Evangelization has a rich heritage in the Catholic Church, a heritage that extends back 2,000 years to the very foundation of the Church. Evangelization is a word which may not associate with the Catholic Church. It can be defined as a gentle caring approach to sharing our Catholic faith through kind works, education, forgiveness, personal witness and postive action. Effective evangelization is more like a steady drip than big splash. This is most effectively done through everyday evangelization.
Everyday Evangelizing in All Situations | |
Respond with "thank God" when someone shares good news. | |
Wear a cross or other symbol of your faith. | |
Share a story how God works in your life. | |
Ask people to pray for your intentions. | |
Start a discussion with "I believe" or "Jesus says." | |
Introduce those searching to Christ. | |
Invite to Church those not part of a faith community. | |
Make the sign of the cross when dining out. | |
Treat everyone you meet with dignity. | |
Do not judge others. | |
Share a smile and personal greeting. | |
Share with neighbors about your parish. | |
Leave religious materials in unexpected places. | |
Share a smile or personal greeting with a stranger. | |
Everday Evangelizing Through Social Justice | |
Help those less fortunate by sharing time, talent, or money. | |
Identify your own prejudices. | |
Network with those who support your values. | |
Watch the news with the eyes of Christ. | |
Learn the facts on all sides of an issue. | |
Publicly express your opinion. | |
Act on your conviction. | |
Learn and address the values of our government. | |
Vote intelligently. | |
Work in a soup kitchen, shelter, or at some other charitable agency. | |
Everday Evangelizing in the Workplace | |
Transact all business dealings honestly. | |
Offer to pray for a co-worker who has shared personal concerns. | |
Interact with co-workers who share your Christian beliefs. | |
Respect others' religious beliefs. | |
Pray before making decisions. | |
Verbalize Christ in your life. | |
Everyday Evangelizing in the Home | |
Devote a specific amount of time to your daily prayer life. | |
Share a Bible story with your children before bedtime. | |
Discuss the readings with your family after Mass. | |
Pray grace before meals. | |
Proudly display symbols of your faith. | |
Celebrate your feast days. | |
Establish family rituals based on the Church year. | |
Discuss the morality of a TV show. | |
Begin and end the day with prayer. | |
Everyday Evangelizing in the Parish | |
Introduce yourself to those around you. | |
Get involved, if only on a small scale. | |
Periodically change pews to meet others. | |
Be gracious in the parking lot. | |
Explain rituals to those unfamiliar with the Catholic faith. | |
Send a card to the newly baptized or confirmed. | |
Support parish leaders. | |
Invite a friend for coffee after Mass to discuss the readings. | |
Take time to get to know other memers of your parish community. | |
Warmly greet others at Mass whom you do not know. |