Hey there,
One day years ago I was at a professional sports stadium (that shall remain nameless) with a coworker and a photographer to get approval to use the facility for a photoshoot.
Our request to the decision maker was abruptly interrupted when he said, “Excuse me, but I believe one of you was brought here to be saved.” … or something to that effect.
We spent the next 45 minutes looking like deer in the headlights … while this man tried to save us.
Awkward.
We eventually got the approval we needed … and an interesting story to go along with it.
That’s the type of uncomfortable encounter I think of when I hear the word evangelize.
Or even worse … there’s the man on the street corner shouting bible verses and threatening passers by with fire and brimstone.
It’s no wonder we avoid the subject of evangelizing.
That’s not what Catholics do.
But, in fact, as Catholics we are called to bring others to the faith. Hopefuly in a more effective manner than the examples above.
Interestingly, compared to other topics we’ve covered, there weren’t that many articles on Catholic evangelizing.
We’re not doing it and Catholic news and blogs aren’t talking that much about it. Perhaps it’s time we change that.
That’s why this week’s issue of Genuflect focuses on evangelizing … what it is, reasons Catholics are not doing it, and tips on how we can effectively spread the good news to others. And fulfill our calling as Catholics.
Keep Believing-
Katy Barrilleaux
Editor, Genuflect
Resources
What is Evangelization?
The simplest way to say what evangelization means is to follow Pope Paul VI, whose message Evangelii Nuntiandi (On Evangelization in the Modern World) has inspired so much recent thought and activity in the Church. Learn more.
10 Reasons Why Catholics Don’t Evangelize
There are some very clear reasons why Catholics don’t evangelize, and they are difficulties that run right to the foundation of our understanding and practice of the faith. There may be more reason than these, but here are ten.
10 Things Pope Francis Wants You to Know About Evangelization
Pope Francis is not simply a great marketer for the Church; he is a model of evangelization that we can all learn a lot from. Pope Francis has been trying to tell us more and more about how he hopes the Church can evangelize. Here’s a list of 10 things Pope Francis wants you to know about evangelization.
Why We Have to Evangelize
If we talk about evangelization or spreading the Gospel, we usually envision either Jehovah’s Witnesses going door-to-door or missionaries going to faraway lands to preach to people who have never heard the Gospel. One thing we often do not think about, though, is that each and every one of us is called to evangelize.
Evangelization: Ways of Witnessing
The Church, Catholics, non-Catholics and the culture need Catholics to evangelize. But how? How can Catholics break a habit nearly two centuries old of keeping the faith to themselves? It starts with an attitude adjustment. Here’s how Catholics can regain their footing when it comes to spreading the faith.
99+ Effective Ways to Evangelize as a Catholic
The Catholic Diocese of Salina, Kansas offers this list of simple and effective ways to evangelize as a Catholic.
Twelve Tips for Effective Catholic Evangelization
The Roman Catholic Diocese of Portland offers these twelve tips for incorporating evangelization into your everyday life.
Ten Keys to Effective Evangelization
Here are ten points which will lead to authentic spiritual renewal, a keen sense of mission, and effective evangelization. These points must be incorporated into what we might call an effective Christian life, a life that evangelizes—a life that draws others to Christ.
What’s This “New Evangelization” Thing, Anyway?
The New Evangelization aims to reach out to alienated Catholics who in many cases have become secularized. Europe and North America are a special preoccupation, because that’s where a disproportionate share of these “distant Christians” are found.
A Model of How Catholics Can Evangelize by Takin’ it to the Streets
St. Paul Street Evangelization has a simple and positive plan to take the good news of Jesus Christ in the fullness of the Catholic faith out into the streets. Their mission is an excellent example of an entrepreneurial lay apostolate, in the true spirit of the Second Vatican Council. Learn more about how you can get involved.
Evangelize
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