary disciple

By Fr. Frank DeSiano, CSP
President, Paulist Evangelization Ministries

The two key aspects of the life of each missionary disciple are witnessing to one’s faith by one’s lifestyle and, when the situation presents itself, proclaiming the Gospel. These actions are integral to forming a Catholic identity based on one’s baptismal responsibilities to partner with Christ in carrying out his Great Commission. This essay explores various ways of witnessing and proclaiming in order to invite and welcome those who are not yet around the Eucharistic table.

If someone asked you what you believe, how comfortable would you be answering the question?

Facilitators often use the phrase “elevator speech” as a way to get their audience to think in concise terms about what the essence of their organization or ministry is about. “Imagine you were in an elevator and someone asked you what you did. How would you respond before the elevator ride ended?” Of course, some of us might want to be in a very tall building to give us time to think; others might want a very short building so the ride would end almost immediately.

Although Catholics who practice their faith regularly hear about faith all the time, it’s surprisingly difficult to try to say what it is we believe. We could, of course, recite the Creed we say on Sunday, but that might puzzle us, not to mention others, as well. “God from God, Light from Light…“ We say these words often without thinking, part of the many formulas of our faith that make faith seem automatic. That automatic quality disappears, however, when it comes time to answer the question someone might ask us: “What do you believe? In your own words?”

Parish Hospitality

Jane Angha of www.ministryblueprints.com recently contributed a series of articles on the importance of hospitality and welcome in parish evangelization. The four essays can be found below.

Becoming a Welcoming Parish

Hospitality and Community

Hospitality Surprises

Neighborhood Mission Field

Lead your parishioners to a clearer sense of Catholic and missionary discipleship

Catholic Discipleship: Spiritual Exercises and Reflections offers twelve easy-to-read sections to build awareness of discipleship in the lives of Catholics. Each unit contains a reflection, a spiritual exercise to encourage personal involvement with the theme, and a selected Scripture passage with discussion questions.

Can be used by:

individuals
small groups
faith formation groups

Help your parishioners grow in their awareness of conversion, personal encounters with Christ, and discipleship. The twelve units can be used in a variety of ways throughout the parish’s schedule. Don’t miss out on this opportunity! Click Here to preview the initial chapters and place your order for this new pastoral tool. Watch the introductory video here!

Order Here!

Also available in Spanish! ¡También disponible en Español!

4 Reasons Catholic Evangelization Is Not Reaching 21st Century People

By Marcel LeJeune
From Catholic Missionary Disciples,
© 2018 Catholic Missionary Disciples

“Well that might be true for you, but not for me.”

I don’t understand relativism and that means that whenever I talk with someone who is a relativist, even in small parts, it is hard for us to connect. I realized this many years ago and had to switch my tactic in order to be more effective in my evangelization. More on that later.

Maybe you have had a similar issue in conversation with modern folks. Maybe it is that you find you are struggling as an evangelist. In this blog post, I will explore some reasons why Catholic evangelists are talking past modern people and struggling to evangelize.

1 – We speak different languages, though using the same words. When you use common Catholic words (or faith-based words in general), you might be thinking of radically different things than another person. Even words such as: “Church”, “faith”, “love”, “peace”, and even “God” can be defined in many different ways. So, what do you mean by these words? Regardless, you need to define your terms. But, even further, you need to explore what the other person understands these words to mean.

But, to really explore another person’s thinking, you have to use good listening and good questions. If you don’t know what kind of questions might be good to use, then you can find a list of open-ended questions a Catholic evangelist might start with here.

Continue Reading at Catholic Missionary Disciples

LA Religious Education Congress

Attending the LA Religious Education Congress this week? Come visit us at Booth 172! We’ll have samples of our most popular resources! Stop by and see how we can help your parish or diocese form missionary disciples and reach out to inactive Catholics and seekers in your community.

Check out the updated Awakening Faith Online Manual

Awakening Faith is an easy-to-use process to reach people of all ages. Through conversation and accompaniment, people can begin to imagine themselves active in a parish community.

Download the Awakening Faith Manual for only $14.95. The Group Leader Guide gives step-by-step plan to a facilitator about how to lead the six sessions. The Participant Booklets provide easy-to-read material and pertinent questions to help participants explore—and re-experience—their faith.

Six conversation-based sessions help Catholics refresh the elements of their faith experience—spirituality, God and Jesus, the Spirit, mercy, the Mass, and the Church.

Order the new manual here and bring this outreach initiative to your parish!